Program, storage medium, control method of information processor, and information processor

Abstract

To suppress adjustment using a sheet having such a size that adjustment cannot be performed correctly.SOLUTION: A printing system has: printing means for printing an image on a sheet; adjustment means for conveying the sheet on which the image is printed by the printing means to a read-out device, and capable of executing adjustment for printing an image on the sheet on the basis of the image read out by the read-out device; and control means for restricting the execution of the adjustment using a sheet having such a size that the adjustment cannot be executed correctly, among sheets enabling to print an image by the printing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing control apparatus and its control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a device that prints an image on a sheet, sets the sheet by a user in a reading device, and adjusts a secondary transfer voltage by reading the sheet (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Conventionally, there is also a device that prints an image on a sheet, conveys the sheet to a reading device, and adjusts a secondary transfer voltage or the like by reading the image of the sheet with the reading device. Thereby, the labor of the user required for adjustment can be saved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When performing adjustment by conveying a sheet to a reading device, it is better to perform adjustment using a sheet having the same size as the size of the sheet used for printing. Therefore, the user selects a sheet for adjustment from a plurality of sheets.

[0006] However, among such reading devices, there are some that have a limitation on the size of a sheet that can be correctly adjusted for reasons such as restrictions on the mechanical structure and reading method of the reading device for reading the sheet.

[0007] If a sheet having a size that cannot be correctly adjusted is selected, correct adjustment cannot be performed.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such problems. An object of the present invention is to suppress adjustment being performed using a sheet of a size that cannot be correctly adjusted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A printing system according to the present invention includes printing means for printing an image on a sheet, conveying means for conveying the sheet on which the image has been printed by the printing means to a reading device, and adjustment means capable of executing adjustment for printing an image on the sheet based on the image read by the reading device, and control means for restricting the execution of the adjustment using a sheet of a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed among the sheets on which the printing means can print an image.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress adjustment being performed using a sheet of a size that cannot be correctly adjusted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a printing system 100 according to Embodiment 1. This printing system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 103 and a print control apparatus 102. The printing system 100 is communicably connected to a client computer 101. The client computer 101 and the print control apparatus 102 are communicably connected via a Local Area Network (LAN) 110 using an Ethernet cable 109. The print control apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 103 are connected via an image video cable 107 and a control cable 108. In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 103 is not directly connected to the LAN 110. The image forming apparatus 103 and the client computer 101 communicate via the print control apparatus 102. Note that the image forming apparatus 103 may be connected to the LAN 110. That is, the image forming apparatus 103 may be directly communicably connected to the client computer 101. The client computer 101 activates an application and gives a print instruction or the like to the printing system 100. The print control apparatus 102 performs image processing in cooperation with the image forming apparatus 103.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 103 is a multifunction device having various functions. It not only performs image processing from the client computer 101 and the print control apparatus 102, but can also copy data read by the scanner unit 104 or transmit it to a shared folder. When scanning an image with the scanner unit 104, various instructions are received from the user via various keys on the operation panel 105. The operation panel 105 also displays various information such as the scanning status via the panel. The paper discharge unit 106 receives the paper on which the image is formed and discharges the received paper.

[0015] The printing control device 102 has its controller section (controller section 300 described later) and a display section 111, and information regarding the printing control device 102 is displayed on the display section 111. The user operates the operation button section 112 of the hardware of the printing control device 102 to operate the information displayed on the display section 111. The information displayed on the display section 111 is used for the purpose of displaying the minimum necessary information (such as power operation and confirmation of IP address) for operating the printing control device 102. Further, an external display device 113, a keyboard 114, and a pointing device 115 of the printing control device 102 are connected. In Embodiment 1, the printing system 100 is described with the printing control device 102 and the image forming device 103 as separate systems, respectively, but the processing of the printing control device 102 may be incorporated inside the image forming device 103, and the printing control device 102 may not be physically arranged. Also, a configuration in which the external display device 113 has a position input device function such as a touch pad and also serves as the function of the pointing device 115 may be adopted.

[0016] The paper feeding units 116-1 to 116-8 (collectively referred to as the paper feeding unit 116) connected to the image forming device 103 are devices for storing the paper (sheets) used for printing. When a printing instruction is received, one paper feeding stage is selected, and paper is fed from the selected paper feeding stage. Note that the number of the paper feeding units 116 increases or decreases depending on the optional configuration connected to the image forming device 103.

[0017] The reading device 117 incorporates a sensor for reading a chart printed for various adjustments such as image position (printing position) adjustment, density unevenness correction, and secondary transfer voltage adjustment. The reading device 117 transmits the read result to the controller section 300.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a mechanical cross-sectional view of the image forming device 103 (the paper feeding units 116-3 to 116-8 are omitted) according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. 2.

[0019] The printing engine 210 is provided with paper feeding units 116-1 to 116-8 (the figures of 116-3 to 116-8 are omitted). Various sheets can be stored in each paper feeding unit. The paper feeding units 116-1 to 116-8 separate only one sheet at the top of the stored sheets and convey it to the sheet conveyance path 203. The developing stations 203 to 206 form toner images using colored toners of Y, M, C, and K respectively. The formed toner images are first primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 207. Then, the intermediate transfer belt 207 rotates clockwise in FIG. 2, and the toner images are transferred to the sheets conveyed from the sheet conveyance path 202 by the secondary transfer roller 208. The fixing unit 211 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller, and the toner is melted and pressure-bonded by passing the sheet between the rollers to fix the toner image on the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 211 is conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 212 to the sheet conveyance path 215. If the sheet type is a sheet type that requires further melting and pressure-bonding for fixing, after passing through the fixing unit 211, it is conveyed through the sheet conveyance path 214 to the second fixing unit 213. The sheet subjected to additional melting and pressure-bonding by the second fixing unit 213 is conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 215. Here, when the printing mode is set to double-sided printing, it is conveyed to the sheet inversion path 216, the sheet is inverted, and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 217. Then, the second-side image transfer is performed by the secondary transfer roller 208.

[0020] The sheet conveyed from the print engine 210 is conveyed to the reading device 117. Inside the reading device 117, a first CIS (Contact Image Sensor) 221 and a second CIS 222 are arranged vertically. In this embodiment, a CIS is used, but it is not limited to a CIS as long as it is a mechanism capable of reading patches and markers on the sheet. The first CIS reads the upper surface of the sheet, and the second CIS reads the lower surface of the sheet. The reading device 117 reads the patches on the sheet using the first CIS 221 and the second CIS 222 at the timing when the sheet conveyed to the sheet conveyance path 223 reaches a predetermined position. Then, the reading device 117 feeds back the result read according to the patches and markers to the print engine 210 as image position information, density information, etc. The handling of the reading result will be described later.

[0021] In the finisher 231, finishing processes such as stapling (stapling at one or two locations), punching (punching two or three holes), and center stitching binding are performed on the conveyed sheet. The finisher 231 includes two trays 106. Sheets are discharged to each tray through sheet conveyance paths 232 and 233.

[0022] The reading device 117 is configured to be detachable from the print engine unit 210 and can be removed from or connected to the print engine unit 210.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] The controller 300 has a CPU 301. The CPU 301 expands a control program stored in the ROM 303 or the external storage device 311 into the RAM 302 and executes the expanded program. Thereby, the controller 300 comprehensively controls various devices connected to the system bus 304. Also, the CPU 301 outputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit (printer engine) 210 connected via a print interface 307, or receives an image signal input from a scanner unit 104 connected via a reading interface 312. Further, the CPU 301 controls a paper feeding unit 116 connected to the print engine 210 via the print interface 307, or acquires the state of the paper feeding unit 116. Furthermore, the CPU 301 can communicate with the printing control device 102 via the LAN controller 306 and a control cable 108. The RAM 302 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 301. External storage devices 311 such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and IC cards are controlled for access by a disk controller (DKC) 308. The hard disk stores application programs, font data, form data, etc., or temporarily spools print jobs and is used as a job storage area for controlling the spooled jobs from the outside. Additionally, it holds image data input from the scanner unit 104 or image data of print jobs as BOX data and is also used as a BOX data storage area for referring to and printing from the network. In Embodiment 1, an HDD is used as the external storage device 311 to hold various logs such as job logs and image logs. The operation panel 105 is connected to the controller 300 via an operation panel interface 305, and it is possible for the user to input various information from software keys or hardware keys. The non-volatile memory 309 stores various setting information set from a terminal via the operation panel 105 or the network 110. The video interface 314 receives image data from the printing control device 102.Further, the CPU 301 acquires patch and density information read by the reading device 117 connected via the reading device interface 315 and the communication interface 321 of the reading device 117. The reading device 117 has the CPU 322, the ROM 323, the RAM 324, and the imaging unit 325 connected to the system bus 326, and controls the reading of patches and markers and sends the read patch and density information to the print engine.

[0025] FIG. 4(A) is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the print control device 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0026] The controller 400 has a CPU 401. The CPU 401 expands a control program stored in the ROM 403 or the external storage device 409 into the RAM 402 and executes the expanded program. Thereby, the controller 400 comprehensively controls various devices connected to the system bus 404. Also, the CPU 401 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 103 via the LAN controller 406 and the control cable 108. Further, the CPU 401 can perform communication processing with the client computer 101 and the image forming apparatus 103 on the network via the LAN controller 407 and the LAN 110. The RAM 402 mainly functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 401. The external storage device 409 such as a hard disk drive (HDD), IC card, etc. is controlled for access by a disk controller (DKC) 408. The hard disk stores application programs, font data, form data, etc., or temporarily spools print jobs. It is used as a job storage area for RIP (Raster Image Processor) - processing the spooled jobs and storing them again. The operation unit interface 405 controls the interface between the operation button unit 112 where the user inputs various information, the display unit 111 that presents information to the user, and the controller 400. The video interface 410 transmits the RIP - processed image data to the image forming apparatus 103. The keyboard controller (KBC) 411 performs processing related to inputs such as information from the keyboard 114 and the pointing device 115. The display control unit 412 has a video memory inside, draws on the video memory according to an instruction from the CPU 401, and outputs the image data drawn on the video memory to the display device 113 as a video signal.

[0027] FIG. 4(B) is a block diagram for explaining the software configuration of the print control apparatus 102 according to Embodiment 1. Note that the functions of each part shown in FIG. 4(B) are achieved by the CPU 401 executing the program expanded into the RAM 402.

[0028] The system software 451 that controls the printing control device 102 includes a UI control unit 452, a paper management unit 453, a paper feed stage management unit 454, a network control unit 455, a job management unit 456, and a setting management unit 457. The UI control unit 452 controls the screens displayed on the printing system. The UI control unit 452 can be controlled to switch the text displayed on the screen and the display of the display unit system of the paper size according to the system settings. The paper management unit 453 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 and manages the acquired paper information in the paper setting management table 800 of FIG. 8.

[0029] The network control unit 455 controls the communication between the image forming apparatus 103 via the LAN controller 406 and the client computer 101 on the network 110 via the LAN controller 407. The job management unit 456 manages the printing process sequence and the order of jobs. The job management unit 456 manages the jobs received by the printing control device 102 and controls the data transfer for printing the received jobs to the image forming apparatus 103 via the LAN controller 406 or the video interface 410. The setting management unit 457 manages the system settings related to the paper management system. The system settings include, for example, the language setting of the text displayed on the screen of the paper management system and the setting of the display unit system (millimeter or inch) of the paper size.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the top screen 500 of the paper management application executed by the printing control device 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] The top screen 500 shows an example of a screen in a state where the information on the paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 103 connected to the printing control device 102 is displayed. The top screen 500 is drawn in its video memory according to an instruction from the CPU 401, and the image data drawn in the video memory is output as a video signal to the display device 113 and displayed.

[0032] When the paper management application is launched, it acquires the device configuration information of the image forming apparatus 103 and displays the correct image according to this option information. FIG. 5 shows a state in which eight paper feed trays are connected. 510 to 517 are paper feed tray buttons corresponding to each paper feed tray. The paper feed unit open buttons 520 to 527 are buttons for instructing to open the corresponding paper feed tray. That is, when the paper feed unit open button is pressed while the paper feed tray is closed, the paper feed tray is opened. The paper management application creates and displays these paper feed tray buttons based on the information on the paper feed trays of the image forming apparatus 103 acquired at startup. The paper feed tray buttons have an area for displaying information such as the paper name and the remaining paper amount set on the paper feed tray. When the state of the paper feed tray is changed in the image forming apparatus 103 and the controller 400 receives a paper feed tray state change event from the image forming apparatus 103, the controller 400 acquires the paper feed tray information again. Then, the controller 400 redraws the display area of the paper feed tray buttons according to the acquired paper feed tray information again.

[0033] The paper list button 501 is a button for giving an instruction to display the paper list screen 530. In the first embodiment, when the paper list button 501 is pressed, the controller 400 displays the paper list screen 530 in the frontmost position.

[0034] The setting button 502 is a button for giving an instruction to display a screen for changing the system settings of the paper management application. When the setting button 502 is pressed, the controller 400 displays the current system settings according to the system settings stored in the external storage device 409.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of creating a top screen 500 when a paper management application is launched in the print control device 102 according to Embodiment 1. Note that although the paper management application according to Embodiment 1 is assumed to operate on the print control device 102, it is not limited thereto, and for example, it can also operate similarly on the client computer 101. Here, an example executed by the print control device 102 will be described. Note that the process shown in this flowchart is achieved by the CPU 401 executing the program expanded in the aforementioned RAM 402.

[0036] This process starts when the print control device 102 is activated. First, in S601, the CPU 401 determines the model of the connected image forming device 103 that is the target of paper management. Here, the CPU 401 determines the model of the image forming device 103 and uses this determination result when creating the device configuration screen of the top screen 500 and when absorbing specification differences for each model. At this time, the CPU 401 communicates with the image forming device 103 and acquires model information from the information returned from the image forming device 103 in S707 of FIG. 7 described later. Further, the CPU 401 determines the model of the image forming device 103 based on the model determination information held in advance. In this way, when the model of the connected image forming device 103 is determined, the process proceeds to S602. In S602, the CPU 401 communicates with the image forming device 103 and acquires information on the device configuration of the image forming device 103 from the information returned in S709 of FIG. 7. Then, the device configuration connected to the image forming device 103 is determined. Further, the CPU 401 uses this determination result when creating the device configuration screen of the top screen 500, when specifying the information on the paper feed stage, and when absorbing specification differences for each model.

[0037] Next, proceeding to S603, the CPU 401 acquires the paper feed stage information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the image forming apparatus 103. This paper feed stage information shall include the configuration of paper feed stages such as paper feed stages, manual feed trays, and long paper trays, and the information of the paper set on each paper feed stage. Further, the CPU 401 determines the paper feed stage connected to the image forming apparatus 103 subject to paper management and identifies the number of connected paper feed stages. Then, proceeding to S604, the CPU 401 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103. From the information returned in S711 of FIG. 7, the CPU 401 acquires information on whether the corresponding paper feed stage can be automatically pulled out by the paper information set on each paper feed stage and the pressing of the paper feed stage open buttons 520 to 527. Then, proceeding to S605, the CPU 401 creates the information of the paper feed stage buttons 510 to 517 to be displayed on the top screen 500. When creating the button information, in the case of a paper feed stage where the paper feed stage can be automatically pulled out by pressing the paper feed stage open button, the paper feed stage open buttons 520 to 527 are created and displayed on the paper feed stage buttons 510 to 517.

[0038] Next, it proceeds to S606, and the CPU 401 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 to acquire the paper list information returned from the image forming apparatus 103 at S713 in FIG. 7. Next, it proceeds to S607, and the CPU 401 creates the information of the paper list screen 530 to be displayed on the top screen 500. Each piece of paper information on this paper list screen 530 also includes the information on whether paper can be set for each paper feed stage of the image forming apparatus 103. Next, it proceeds to S608, and the CPU 401 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 to acquire the adjustment values of each adjustment from the information returned at S715 in FIG. 7 for use in displaying the adjustment value information on the paper list screen 530. Then, it proceeds to S609, and the CPU 401 creates the character string to be displayed in the paper information based on the adjustment values acquired at S608. Here, when the adjustment value has been changed from the default value, "No adjustment" is displayed, and when the adjustment value has been changed from the default value, "Adjustment made" is displayed. Then, it proceeds to S610, and the CPU 401 creates the top screen 500 based on the model and device configuration information of the image forming apparatus 103 acquired at S601 and S602, the paper feed stage button information created at S605, the paper list information created at S607, and the adjustment value information created at S609. Next, it proceeds to S611, and the CPU 401 registers, in the printing control apparatus 102, the destination for sending the change notification event process to be notified when the paper feed stage information and paper information of the image forming apparatus 103 are changed, with respect to the image forming apparatus 103. When the registration is successful in this way, the waiting process for the change notification event is performed. When the waiting process for the change notification event is executed, the startup process ends.

[0039] Note that the processing in FIG. 6 has been described as the operation when the paper management application is started. However, the paper feed stage information, paper list information, adjustment values, etc. of the image forming apparatus 103 may be changed at any time during the use of the paper management application. Therefore, the communication between the paper management application and the image forming apparatus 103, and the update of each associated piece of information are also executed as necessary regardless of whether the operation is performed by the paper management application or the image forming apparatus 103. And it is assumed that the information is synchronized between the paper management application and the image forming apparatus 103.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the initialization process of the image forming apparatus 103 according to Embodiment 1. The processes shown in this flowchart are achieved by the CPU 301 executing the program expanded in the aforementioned RAM 302.

[0041] First, in S701, the CPU 301 acquires the model information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the external storage device 311 and creates it as data that can be returned. Then, the process proceeds to S702, where the CPU 301 acquires the device configuration information connected to the image forming apparatus 103 from the external storage device 311 and creates it as data that can be returned. Next, the process proceeds to S703, where the CPU 301 acquires the paper feed stage information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the external storage device 311 and creates it as data that can be returned. Next, the process proceeds to S704, where the CPU 301 acquires the paper list information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the external storage device 311 and creates it as data that can be returned. Next, the process proceeds to S705, where the CPU 301 acquires the adjustment value information of the image forming apparatus 103 from the external storage device 311 and creates it as data that can be returned. This acquisition of the adjustment value information is performed for all items that can be adjusted in the image forming apparatus 103.

[0042] Next, the process proceeds to S706, where the CPU 301 determines whether it has received an inquiry about the model information from the print control device 102. If it has received the inquiry about the model information in S601 of FIG. 6, the process proceeds to S707, where the CPU 301 returns the model information created in S701 to the print control device 102 and then proceeds to S708. Note that the process also transitions to S708 when no inquiry about the model information is received in S706.

[0043] In S708, the CPU 301 determines whether it has received an inquiry about the device configuration information from the print control device 102. If it has received the inquiry about the device configuration information in S602 of FIG. 6, the process proceeds to S709. In S709, the CPU 301 returns the device configuration information created in S702 to the print control device 102 and then proceeds to S710. On the other hand, the process also proceeds to S710 when no inquiry about the device configuration information is received in S708.

[0044] In S710, the CPU 301 determines whether it has received an inquiry about the paper feed stage information from the printing control device 102. If it has received the inquiry about the paper feed stage information according to S603 and S604 in FIG. 6, it proceeds to S711, returns the paper feed stage information created in S703 to the printing control device 102, and then transitions to S712. Incidentally, even if it has not received the inquiry about the paper feed stage information in S710, it also proceeds to S712.

[0045] In S712, the CPU 301 determines whether it has received an inquiry about the paper list information from the printing control device 102. If it has received the inquiry about the paper list information according to S606 in FIG. 6, it proceeds to S713. In S713, the CPU 301 returns the paper list information created in S704 to the printing control device 102 and then proceeds to S714. Also, even if it has not received the inquiry about the paper list information in S712, it also proceeds to S714.

[0046] In S714, the CPU 301 determines whether it has received an inquiry about the adjustment value information from the printing control device 102. If it has received the inquiry about the adjustment value information according to S608 in FIG. 6, it proceeds to S715, returns the adjustment value information to the printing control device 102, and then proceeds to S716. Also, even if it has not received the inquiry about the paper feed stage information in S714, it also proceeds to S716. In S716, the CPU 301 determines whether it has received a request to register the destination information when sending an event when the state of the image forming device 103 is changed from the printing control device 102. If so, it proceeds to S717, and the CPU 301 adds the printing control device 102 to the event destination and then transitions to S718. On the other hand, even if it has not received the request to register the event destination in S716, it also transitions to S718. In S718, if all the processes of S706, S708, S710, S712, S714, and S716 have been successful, the CPU 301 ends the initialization process and ends this process. On the other hand, if not all have been successful, it transitions to S706.

[0047] Incidentally, the paper feed stage 116 in Embodiment 1 is an example of a paper feed stage, and it may be a paper feed stage of other mechanisms such as an inserter or a manual feed tray, and its form is not limited.

[0048] Return to FIG. 5. Now, for example, if the paper feed stage button 510 of the paper feed stage 1 is indicated by the pointing device 115 or the like, the paper setting screen of the paper feed stage 1 is displayed, and it becomes possible to set the paper for the paper feed stage 1 and change the set values of the set paper. The same applies to the paper feed stage buttons 511 to 517, so the description thereof will be omitted. Also, although not described in detail in the embodiment, it goes without saying that the paper feed stage includes all paper feed stages such as an inserter and a manual feed tray. Further, in the following description, the description of using the pointing device 115 or the like during an operation of the application such as when a button is pressed will be omitted, but it goes without saying that the operation is performed using such an input device.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting management table 800 stored in the print control device 102 according to Embodiment 1.

[0050] In this paper setting management table 800, corresponding to the paper ID 801 for specifying the paper, the name 802 of the paper, the basis weight 803, the size 804, size information such as the width 805 and the height 806, the surface property 807, and the set values 808 - 811 of a plurality of adjustment items are registered. Examples of the set values of the adjustment items include paper conveyance in the first fixing unit, paper conveyance in the second fixing unit, transfer voltage, secondary transfer voltage 808, image position adjustment 809, 810, and adjustment completed flag 811. The secondary transfer voltage 808 indicates the voltage applied to the secondary transfer roller 208, and the value may be different for the front side and the back side. The adjustment completed flag 811 indicates whether the adjustment of the paper has been executed. When the adjustment is completed, 1 is entered, and when the adjustment is not completed, 0 is entered.

[0051] The paper management unit 453 can edit, add, delete, and search for paper information in the paper setting management table 800. The paper setting management table 800 is a management table for managing paper information for each paper ID, and is stored in the external storage device 409 which is a non-volatile area. Although it is assumed to be stored in the external storage device 409, it may be stored on the external storage device 310 side of the image forming apparatus 103, and the print control device 102 may acquire the paper setting management table 800 from the image forming apparatus 103 and store it in the RAM 402 during program execution. The paper feed stage management unit 454 communicates with the image forming apparatus 103 and manages the acquired paper feed stage information.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a paper feed stage screen that is displayed when the paper feed stage buttons 510 to 517 on the top screen 500 are pressed in Embodiment 1.

[0053] The paper feed stage screen 900 is drawn in its video memory according to an instruction from the CPU 401, and the image data drawn in the video memory is output as a video signal to the display device 111 for display. The paper feed stage screen 900 includes a paper list display area 901, paper information display areas 902, buttons 903 for displaying a setting screen for other paper information other than 902, an OK button 904, and a cancel button 905. Furthermore, it includes a pull-down menu 906 for selecting a display method of the paper list and a paper search input area 907.

[0054] The paper list display area 901 is an area for displaying a paper list. Here, the paper types are shown in the column direction, and paper information such as paper attributes is shown in the row direction. The currently selected paper is shown in reverse display so that it can be recognized as being selected. When the paper feed stage screen 900 is displayed, the paper set for the paper feed stage is in a selected state on the paper list display area 901. When a paper is selected from the paper list display area 901, the information of the selected paper is displayed in the paper information display area 902. Here, when another paper is selected in the paper list display area 901 and the OK button 904 is pressed, the controller 400 performs paper settings for the image forming apparatus 103. Also, when another paper is selected in the paper list display area 901 and the cancel button 905 is pressed, the controller 400 closes the paper setting screen 900 without performing paper settings for the image forming apparatus 103.

[0055] Next, each item in the paper information display area 902 will be described. For the convenience of the user, in Embodiment 1, as an example, only the paper information frequently used by the user is displayed. Specifically, it includes the paper name and various adjustment items (image position adjustment, secondary transfer voltage adjustment, curl correction amount, glossiness / black density adjustment, rear-end blanking correction, intermediate binding setting, air volume adjustment of the paper fan). In the paper information display area 902, it shows whether the currently selected paper name and various adjustment values have been changed from the initial values of the image forming apparatus 103. If not changed, it is displayed as "No adjustment", and if changed, it is displayed as "Adjustment made". For items adjustable from the print control device 102, adjustment buttons are displayed so that the corresponding adjustment screen can be displayed. Note that the button is an example of an object. Instead of the button, a checkbox or the like may be used. The secondary transfer voltage adjustment described later can display the adjustment screen by pressing the secondary transfer adjustment button 908 in the paper information display area 902. Also, the image position adjustment described later can display the adjustment screen by pressing the image position adjustment button 909 in the paper information display area 902.

[0056] The detailed adjustment button 903 is pressed when checking or changing the settings of information not displayed in the paper information display area 802.

[0057] The pull-down menu 906 for selecting the display method of the paper list shows options for filtering and displaying the papers shown in the paper list display area 901.

[0058] The paper search input area 907 is an area where the operator enters keywords for searching for a desired paper from the papers in the paper list display area 901. The search input area 907 enables incremental search, and a search is automatically performed each time a character is entered.

[0059] Next, the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage according to this embodiment will be described. Depending on the type of sheet used by the user, if the moisture content and resistance value of the paper are significantly different from those of standard paper, optimal transfer may not be achievable with the default secondary transfer voltage for the sheet. To explain in more detail, the secondary transfer voltage first needs to apply a secondary transfer voltage necessary for transferring the toner on the intermediate transfer body. Then, it is set to a voltage at which abnormal discharge does not occur even when the secondary transfer voltage is further increased. Depending on the state of the user's paper, in the default setting, the resistance is high and the voltage required for transferring the toner is insufficient, so there are times when the secondary transfer voltage has to be increased. Also, when the moisture content of the paper has decreased and discharge is likely to occur, there may be paper for which the secondary transfer voltage has to be decreased because image defects due to abnormal discharge occur in the default setting. Therefore, it is necessary to select the optimal secondary transfer voltage by changing and outputting the secondary transfer voltage. In this embodiment, charts as shown in FIGS. 10(A) and (B) are read by the reading device 117, and the automatic adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage is performed by adjusting the voltage so that the transfer efficiency falls within the specified range. The charts in FIGS. 10(A) and (B) are printed with the blue solid 1001 and the black solid 1002 while changing the secondary transfer voltage applied to the secondary transfer roller 208 when the print engine 210 prints by executing the automatic adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage described later. FIG. 10(A) is a chart (referred to here as a coarse adjustment chart) printed while changing the secondary transfer voltage evenly across the entire adjustable range of the secondary transfer voltage (here, from 1750V to 3250V in steps of 150V). The coarse adjustment chart is used to roughly adjust the secondary transfer voltage and is used, for example, before using paper that has not been adjusted yet. FIG. 10(B) is a chart (referred to here as a fine adjustment chart) printed with the blue solid 1003 and the black solid 1004 while changing the secondary transfer voltage in fine steps in the vicinity of a certain secondary transfer voltage (here, from 2500V to 3000V in steps of 50V). The fine adjustment chart is used when finely adjusting the secondary transfer voltage after adjustment with the coarse adjustment chart, or when readjusting even for adjusted paper due to the passage of time, etc.The reading device 117 reads these charts by the imaging unit 325 according to the instructions of the CPU 322, saves the read results in the RAM 324, and notifies the CPU 301 via the communication interface 321 and the reading device interface 315. The CPU 301 saves the reading results in the RAM 302 and determines whether both the blue density and the black density are within the specified range. FIG. 11 illustrates the reading results. Here, an example is shown where the transfer efficiency of the blue density is 90% or more and the black rank is 8 or more is regarded as OK. In this figure, those that satisfy both conditions are printed at the secondary transfer voltage of 2650V to 2800V. The CPU 301 stores the lowest voltage among them as the adjustment value in the external storage device 311 as the secondary transfer voltage of the corresponding paper. In this embodiment, the lowest voltage among those that satisfy the conditions is stored, but for example, the one with the best conditions may be adopted. Also, for the secondary transfer voltage, only the front side is stored in the case of single-sided printing, and the front side and the back side are stored in the case of double-sided printing. In the case of double-sided printing, in order not to affect the reading, the blue density and the black density are printed in a positional relationship where they do not overlap between the front and the back.

[0060] FIGS. 10(C) and (D) are examples of charts when manually adjusting the secondary transfer voltage described later. These charts differ in that the adjustment values are printed at 1011 and 1012 so that the user can easily determine the adjustment values. Note that these adjustment values are shown as voltage step displays. Also, in order for the user to easily check the printing condition of the patch, the patch area is printed wider than the automatic adjustment charts in FIGS. 10(A) and (B). Furthermore, the manually adjustable chart has a wider printable range of the patch than the automatic adjustment chart. This is due to the mechanical structure and reading method limitations of the reading device 117 for reading the automatic adjustment chart.

[0061] In this embodiment, while transporting the printed chart, it is read by the imaging unit 325 of the reading device 117. In order to perform accurate reading, it is necessary to apply a certain tension to the paper, and in order to achieve this, a certain width of interval is required above and below the paper. Therefore, the automatic adjustment chart cannot print patches over the entire printable area of the paper, and the printable area of the patches is smaller than that of the manual adjustment chart.

[0062] Figs. 12(A) to (D) are examples of screens for secondary transfer voltage adjustment in the paper management application.

[0063] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the execution flow of the automatic adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage. The flowchart of the controller 400 in Fig. 13 is performed by the CPU 401 reading out a program (such as a program for the paper management application) stored in the ROM 403 and executing it in the RAM 402. Also, the flowchart of the controller 300 is performed by the CPU 301 reading out a program stored in the ROM 303 and executing it in the RAM 302. Further, the processing involving communication between the controller 400 and the controller 300 is assumed to be performed by the CPU 401 and the CPU 301 via the LAN controller 306, the control cable 108, and the LAN controller 406. This flowchart starts when Fig. 12(A) is displayed.

[0064] The automatic adjustment screen has a chart selection area 1201 for selecting whether to adjust using the coarse adjustment chart or the fine adjustment chart, and a print surface selection area 1202 for selecting whether to adjust only the front surface or both surfaces. There is an execution button 1203 for automatically adjusting the secondary transfer voltage, and a cancel button 1204 for canceling the adjustment and returning to the paper feed stage screen 900. In S1301, the CPU 401 determines whether the execution button 1203 has been pressed. If the execution button 1203 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1302.

[0065] In S1302, the CPU 401 stores the current adjustment value of the secondary transfer voltage in the RAM 402.

[0066] In S1303, the CPU 401 gives an automatic adjustment execution instruction to the controller 300 together with the setting selected by 1201 and 1202.

[0067] The CPU 301 that has received the automatic adjustment execution instruction in S1351 executes the automatic adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage in S1352. The result of the automatic adjustment is saved in the external storage device 409.

[0068] In S1353, the CPU 301 notifies the paper management application of the completion of the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage.

[0069] In S1304, the CPU 401 that has received the completion notification of the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage requests the adjusted value in S1305.

[0070] The CPU 301 that has received the request for the adjusted value in S1354 notifies the CPU 401 of the adjusted value after the completion of the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage in S1355.

[0071] The CPU 401 that has received the adjusted value after the completion of the adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage in S1306 displays the execution result of the secondary transfer voltage shown in FIG. 12(B) in S1307. The display area 1211 is the display area for the values before and after the adjustment, and here it shows that the front side has been adjusted from 0 to +2 and the back side has been adjusted from 0 to +1.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the execution flow of manual adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage. The flowchart of the controller 400 in FIG. 13 is performed by the CPU 401 reading out a program (such as a paper management application program) stored in the ROM 403 and executing it in the RAM 402. Also, the processing involving communication between the controller 400 and the controller 300 is assumed to be performed by the CPU 401 and the CPU 301 via the LAN controller 306, the control cable 108, and the LAN controller 406. This flowchart starts when the manual adjustment screen of the secondary transfer voltage shown in FIG. 12(C) is displayed. The manual adjustment screen of the secondary transfer voltage shown in FIG. 12(C) includes an output button 1221 for the manual adjustment chart, an adjustment value input area 1222 for inputting the adjustment value, an OK button 1223, and a cancel button 1223. In the adjustment value input area 1222, any adjustment value input by the user is displayed. When the output button 1221 for the manual adjustment chart is pressed, a setting screen for the manual chart as shown in FIG. 12(D) is displayed. In the setting screen for the manual chart, there is a chart selection area 1231 for selecting whether to adjust with the coarse adjustment chart or the fine adjustment chart, similar to the automatic adjustment, and a print surface selection area 1232 for selecting whether to adjust only the front side or both sides. The area 1233 is a paper feed position selection area for the chart. Here, since an example of selecting paper from the paper feed stage buttons 510 to 517 is shown, the selected paper feed stage is displayed. The print button 1234 is a button for giving an instruction to print the manual chart to the controller 300. The cancel button 1235 is a button for closing the screen in FIG. (D) and returning to the screen in FIG. (C).

[0073] In S1401, the CPU 401 determines whether the print button 1234 has been pressed. If it is determined that it has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1402. If it has not been pressed, that is, in the case of fine adjustment without chart output, etc., the CPU 401 proceeds to S1403 with the process.

[0074] In S1402, the CPU 401 instructs the controller 300 to output a manual chart. Here, as chart settings, information on 1231, 1232, and 1233 is also notified. In S1451, the CPU 301 of the controller 300 determines whether it has received an instruction to output a manual chart. If it is determined that the instruction to output a manual chart has been received, in S1452, the CPU 301 outputs a manual chart.

[0075] If it is determined in S1451 that the instruction to output a manual chart has not been received, the CPU 301 proceeds to S1453 without performing the process of S1452.

[0076] S1451 to S1453 mean that even if an instruction to output a manual chart is not received, manual adjustment is accepted. The explanation of S1403 on the paper management application side will be moved to.

[0077] In S1403, it is determined whether there is an instruction to execute manual adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage. That is, it is determined whether the OK button 1223 in FIG. 12(C) has been pressed. If the OK button 1223 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1404, and if it has not been pressed and the cancel button 1223 has been pressed, the process ends. In S1404, the value in the adjustment value input area 1222 is notified to the controller 300. The controller 300 receives it in S1453, and the CPU 301 stores the received value in the external storage device 311.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an execution flow of secondary transfer voltage adjustment, which is a feature of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 15 is performed by the CPU 401 reading a program (such as a program of a paper management application) stored in the ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and executing it. This flow starts when the adjustment button 908 for secondary transfer voltage adjustment is pressed on the paper stage screen in FIG. 9.

[0079] When the adjustment button 908 is pressed, in S1501, the CPU 401 acquires the selected paper information. Here, the paper information refers to the type and size of the paper. In the subsequent S1502, it is determined whether the selected paper can be automatically adjusted.

[0080] Here, the adjustable paper information in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a secondary transfer adjustment possible paper table included in the printing control device 102 according to this embodiment. It shows whether printing is possible or not for the type and size of the paper respectively. Regarding the type of paper, for example, for fine paper and coated paper, adjustment is possible, but since the film is a transparent paper, adjustment is not possible. Regarding the size of the paper, for example, for A5, A4R, and postcards, since the height of the paper size is small, manual adjustment is possible but automatic adjustment is not possible. A5R is not possible for either automatic or manual adjustment. For A4 and A3, both types of adjustment are possible. The relationship between the paper and the adjustability described here is an example, and it goes without saying that the specifications will change depending on the mechanical structure and reading method of the reading device 117. Also, the specifications may change depending on the patches and layout configuration of the adjustment chart.

[0081] In S1502, referring to the adjustable table, it is determined whether the selected paper is an automatically adjustable paper based on the type and size of the selected paper. If it is determined that it is automatically adjustable, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1504. If it is determined that it is not automatically adjustable, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1503. In S1504, the CPU 401 causes the display device 113 to display FIG. 12(A), which is the automatic adjustment screen. Then, it proceeds to S1505, executes the automatic adjustment flow described in FIG. 13, and ends. In S1503, the CPU 401 refers to the adjustable table and determines whether the selected paper is a manually adjustable paper. If it is determined that it is a manually adjustable paper, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1506. In S1506, the CPU 401 causes the display device 113 to display FIG. 12(C), which is the manual adjustment screen. Then, it proceeds to S1507, and the CPU 401 executes the manual adjustment flow described in FIG. 14 and ends. If it is determined in S1503 that manual adjustment is also impossible, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1508, causes the display device 113 to display a screen for notifying that adjustment is impossible (not shown), and ends.

[0082] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, when the adjustment button is pressed, if it is automatically adjustable based on the paper type and size information, the automatic adjustment execution screen is displayed, and if not, the manual adjustment execution screen is displayed. In this way, when the adjustment button is pressed, if it is automatically adjustable based on the paper type and size information, automatic adjustment is permitted, and if it is not automatically adjustable, automatic adjustment is prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of adjustment using a paper of a size for which correct adjustment cannot be performed.

[0083] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1, a procedure of using one adjustment button to display the automatic adjustment screen when it is automatically adjustable and the manual adjustment screen when it is not was presented. In Embodiment 2, the case where there are separate adjustment buttons for automatic adjustment and manual adjustment will be described.

[0084] FIG. 17 shows an example of the paper feed stage screen 1700 according to the present embodiment. Since the configuration of this screen is the same as that of the paper feed stage screen 900 in Embodiment 1, the description of the common part is omitted. As a difference, there are two adjustment buttons for executing the secondary transfer voltage adjustment. They are the automatic adjustment button 1701 and the manual adjustment button 1702.

[0085] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the execution flow of the secondary transfer voltage adjustment, which is a feature of the present embodiment. The flowchart of the controller 400 in FIG. 18 is performed by the CPU 401 reading out a program (such as a paper management application program) stored in the ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and executing it. This flow starts when either the automatic adjustment button 1701 or the manual adjustment button 1702 for the secondary transfer voltage adjustment is pressed on the paper talk screen in FIG. 17. Note that the description of the common part with the flowchart in FIG. 15 according to Embodiment 1 is omitted.

[0086] S1801 is common to S1501. In S1802, the CPU 401 determines whether the pressed adjustment button is the automatic adjustment button 1701 or the manual adjustment button 1702. If the automatic adjustment button 1701 is pressed, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1803. S1803 is common to S1502. When it is determined in S1803 that automatic adjustment is possible, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1804. S1804 and the subsequent S1805 are common to S1504 and S1505 respectively, and end after executing and completing the automatic adjustment. If automatic adjustment is not possible in S1803, it proceeds to S1806. S1806 is common to S1503 and determines whether manual adjustment is possible. If it is determined that manual adjustment is possible, it proceeds to S1807. In S1807, a screen (not shown) for notifying that automatic adjustment is not possible but manual adjustment is possible is displayed and the process ends. If it is determined in S1806 that manual adjustment is also not possible, it proceeds to S1808. S1808 is common to S1508 and displays a screen for notifying that adjustment is not possible and ends.

[0087] In S1802, when the manual adjustment button 1702 is pressed, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1809. S1809 is common to S1503 and S1803 and determines whether manual adjustment is possible. If it is determined in S1809 that manual adjustment is possible, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1810. S1810 and the subsequent S1811 are common to S1506 and S1507 respectively, and end after executing and completing the manual adjustment. If manual adjustment is not possible in S1809, the process proceeds to the aforementioned S1808.

[0088] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, when there are separate adjustment buttons for automatic adjustment and manual adjustment respectively, it is determined from the paper type and size information whether the pressed adjustment is executable, and if it cannot be adjusted, a notification to that effect is given. Thereby, it is possible to limit the occurrence of adjustments being made using paper of a size for which correct adjustment cannot be performed.

[0089] Also, when manual adjustment is possible even for a size for which automatic adjustment is not possible, by giving a notification to that effect, it is possible to prompt the user to perform manual adjustment.

[0090] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiments 1 and 2, it has been described as a flow of displaying a screen that determines whether adjustment is possible after pressing the adjustment button and gives a notification if adjustment is not possible. However, the following method may also be adopted. Instead of after pressing the adjustment button, when displaying the paper feed stage screen 900 where the adjustment button exists, the same determination of adjustability is made. On the other hand, if adjustment is not possible, the button is grayed out or erased, etc., so that the user cannot press the adjustment button. Thereby, the same effect can be obtained.

[0091] <Embodiment 4> In Embodiments 1 to 3, the description was made on the premise that a paper is selected in the paper list selection area 901 on the paper feed stage screen 900. In Embodiment 4, the case where the paper to be adjusted is not selected when the adjustment execution button is pressed will be described.

[0092] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the paper to be adjusted from the paper list selection area 901 after pressing the adjustment button to be executed.

[0093] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an execution flow of updated display of the paper list when the adjustment button is pressed, which is a feature of this embodiment. The flowchart of the controller 400 in FIG. 18 is performed by the CPU 401 reading out a program (such as a paper management application program) stored in the ROM 403 into the RAM 402 and executing it. This flow starts when any of the adjustment buttons 908, 1701, or 1702 is pressed in a state where no paper is selected in FIG. 9 or FIG. 17.

[0094] In S1901, the CPU 401 acquires all paper information existing in the paper list 901.

[0095] Proceed to S1902 and select the first paper in the list.

[0096] In S1903, the CPU 401 determines whether the adjustment for the selected paper can be performed. For example, if the adjustment button 908 or the automatic adjustment button 1701 is pressed, it is determined whether automatic adjustment is possible with reference to FIG. 16 by the above-described means. Also, when it is determined that automatic adjustment is not possible after pressing the adjustment button 908, or if the manual adjustment button 1702 is pressed, it is similarly determined whether manual adjustment is possible. If it is determined in S1903 that adjustment is possible, proceed to S1905. If it is determined that adjustment is not possible, proceed to S1904, and the CPU 401 sets the selected paper as a non-display target. In S1905, it is determined whether all papers have been selected. If there are still unselected papers, proceed to S1906, select the next paper in the paper list, and return to S1903. When the selection process for all papers is completed in S1905, proceed to S1907. In S1907, only the paper information excluding the papers set as non-display targets in S1904 is displayed in the paper list, and the process ends.

[0097] After displaying the paper list, it may shift to the pressed adjustment screen, or may shift to the adjustment execution flow by pressing the adjustment button again while the user has selected the paper again.

[0098] As described above, according to Embodiment 4, when the adjustment button is pressed with no paper selected, only the adjustable papers are displayed in the paper list. Thereby, it is possible to surely cause the user to select and execute the adjustable papers.

[0099] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 102 Printing control device 103 Image forming device 113 Display device 301 CPU 401 CPU

Claims

1. Printing means for printing an image on a sheet, Adjusting means capable of transporting the sheet on which the image has been printed by the printing means to a reading device and performing an adjustment for printing an image on the sheet based on the image read by the reading device, A printing system, comprising control means for restricting the execution of the adjustment using a sheet of a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed among the sheets on which an image can be printed by the printing means.

2. Selection means for selecting a sheet, Further comprising determination means for determining whether the size of the sheet selected by the selection means is a size for which correct adjustment cannot be made, The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control means restricts the execution of the adjustment when the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected by the selection means is a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed.

3. Further comprising reception means for receiving an adjustment value input by a user, The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjusting means is capable of performing a second adjustment for printing an image on the sheet based on the sheet on which the image has been printed by the printing means and based on the adjustment value received by the reception means from the adjustment value input by the user.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein even if the size of the sheet selected by the selection means is a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed, the second adjustment for printing an image on the sheet selected by the selection means can be performed.

5. Further comprising display means for displaying an object for instructing an adjustment, When the object displayed by the display means is selected and the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected by the selection means is a size for which correct adjustment can be made, the display means displays a screen for the adjustment, The printing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the object displayed by the display means is selected and the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected by the selection means is not a size for which correct adjustment can be made, the display means displays a screen for the second adjustment.

6. further comprising first display means for displaying a first object for performing the adjustment and second display means for displaying a second object for performing the second adjustment; when the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected by the second selection means is a size that cannot correctly perform the adjustment, prohibiting the selection of the first object and permitting the selection of the second object, the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. when the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected by the second selection means is a size that cannot correctly perform the adjustment, the second display means displays the second object without displaying the first object, the printing system according to claim 6.

8. the adjustment is an adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage, the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the adjustment is an adjustment of the printing position, the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. a printing step of printing an image on a sheet; a conveying step of conveying the sheet on which the image is printed in the printing step to a reading device and executing an adjustment for printing an image on the sheet based on the image read by the reading device; a control method for a printing system, comprising a control step of restricting the execution of the adjustment using a sheet having a size that cannot correctly perform the adjustment among the sheets on which an image can be printed in the printing step.

11. a selection step of selecting a sheet; further comprising a determination step of determining whether the size of the sheet selected in the selection step is a size that cannot correctly perform the adjustment; in the control step, when the determination means determines that the size of the sheet selected in the selection step is a size that cannot correctly perform the adjustment, restricting the execution of the adjustment, the control method for a printing system according to claim 10.

12. further comprising a reception step of receiving an adjustment value input by a user; In the adjustment step, based on the sheet on which the image has been printed in the printing step, a second adjustment for printing an image on the sheet can be executed based on the adjustment value received by the reception means from the user. The control method of the printing system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that.

13. Even if the size of the sheet selected in the selection step is a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed, the second adjustment for printing an image on the sheet selected by the selection means can be executed. The control method of the printing system according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. Further having a display step of displaying an object for instructing adjustment, When the object displayed in the display step is selected and in the determination step, it is determined that the size of the sheet selected in the selection step is a size for which adjustment can be correctly performed, a screen for the adjustment is displayed. When the object displayed in the display step is selected and in the determination step, it is determined that the size of the sheet selected in the selection step is not a size for which adjustment can be correctly performed, a screen for the second adjustment is displayed. The control method of the printing system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that.

15. Further having a second display step of displaying a first object for performing the adjustment and a second object for performing the second adjustment, When it is determined in the determination step that the size of the sheet selected in the second selection step is a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed, selection of the first object is prohibited and selection of the second object is permitted. The control method of the printing system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that.

16. When it is determined in the determination step that the size of the sheet selected in the second selection step is a size for which the adjustment cannot be correctly executed, in the second display step, the first object is not displayed and the second object is displayed. The control method of the printing system according to claim 15, characterized in that.

17. The adjustment is an adjustment of the secondary transfer voltage. The control method of the printing system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that.

18. The control method of the printing system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the adjustment is an adjustment of a printing position.

19. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

Images