Image forming device, image forming device control method, and program

Abstract

To achieve a printing quality designated in a printing job when alternative printing is executed.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises receiving means that receives a printing job, and control means that when a paper type designated in the received printing job is different from a paper type of a paper loaded thereon, makes printing means execute printing using the paper loaded thereon. When the paper type of the paper loaded thereon is different from a specific paper type that can correspond to a printing quality designated in the received printing job, the control means performs image processing for improving a printing quality corresponding to the paper loaded thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control technique for an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are a wide variety of types and sizes of recording media, such as paper, used for printing in image forming devices. A user specifies the paper type and size in a print job and causes the image forming device to execute printing. At that time, the user may also specify dedicated image processing to improve the print quality.

[0003] Incidentally, some image forming devices have an alternative printing function that continues printing on the paper loaded in the image forming device even when the paper type specified in the paper settings of the print job differs from the paper type loaded in the image forming device.Regarding image forming devices with such an alternative printing function, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that continues printing at the user's instruction even when printing according to the print job is impossible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-100013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, for example, even if a print job specifies special paper to achieve high-quality printing, if the user instructs it, printing will continue on a type of paper that cannot achieve high quality. As a result, the print quality desired by the user cannot be obtained. This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving means for receiving a print job, and a control means for causing a printing means to print using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper, and is characterized in that the control means performs image processing to improve the print quality associated with the loaded paper when the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type compatible with the print quality specified in the received print job. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to achieve the print quality specified in the print job when substitute printing is performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a substitute printing process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between print quality settings and paper types. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen for instructing execution of alternative printing. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a process for generating second print data. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of a process for generating second print data. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a substitute printing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the technology of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the technology of the present disclosure according to the claims. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as solutions for the technology of the present disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Each process (step) in the flowchart is denoted by adding an "S" to the beginning.

[0010] <<Embodiment 1>> (System Configuration) 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system according to this embodiment includes a host device 400 and an image forming device 1. The image forming device 1 and the host device 400 communicate with each other via a network 2. The communication path of the network 2 may be wired or wireless. The image forming device 1 is a device that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer) with multiple functions or a printer that primarily has a printing function.

[0011] (Control configuration of image forming apparatus) 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus. The control configuration of image forming apparatus 1 mainly comprises a print engine unit 200 that controls printing, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. A print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 in accordance with instructions from a main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The control configuration will be described in detail below.

[0012] In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 configured by a CPU controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 using a RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a non-volatile memory 107. The non-volatile memory 107 is configured by a ROM or a hard disk. For example, when a print job including image data such as PDL data is input from the host device 400 via the host I / F 102 or the wireless I / F 103, the following process is performed. That is, in accordance with instructions from the main controller 101, an image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the image data included in the received print job. The main controller 101 then transmits the processed data (image data) to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 may receive a print job from the host device 400 via wireless or wired communication, or from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The communication method used for wireless or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used for wireless communication. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used for wired communication. For example, when a USB memory is connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the main controller 101 reads a file from the USB memory, and the image processing unit 108 generates image data from the file and transmits the generated image data to the print engine unit 200. This is a so-called media print function. For example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits the command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0014] The operation panel 104 is a mechanism that allows a user to input and output data to and from the image forming apparatus 1. The user can use the operation panel 104 to instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set a print mode, and view information about the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202, which is configured by a CPU, controls various mechanisms of the printer in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 203, using a RAM 204 as a work area. When various commands and image data are received via a controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 then causes an image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image-processed data into print data so that the print head 8 can use it for image processing operations. Once the print data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the print head 8 to perform a printing operation based on the print data via a head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives a transport mechanism, such as a feeding unit, transport rollers, discharge rollers, and a flapper, via a transport control unit 207 to transport the paper in a predetermined direction. In accordance with instructions from the print controller 202, the print head 8 performs a printing operation in conjunction with the paper transport operation, and printing processing is performed.

[0016] The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the recording head 8 depending on the operating state, such as the maintenance state or recording state, of the image forming apparatus 1. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls capping and wiping operations when performing maintenance operations on the recording head 8.

[0017] In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 in accordance with the programs and various parameters stored in the non-volatile memory 107, using the RAM 106 as a work area. This controls various mechanisms of the scanner. For example, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301. As a result, a document placed on an ADF (automatic document feeder) by a user is transported via the transport control unit 304 and read by a sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 converts the image data acquired as described above into print data, thereby enabling the print head 8 to perform a print operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0018] (Functional configuration of image forming apparatus) 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 has the following functional units: a print data generation unit 311, a display control unit 312, a print job storage unit 321, a paper data storage unit 322, a first print data storage unit 323, and a second print data storage unit 324.

[0019] The print data generation unit 311 acquires image data, such as PDL data, included in the print job from the print job storage unit 321, analyzes the drawing commands included in the acquired image data, and generates bitmap image data from the drawing commands. Specifically, the print data generation unit 311 analyzes the drawing commands included in the PDL data to generate image data in RGB color space, and converts the image data in RGB color space into image data in CMYK color space. The print data generation unit 311 then performs gamma correction on the image data in the CMYK color space, correcting pixel values ​​so that the density characteristics of each CMYK color become predetermined density characteristics. The print data generation unit 311 performs binarization on the gamma-corrected image data to generate halftone image data. The generated halftone image data is saved as print data. If a print quality setting is specified in the print job, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction, which is image processing according to the print quality setting, on the generated bitmap image data to generate density-corrected image data. Specifically, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction, which is image processing for improving the print quality specified in the print job, on the gamma-corrected image data, and performs binarization processing on the density-corrected image data. A table prepared in advance is used for density correction. The print data generation unit 311 stores the generated density-corrected image data as first print data in the RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107, which is the first print data storage unit 323. The process of generating the first print data will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0020] The display control unit 312 performs processing to display a screen on the operation panel 104. When the paper type compatible with the print quality setting does not match the paper type of the loaded paper, the display control unit 312 displays a UI screen on the display unit for selecting whether or not to perform alternative printing, which prints on the loaded paper. When the user selects to perform alternative printing, the display control unit 312 notifies the print data generation unit 311 that alternative printing has been selected.

[0021] When notified that alternative printing has been selected, the print data generation unit 311 acquires the print job, the first print data, and paper data indicating the paper type of the loaded paper, and generates second print data. That is, if the paper type specified in the print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper, and the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type compatible with the print quality specified in the print job, the print data generation unit 311 performs the following process. That is, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction using a table, which is image processing for improving the print quality associated with the loaded paper, on the generated bitmap image data. The paper data indicating the paper type of the loaded paper is information related to the type and size of paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. The print data generation unit 311 stores the generated density-corrected image data as second print data in the RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107, which is the second print data storage unit 324. Details of the second print data generation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0022] (Alternative printing process) Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the alternative printing process according to a reference example. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 9 are performed by loading program code stored in non-volatile memory 107 of controller unit 100 of the image forming apparatus into RAM 106 and executing the program code. In addition, some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 9 may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit.

[0023] 9 starts when a print job including image data such as PDL data is input from host device 400. It is assumed that paper data storage unit 322 stores paper data indicating the type of paper loaded in image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] In S901, the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job input from the host device 400. The received print job is stored in the print job storage unit 321.

[0025] In S902, the print data generation unit 311 acquires a print job from the print job storage unit 321, analyzes the drawing commands included in the image data of the acquired print job, and generates bitmap image data from the drawing commands. If a print quality setting is specified in the print job, the print data generation unit 311 performs image processing on the generated bitmap image data in accordance with the print quality setting. Examples of print quality settings include a "plain paper image quality improvement" setting, a "photo image quality improvement" setting, and a "poster image quality improvement" setting. Details of the "plain paper image quality improvement" setting, the "photo image quality improvement" setting, and the "poster image quality improvement" setting will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The image data after the image processing is stored as first print data in the RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107, which is the first print data storage unit 323.

[0026] In S903, the display control unit 312 determines whether the first print data is printable. In determining whether the first print data is printable, the display control unit 312 compares the paper type specified in the print job with the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. If they match, it is determined that printing is possible, and if they do not match, it is determined that printing is not possible. If the determination result indicates that printing is possible (YES in S903), the process proceeds to S904. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that printing is not possible (NO in S903), the process proceeds to S906.

[0027] In S904, the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing using the first print data stored in the first print data storage unit 323. However, if the determination result in S903 is that printing is possible, printing is performed on the paper specified in the paper settings and loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. If the determination result in S906 is that an alternative printing instruction has been issued, printing is performed on the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0028] In S905, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a next print job. If the determination result indicates that there is a next print job (YES in S905), the process returns to S901. Then, the process for the next print job is performed. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that there is no next print job (NO in S905), the flow shown in FIG. 9 ends.

[0029] In S906, the display control unit 312 displays on the operation panel 104 a selection screen for selecting whether to perform alternative printing, which involves printing on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1, and determines whether an alternative printing instruction has been issued. FIG. 6 shows an example of the selection screen for selecting whether to perform alternative printing. The selection screen 600 includes a “Change Paper” button 601, a “Print on Loaded Paper” button 602, and a “Cancel” button 603. The “Change Paper” button 601 is a button for issuing an instruction to replace the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus with paper of the paper type specified in the paper settings included in the print job. The “Print on Loaded Paper” button 602 is a button for issuing an instruction to print on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus. The “Cancel” button 603 is a button for issuing an instruction to cancel printing using the first print data. In other words, the “Print on Loaded Paper” button 602 is a button for issuing an alternative printing instruction. The “Change Paper” button 601 and the “Cancel” button 603 are buttons for issuing an instruction other than an alternative printing instruction. When the "Print on loaded paper" button 602 is pressed and a determination result is obtained that an alternative printing instruction has been issued (YES in S906), the process proceeds to S904. In this case, in S904, the image forming apparatus 1 uses the first print data stored in the first print data storage unit 323 to print on paper that is different from the paper specified in the paper settings but is loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, when the "Change paper" button 601 or the "Cancel" button 603 is pressed and a determination result is obtained that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued (NO in S906), the process proceeds to S907.

[0030] In S907, the image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 9 to perform error processing. That is, if the reason for determining in S906 that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued is because the "Change Paper" button 601 has been pressed, the image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 9 to execute processing to replace paper. If the reason for determining in S906 that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued is because the "Cancel" button 603 has been pressed, the image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 9 to execute processing to cancel printing by the print job.

[0031] (Alternative printing process) FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the alternative printing process according to this embodiment. The series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 4 are performed by loading program code stored in non-volatile memory 107 of controller unit 100 of the image forming apparatus into RAM 106 and executing the program code. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 4 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The flowchart in FIG. 4 starts when a print job including image data such as PDL data is input from host device 400. It is assumed that paper data storage unit 322 stores paper data indicating the paper type of paper loaded in image forming apparatus 1.

[0032] In S401, the image forming apparatus receives a print job input from the host apparatus 400. The received print job is stored in the print job storage unit 321.

[0033] In S402, the print data generation unit 311 acquires a print job from the print job storage unit 321, analyzes the drawing commands included in the image data of the acquired print job, and generates bitmap image data from the drawing commands. If a print quality setting is specified in the print job, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction processing, which is image processing according to the print quality setting, on the generated bitmap image data. The image data after density correction processing is stored as first print data in the RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107, which is the first print data storage unit 323.

[0034] In S403, the display control unit 312 determines whether the first print data is printable. In determining whether the first print data is printable, the display control unit 312 compares the paper type specified in the print job with the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. If they match, it is determined that the first print data is printable, and if they do not match, it is determined that the first print data is not printable. If the determination result indicates that the first print data is printable (YES in S403), the process proceeds to S404. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that the first print data is not printable (NO in S403), the process proceeds to S406.

[0035] In S404, the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing using the first print data stored in the first print data storage unit 323, or the second print data stored in the second print data storage unit 324 (described later). However, if the determination result in S403 is that printing is possible, printing is performed using the first print data on paper of the paper type specified in the paper settings and that is loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. If the determination result in S408 is that alternative printing is possible, printing is performed using the first print data on paper of the paper type loaded in the image forming apparatus 1, from among the specific paper types supported by the print quality settings. If the determination result in S408 is that alternative printing is not possible, printing is performed using the second print data on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0036] In S405, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a next print job. If the determination result indicates that there is a next print job (YES in S405), the process returns to S401. Then, the process for the next print job is performed. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that there is no next print job (NO in S405), the flow shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0037] In S406, the display control unit 312 displays on the operation panel 104 a selection screen 600 for selecting whether or not to perform alternative printing, which involves printing on paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1, and determines whether or not an alternative printing instruction has been issued. If the "Print on loaded paper" button 602 is pressed by a user operation on the selection screen 600 and the determination result indicates that an alternative printing instruction has been issued (YES in S406), the process proceeds to S408. On the other hand, if the "Change paper" button 601 or the "Cancel" button 603 is pressed by a user operation on the selection screen 600 and the determination result indicates that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued (NO in S406), the process proceeds to S407.

[0038] In S407, image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 4 to perform error processing. That is, if the reason for determining in S406 that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued is because the "Change Paper" button 601 has been pressed, image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 4 to execute processing to replace paper. If the reason for determining in S406 that an alternative printing instruction has not been issued is because the "Cancel" button 603 has been pressed, image forming apparatus 1 ends the flow shown in Fig. 4 to execute processing to cancel printing by the print job.

[0039] In S408, the print data generation unit 311 determines whether or not alternative printing is possible for the first print data stored in the first print data storage unit 323. The determination of whether alternative printing is possible is made based on the correspondence between the print quality setting and the paper type, and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. Details of the determination process will be described later. If the determination result indicates that alternative printing is possible (YES in S408), the process proceeds to S404. In this case, in S404, the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing using the first print data stored in the first print data storage unit 323. On the other hand, if the determination result indicates that alternative printing is not possible (NO in S408), the process proceeds to S409.

[0040] (Print quality settings and paper type correspondence) 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between print quality settings and paper types. In a print quality setting table 500, the vertical axis represents print quality settings 510, and the horizontal axis represents compatible paper types 520. Print quality settings 510 include "Plain Paper, Improved Image Quality" 511, "Photo Quality, Improved Image Quality" 512, and "Poster Quality, Improved Image Quality" 513. Compatible paper types 520 include "Plain Paper" 521, "Thick Paper" 522, "Thin Paper" 523, "Glossy Paper" 524, "Photo Glossy Paper" 525, "Coated Paper" 526, and "Thick Coated Paper" 527.

[0041] Here, when "Enhanced image quality for plain paper" 511 is set as the print quality setting, image processing specific to plain paper is applied to the generated bitmap image data. Therefore, the paper that can be printed at high quality is limited to specific paper types that are classified in the same group as plain paper 521. In the example of FIG. 5, when the print quality setting is "Enhanced image quality for plain paper" 511, the specific paper types that can be used are plain paper 521, thick paper 522, and thin paper 523.

[0042] When "Improved Photo Quality" 512 is set as the print quality setting, image processing specific to glossy paper is applied to the generated bitmap image data, so the paper that can be printed at high quality is limited to specific paper types that are classified in the same group as glossy paper 524. In the example of Fig. 5, when the print quality setting is "Improved Photo Quality" 512, the specific paper types that can be used are glossy paper 524 and photo glossy paper 525.

[0043] When "Improved Poster Quality" 513 is set as the print quality setting, image processing specific to coated paper is applied to the generated bitmap image data. Therefore, the paper that can be printed at high quality is limited to specific paper types that are classified in the same group as coated paper 526. In the example of Figure 5, when the print quality setting is "Improved Poster Quality" 513, the specific paper types that can be supported are coated paper 526 and thick coated paper 527.

[0044] In S408, the print data generation unit 311 determines whether alternative printing is possible by determining whether the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is a specific paper type that is compatible with the print quality specified in the received print job. In the example of Fig. 5, if the print quality setting is "plain paper, improved image quality" 511 and the paper type of the loaded paper is glossy paper 524, photo glossy paper 525, coated paper 526, or thick coated paper 527, the print data generation unit 311 determines that alternative printing is not possible. On the other hand, if the paper type of the loaded paper is thick paper 522 or thin paper 523, the print data generation unit 311 determines that alternative printing is possible.

[0045] In S409, the print data generation unit 311 generates second print data that is different from the first print data. Details of the second print data generation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0046] (Second print data generation process) In the second print data generation process (S409), the second print data is generated by performing image processing to improve print quality corresponding to the paper type indicated in the paper data and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the second print data is generated from the image data included in the print job. Note that, since the second print data is generated from the image data included in the print job, RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107 has a storage capacity capable of storing the print job in addition to the first print data.

[0047] 5, when the print quality setting specified in the print job is "Enhanced image quality for plain paper," the compatible specific paper types are plain paper 521, thick paper 522, and thin paper 523. If the paper type of the paper loaded in image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper, the loaded paper type is not a compatible specific paper type, and therefore, in S409, second print data generation processing is executed by print data generation unit 311. If the paper type of the paper loaded in image forming apparatus 1 is any of "plain paper," "thick paper," or "thin paper," the loaded paper type is a compatible specific paper type, and therefore, print processing is executed using the first print data generated in S402.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the second print data generation process (S409) according to this embodiment.

[0049] In S701, the print data generation unit 311 identifies a print quality setting associated with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. In the example of FIG. 5, when the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper, "photo quality improvement" is identified as the print quality setting associated with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0050] In S702, the print data generation unit 311 acquires the image data included in the print job from the print job storage unit 321.

[0051] In S703, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction, which is image processing corresponding to the photographic image quality improvement specified as the print quality setting in S701, on the image data acquired in S702, to generate density-corrected image data. The generated density-corrected image data is saved as second print data in the second print data storage unit 324. Note that the print data generation unit 311 may also generate density-corrected image data by setting the print quality setting to none, and save the generated density-corrected image data as second print data.

[0052] If the second print data is generated in S409 (S703), the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing on the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 using the second print data in S404.

[0053] Using FIG. 5 as an example, the following process is performed. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "plain paper, improved image quality," and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming device 1 is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction, which is image processing for improving the photo image quality associated with glossy paper or photo glossy paper, is performed on the image data included in the print job, and the second print data is generated. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "plain paper, improved image quality" or "photo quality improvement," and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming device 1 is coated paper or thick coated paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction, which is image processing for improving the poster image quality associated with coated paper or thick coated paper, is performed on the image data included in the print job, and the second print data is generated. In these cases, density correction is performed to increase the density, preventing unclear printing due to a small amount of ink used during printing.

[0054] If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "photo quality improvement" or "poster quality improvement," and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming device 1 is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction, which is image processing for improving the plain paper image quality associated with plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, is performed on the image data included in the print job, and the second print data is generated. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "poster quality improvement," and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming device 1 is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction, which is image processing for improving the photo image quality associated with glossy paper or photo glossy paper, is performed on the image data included in the print job, and the second print data is generated. In these cases, density correction is performed to reduce the density, which can prevent ink leakage and device failure due to excessive ink usage during the printing process.

[0055] As described above, if the paper type specified in the print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper, and the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type that can accommodate the print quality specified in the print job, the following process is performed. That is, density correction is performed using a table associated with the paper loaded in the image forming device 1, which is image processing for improving the print quality associated with the paper loaded in the image forming device 1. Therefore, the print quality specified in the print job can be achieved when substitute printing is performed.

[0056] <<Embodiment 2>> In this embodiment, the second print data generation process does not use image data included in the print job, and therefore does not require a large-capacity RAM 106 or non-volatile memory 107. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0057] In this embodiment, a mode will be described in which second print data is generated by performing density correction corresponding to a print quality setting associated with the paper type of paper indicated in the paper data, which is the paper type of paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the second print data in this embodiment is generated from the first print data using the print quality setting specified in the print job and the print quality setting associated with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0058] The print data generation unit 311 of this embodiment generates first print data, as in the first embodiment. However, the generation process of second print data of this embodiment differs from the generation process of second print data of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, if the paper type of the loaded paper differs from the paper type specified in the print job and also differs from a specific paper type compatible with the print quality specified in the print job, the following process is performed. The print data generation unit 311 performs density correction using a table, which is image processing for improving the print quality specified in the print job, on the gamma-corrected image data obtained from the image data. Then, the print data generation unit 311 performs inverse density correction on the density-corrected image data to cancel the density correction, and then performs density correction on the inverse-corrected image data, which is image processing for improving the print quality associated with the loaded paper. A table prepared in advance is used for density correction.

[0059] If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "plain paper image quality improvement," the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction corresponding to "plain paper image quality improvement" in S402 and generates first print data.

[0060] On the other hand, if the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper, the compatible paper types and the paper type of the loaded paper are different. In other words, the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is different from the specific paper types that are compatible with the print quality settings. Therefore, in S409, the print data generation unit 311 executes processing to generate second print data.

[0061] (Second print data generation process) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the second print data generation process (S409) according to this embodiment.

[0062] In S801, similarly to S701, the print data generation unit 311 identifies the print quality setting associated with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. In the example of FIG. 5, when the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper, "photo quality improvement" is identified as the print quality setting associated with the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0063] In S802, the print data generation unit 311 acquires the first print data from the first print data storage unit 323. That is, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction, which is image processing for improving the plain paper image quality, which is the print quality specified in the print job, on the image data included in the print job, and acquires the image data after density correction.

[0064] In S803, the print data generation unit 311 performs inverse density correction, which is image processing for improving the print quality specified in the print job, on the first print data acquired in S802. That is, the print data generation unit 311 performs inverse density correction, which is image processing for canceling the density correction and returning the first print data, which is image data after density correction, to the state before density correction. As the image data after inverse correction, image data after re-image processing, which is data before density correction, is generated.

[0065] In S804, the print data generation unit 311 performs density correction, which is image processing corresponding to the photographic image quality improvement specified as the print quality setting in S801, on the image data after the inverse correction generated in S803, to generate density-corrected image data. The generated density-corrected image data is stored in the second print data storage unit 324 as second print data.

[0066] If the second print data is generated in S409 (S804), the image forming apparatus 1 performs printing on the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 using the second print data in S404.

[0067] Using FIG. 5 as an example, the following process is performed. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "plain paper, improved image quality," and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction is performed on the image data included in the print job to improve the plain paper image quality, and the density-corrected image data is subjected to an inverse density correction to cancel the density correction. Then, density correction is performed on the inverse-corrected image data to improve the photo image quality associated with glossy paper or photo glossy paper, and second print data is generated. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is "plain paper, improved image quality" or "photo image quality" and the paper type of the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is coated paper or thick coated paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction is performed on the image data included in the print job to improve the plain paper image quality or photo image quality specified in the print job, and the density-corrected image data is subjected to an inverse density correction to cancel the density correction. Then, the image data after the inverse correction is subjected to density correction to improve the poster image quality associated with coated paper or thick coated paper, and second print data is generated. In these cases, density correction to increase the density is performed, which prevents unclear printing due to insufficient ink volume during printing processing.

[0068] If the print quality setting specified in the print job is “photo quality improvement” or “poster quality improvement,” and the paper type loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction is performed on the image data included in the print job to improve the photo quality or poster quality specified in the print job, and the density-corrected image data is subjected to an inverse density correction to cancel the density correction. Then, density correction, which is image processing for improving the plain paper image quality associated with plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, is performed on the inverse-corrected image data, to generate second print data. If the print quality setting specified in the print job is “poster quality improvement” and the paper type loaded in the image forming apparatus 1 is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, the following process is performed to generate second print data. That is, density correction is performed on the image data included in the print job to improve the poster quality, and the density-corrected image data is subjected to an inverse density correction to cancel the density correction. Then, density correction, which is image processing for improving the photo quality associated with glossy paper or photo glossy paper, is performed on the inverse-corrected image data, to generate second print data. In these cases, density correction is performed to reduce the density, which can prevent ink leakage and equipment failure due to an excessive amount of ink during printing.

[0069] As described above, the reverse density correction is performed on the first print data to cancel the density correction corresponding to the print quality specified in the print job. Furthermore, the reverse density correction is performed to improve the print quality corresponding to the paper loaded in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, when alternative printing is performed, the print quality specified in the print job can be achieved.

[0070] Although the above describes the mode in which an instruction to perform alternative printing is received through a user operation via the UI screen in S406, the present invention is not limited to this. An instruction to perform alternative printing through a user operation via the UI screen may be received before the flow of FIG. 4 is executed.

[0071] In the above description, the image forming apparatus 1 is described as having the functional units of the print data generation unit 311, the display control unit 312, and the storage units 321 to 324. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An external device of the image forming apparatus 1 may also have the functional units of the print data generation unit 311, the display control unit 312, and the storage units 321 to 324.

[0072] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0073] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration examples. (Configuration 1) a receiving means for receiving a print job; a control means for causing the printing means to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper; and When the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type compatible with the print quality specified in the received print job, the control unit performs image processing to improve the print quality associated with the loaded paper. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) The control unit performs density correction using a table associated with the loaded paper or density correction using a table associated with no print quality as the image processing. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the print quality specified in the received job; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the loaded paper. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 4) When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper image quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 5) When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper quality improvement or photo quality improvement, and the loaded paper is coated paper or thick coated paper, The control means performs density correction using a table associated with the loaded coated paper or thick coated paper as the image processing. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 6) If the print quality specified in the print job is photo quality improvement or poster quality improvement, and the loaded paper is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the loaded plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 7) If the print quality specified in the print job is poster quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded. 3. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2. (Configuration 8) When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper image quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the improvement in image quality of plain paper; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded. 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 9) When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper quality improvement or photo quality improvement, and the loaded paper is coated paper or thick coated paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the plain paper image quality improvement or the photographic image quality improvement; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the loaded coated paper or thick coated paper. 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 10) When the print quality specified in the print job is photo quality improvement or poster quality improvement, and the loaded paper is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the improvement in photographic image quality or the improvement in poster image quality; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table corresponding to the loaded plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper. 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 11) If the print quality specified in the print job is poster quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the poster image quality improvement; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded. 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 12) and a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to cause the printing unit to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper, The receiving means receives the instruction through a user operation via a UI screen displayed on a display unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, (Configuration 13) The receiving means The instruction is accepted after the receiving means receives the print job or before the receiving means receives the print job. 13. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 12. (Configuration 14) a receiving step of receiving a print job; a control step of causing the printing means to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job is different from the paper type of the loaded paper; and In the control step, if the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type that can accommodate the print quality specified in the received print job, image processing is performed to improve the print quality associated with the loaded paper. 2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 15) 15. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

Claims

1. a receiving means for receiving a print job; a control means for causing the printing means to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper; and When the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type compatible with the print quality specified in the received print job, the control unit performs image processing to improve the print quality associated with the loaded paper. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The control unit performs density correction using a table associated with the loaded paper or density correction using a table associated with no print quality as the image processing.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the print quality specified in the received job; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the loaded paper.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper image quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper quality improvement or photo quality improvement, and the loaded paper is coated paper or thick coated paper, The control means performs density correction using a table associated with the loaded coated paper or thick coated paper as the image processing.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. When the print quality specified in the print job is photo quality improvement or poster quality improvement, and the loaded paper is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the loaded plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

7. If the print quality specified in the print job is poster quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs density correction as the image processing using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

8. When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper image quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the improvement in image quality of plain paper; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. When the print quality specified in the print job is plain paper quality improvement or photo quality improvement, and the loaded paper is coated paper or thick coated paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the plain paper image quality improvement or the photographic image quality improvement; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the loaded coated paper or thick coated paper.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. If the print quality specified in the print job is photo quality improvement or poster quality improvement, and the loaded paper is plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the improvement in photographic image quality or the improvement in poster image quality; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table corresponding to the loaded plain paper, thick paper, or thin paper.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

11. If the print quality specified in the print job is poster quality improvement and the loaded paper is glossy paper or photo glossy paper, The control means performs the image processing as follows: performing density correction using a table associated with the poster image quality improvement; performing an inverse correction to cancel the density correction; The density correction is performed using a table associated with the glossy paper or photo glossy paper loaded.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

12. and a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction to cause the printing unit to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job differs from the paper type of the loaded paper, The receiving means receives the instruction through a user operation via a UI screen displayed on a display unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. The receiving means The instruction is accepted after the receiving means receives the print job or before the receiving means receives the print job.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. a receiving step of receiving a print job; a control step of causing the printing means to execute printing using the loaded paper when the paper type specified in the received print job is different from the paper type of the loaded paper; and In the control step, if the paper type of the loaded paper is not a specific paper type that can accommodate the print quality specified in the received print job, image processing is performed to improve the print quality associated with the loaded paper.

2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

15. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 14.

Images