Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can reduce the time and effort for a user, prevent an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus, and perform post-processing only on a production area.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit 23 that forms an image on a continuous paper; an image reading unit (second reading unit 28) that reads the image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit 23; and a control unit 21 that adjusts the image on the continuous paper formed by the image forming unit 23 on the basis of the image read by the image reading unit. During the adjustment of the image, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 23 to perform processing of making eye marks formed in advance on the continuous paper indistinguishable, or not to apply eye marks to the continuous paper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming devices that form images on continuous paper such as roll paper are known. When such image forming devices perform overprinting, quality checks (such as test prints) and position adjustments during overprinting may be required before the actual printing. During this process, a configuration is known that allows for fine adjustments to the overprinting position immediately during printing using the same job. After fine adjustments, the user determines whether the overprinting position is correct, and once it is determined to be correct, the actual printing is performed. This reduces the wasteful blank space that occurs between position adjustments and the actual printing.

[0003] However, after the actual printing is completed, the output area during position adjustment (adjustment area) and the output area after position adjustment (product area) are connected, making it difficult to distinguish the boundary. If this output is sent to a post-processing machine as is for post-processing, the output area during position adjustment, which is unnecessary for the printed product, will also be post-processed, which is a problem.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a marker is added to the boundary between the test printing area and the production printing area when immediately switching from test printing to production printing. The configuration described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to distinguish between the test printing area and the production printing area. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the quality of a label image is judged, and if an abnormality is found, a position mark for the image is processed. The configuration described in Patent Document 2 makes it possible to prevent abnormal images from being processed later. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-62244 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-152041 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to visually check to distinguish between the test printing area and the final printing area during post-processing. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if there is an eye mark (position mark) in the test printing area, post-processing is performed on the test printing area. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an additional manual step (such as cutting) is required to prevent post-processing from being performed on the test printing area. This has resulted in the problem of requiring a lot of work for the user. Furthermore, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the area in which the position mark can be processed is limited to the area of ​​the image that is deemed abnormal by the sensor. In other words, it is not possible to change the processing of the position mark before and after a specific timing. Furthermore, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, processing the position mark requires an additional device for processing the position mark after inspection. This poses the problem of increasing the size and cost of the device.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program that can post-process only the production area while reducing the user's workload and preventing the apparatus from becoming larger and costly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In the image forming apparatus, an image forming unit that forms an image on the continuous paper; an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit; a control unit that adjusts an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit; Equipped with The control unit is characterized in that, when the image is being adjusted, it controls the image forming unit to process eye marks that have been pre-formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or to prevent the eye marks from being added to the continuous paper.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, when the eye mark is formed on the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, it processes the eye mark so that it is indistinguishable until it determines that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The control unit is characterized in that, if the eye mark is not formed on the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, it adds the eye mark to the continuous paper after determining that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, a mark reading unit that is located upstream of the image forming unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper and that reads an eye mark formed on the continuous paper; The control unit identifies the position of the eye mark based on the reading result by the mark reading unit.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, a setting unit capable of setting a rectangular area corresponding to the position of the eye mark in the print manuscript data; The control unit is characterized in that it specifies the position of the eye mark based on the rectangular area set by the setting unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, The control unit is characterized in that, when processing the eye mark to make it indistinguishable, the control unit fills in the eye mark or draws a line at the position of the eye mark.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 3, The control unit is characterized in that, when the eye mark is present in the printing manuscript data, the control unit outputs the printing image based on the printing manuscript data to the continuous paper with the eye mark erased from the printing manuscript data until it determines that the image adjustment is complete.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 3, The control unit is characterized in that, if the eye mark is not present in the printing manuscript data, after determining that the image adjustment is complete, it outputs the printing image based on the printing manuscript data to the continuous paper with the eye mark added to the printing manuscript data.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, The control unit processes the eye marks formed in advance on the continuous paper so that they are unrecognizable from the time printing starts until actual printing starts.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 7, The control unit erases the eyemark from the print document data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 8, The control unit is characterized in that it does not add the eyemark to the print manuscript data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing.

[0019] The invention described in claim 12 is 1. An image forming method for an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous sheet of paper, and an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous sheet by the image forming unit, a control step of adjusting an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit, The control process is characterized in that, when the image is being adjusted, the image forming unit is controlled to process eye marks that have been pre-formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or to prevent the eye marks from being added to the continuous paper.

[0020] The invention described in claim 13 is A computer of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous sheet of paper and an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous sheet by the image forming unit, functioning as a control unit that adjusts an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit; The control unit is a program characterized by controlling the image forming unit to process eye marks that have been pre-formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or to prevent the eye marks from being added to the continuous paper when the image is being adjusted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the user's workload, suppress increases in the size and cost of the apparatus, and perform post-processing only on the production area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a continuous sheet of paper on which additional printing is performed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of manuscript data of an image to be overprinted. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an immediate adjustment screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating overprinting and eyemark processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which processing for filling in an eye mark has been performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a process of drawing a line at the position of an eye mark has been performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rectangular area set for additional printing manuscript data. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which an eyemark processing process is performed on a rectangular area. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of manuscript data of an image to be formed on continuous paper. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an immediate adjustment screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which second control is performed. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of manuscript data of an image to be formed on continuous paper. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second control according to Modification 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is an apparatus for forming an image on continuous paper, such as roll paper.

[0025] 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a paper feeder 10, a main body device 20, and a winding device 30 from the upstream side along the transport direction of the continuous paper PM. It does not matter whether the image forming apparatus 1 is a type in which the paper feeder 10 and the winding device 30 are connected to the main body device 20 as separate units or are integrally configured.

[0026] Paper feeder 10 is a device in which rolled continuous paper PM is set and which feeds the continuous paper PM to main device 20. Paper feeder 10 rotatably holds the continuous paper PM wound around support shaft 11 within a housing. Paper feeder 10 transports the continuous paper PM wound around support shaft 11 to main device 20 at a constant speed via multiple transport rollers. The paper feeding operation in paper feeder 10 is controlled by control unit 21 provided in main device 20.

[0027] The winding device 30 is a device that winds and stores the continuous paper PM transported from the main device 20. The winding device 30 holds the continuous paper PM in a roll shape wound around a support shaft 31 inside a housing. The winding device 30 winds the continuous paper PM transported from the main device 20 around the support shaft 31 at a constant speed via multiple transport rollers. The winding operation of the winding device 30 is controlled by a control unit 21 provided in the main device 20.

[0028] The main device 20 is an intermediate transfer color image forming apparatus that utilizes electrophotographic process technology. The main device 20 first performs primary transfer of the toner images of each color (Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black, and White) formed on the photosensitive drum 231a onto the intermediate transfer belt 232a. Next, the main device 20 superimposes the five color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 232a and then performs secondary transfer onto the continuous paper PM fed from the paper feeder 10. This forms an image on the continuous paper PM. The main device 20 employs a tandem system. In the tandem system, photosensitive drums 231a corresponding to each color (Y, M, C, K, W) are arranged in series in the direction of travel of the intermediate transfer belt 232a, and the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 232a in a single step.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body device 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation display unit 22, an image forming unit 23, a fixing unit 24, a memory unit 25, a communication unit 26, a first reading unit 27, and a second reading unit 28.

[0030] Control unit 21 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The CPU first reads a program corresponding to the processing content from ROM and loads it into RAM. Next, the CPU works in conjunction with the loaded program to centrally control the operation of each block of main device 20. At this time, various data stored in memory unit 25 is referenced. For example, the control unit 21 adjusts the image formed on the continuous paper PM by the image forming unit 23 based on the image read by the second reading unit 28. The image adjustment includes, for example, image position adjustment and image quality adjustment.

[0031] The operation display unit 22 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel. The operation display unit 22 functions as a display unit 221 and an operation unit 222. The display unit 221 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of various functions, etc. in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 21. The operation unit 222 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, etc. The operation unit 222 accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 21.

[0032] The image forming section 23 includes an image forming unit 231 and an intermediate transfer unit 232, and forms an image on the continuous paper PM. The image forming unit 231 forms an image using color toners of the Y, M, C, K, and W components based on input image data. The image forming units Y, M, C, K, and W for the Y, M, C, K, and W components have the same configuration. For ease of illustration and explanation, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when distinguishing between them, the reference numerals are suffixed with Y, M, C, K, or W. In FIG. 1, only the components of the image forming unit 231Y for the Y component are denoted by reference numerals.

[0033] The image forming unit 231 includes a photosensitive drum 231a, an exposure device, a developing device 231b, a charging device, a drum cleaning device, etc. The exposure device, the charging device, and the drum cleaning device are not shown.

[0034] The photosensitive drum 231a is a negatively charged organic photosensitive member, for example, in which an undercoat layer, a charge generating layer, and a charge transport layer are sequentially laminated on the circumferential surface of a conductive cylindrical body (aluminum tube). The photosensitive drum 231a rotates at a constant peripheral speed by the control unit 21 controlling the drive current supplied to a drive motor (not shown).

[0035] The charging device uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive photosensitive drum 231a to a negative polarity.

[0036] The exposure device is configured with, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 231a with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image of each color component on the surface of the photosensitive drum 231a due to the potential difference with the surroundings.

[0037] The developing device 231b is a two-component developing device. The developing device 231b deposits toner of each color component onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 231a. This visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 231a, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 231a.

[0038] The drum cleaning device has a drum cleaning blade that comes into sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 231a, etc. The drum cleaning device removes untransferred toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 231a after the primary transfer.

[0039] The intermediate transfer unit 232 includes an intermediate transfer belt 232a, a primary transfer roller, a plurality of support rollers, a secondary transfer roller 232b, a backup roller 232c, a belt cleaning device 232d, etc. The primary transfer roller and the plurality of support rollers are not shown in the figure.

[0040] The intermediate transfer belt 232a is an endless belt that is conductive and elastic, and is stretched in a loop around multiple support rollers. At least one of the support rollers is a drive roller, and the others are driven rollers. The rotation of the drive roller causes the intermediate transfer belt 232a to run at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow.

[0041] The primary transfer rollers are disposed on the inner circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 232a, facing the photosensitive drums 231a of each color component. The primary transfer rollers are pressed against the photosensitive drums 231a with the intermediate transfer belt 232a sandwiched therebetween. This forms a primary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drums 231a to the intermediate transfer belt 232a.

[0042] Secondary transfer roller 232b is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of intermediate transfer belt 232a, facing backup roller 232c. Secondary transfer roller 232b is pressed against backup roller 232c with intermediate transfer belt 232a sandwiched therebetween. This forms a secondary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from intermediate transfer belt 232a to continuous paper PM. Secondary transfer roller 232b transfers the toner image formed by developing device 231b to continuous paper PM at the transfer position (secondary transfer nip).

[0043] The toner images on the photosensitive drum 231a are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 232a when the intermediate transfer belt 232a passes through the primary transfer nip. The toner images are electrostatically transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 232a. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 232a is secondarily transferred to the continuous paper PM when the continuous paper PM passes through the secondary transfer nip. The toner image is electrostatically transferred to the continuous paper PM. The continuous paper PM with the transferred toner image is transported toward the fixing unit 24.

[0044] The belt cleaning device 232d removes the residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 232a after the secondary transfer.

[0045] The fixing unit 24 includes a fixing roller 241, a pressure roller 242, etc. The fixing roller 241 is disposed on the fixing surface (the surface on which the toner image is formed) of the continuous paper PM. The pressure roller 242 is disposed on the back surface (the surface opposite the fixing surface) of the continuous paper PM. The pressure roller 242 is pressed against the fixing roller 241. This forms a fixing nip that holds and transports the continuous paper PM. The fixing unit 24 fixes the toner image onto the continuous paper PM by applying heat and pressure to the continuous paper PM onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred in a fixing nip.

[0046] The storage unit 25 is a storage means configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 25 stores various programs, various setting data, etc. in a manner that allows the control unit 21 to read and write the data.

[0047] The communication unit 26 has a communication IC, a communication connector, etc., and is an interface that connects the main device 20 to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN. The communication unit 26 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices connected to the communication network using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 21. The communication unit 26 can also input and output various information via USB.

[0048] The first reading unit 27 is provided upstream in the transport direction of the continuous paper PM from the image forming unit 23. The first reading unit 27 scans the continuous paper PM during transport, optically reading eye marks formed on the continuous paper PM, and outputs the reading results to the control unit 21. In other words, the first reading unit 27 functions as a mark reading unit of the present invention. The eye marks are marks that indicate positions that serve as references when adjusting the position of an image.

[0049] The second reading unit 28 includes, for example, a linear image sensor (e.g., a CCD line sensor), an optical system, a light source, etc. The second reading unit 28 reads the image formed on the continuous paper PM by the image forming unit 23, and outputs the obtained image data to the control unit 21. In other words, the second reading unit 28 functions as the image reading unit of the present invention.

[0050] Next, a first control of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. The first control is a control when an eye mark is formed on the continuous paper PM on which an image (an image for overprinting) is formed by the image forming unit 23. FIG. 4 shows an example of the continuous paper PM to be overprinted. FIG. 5 shows an example of manuscript data (manuscript data for overprinting printing) of the image to be overprinted (an image for overprinting). In the control of FIG. 3, the image for overprinting (see FIG. 5) is overprinted on the continuous paper PM to be overprinted (see FIG. 4).

[0051] First, the control unit 21 starts the position adjustment mode (step S101). The position adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the position of an image formed on the continuous paper PM. In the position adjustment mode, the user adjusts the position of the image to be overprinted. Specifically, the user adjusts the position of the image to be overprinted by performing a predetermined operation via the operation unit 222 on the immediate adjustment screen displayed on the display unit 221.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows an example of the immediate adjustment screen G1. As shown in Fig. 6, the immediate adjustment screen G1 has a document display area E11 and a position adjustment area E12. The document display area E11 is an area for displaying document data of the image to be overprinted. The position adjustment area E12 is an area for adjusting the position of the image to be overprinted up, down, left, and right. The user adjusts the position of the image to be overprinted by operating the position adjustment area E12 while referring to the image read by the second reading unit 28.

[0053] Next, the control unit 21 identifies the positions of the eye marks formed on the continuous paper PM based on the reading result by the first reading unit 27 (step S102).

[0054] Next, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 23 to perform overprinting and eye mark processing (step S103). Overprinting is a process of forming (printing) an overprinting image on the transported continuous paper PM based on the overprinting printing manuscript data. Eye mark processing is a process of processing eye marks that have been formed in advance on the continuous paper PM so that they become unidentifiable. The eye mark processing is, for example, a process of filling in the eye marks or a process of drawing a line at the position of the eye marks. The control unit 21 performs overprinting and eye mark processing based on the position of the eye mark identified in step S102. The overprinting and eyemark processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0055] First, the control unit 21 determines whether the setting of the eye mark processing is a setting to fill in the eye mark (step S201). When the control unit 21 determines that the eye mark is set to be filled in (step S201: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step S202. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the setting is not to fill in the eye mark (step S201: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S203.

[0056] In step S202, the control unit 21 performs overprinting and a process of filling in the eye marks. FIG. 8 shows an example of the process of filling in the eye marks EM. Symbol F1 is the adjustment area, and F2 is the production area. As shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the eye marks EM are filled in in the adjustment area F1 during position adjustment (see symbol J1). Note that the eye marks EM may be filled in by erasing them to match the color of the continuous paper PM, or by filling in them using a different color.

[0057] In step S203, the control unit 21 determines whether the setting of the eye mark processing is a setting to draw a line at the position of the eye mark. When the control unit 21 determines that the setting is to draw a line at the position of the eye mark (step S203: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the setting is not to draw a line at the position of the eye mark (step S203: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S205.

[0058] In step S204, the control unit 21 executes overprinting and a process of drawing a line at the position of the eyemark. FIG. 9 shows an example of the process of drawing a line at the position of the eyemark EM. As shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that a continuous horizontal line L1 is drawn at the position of the eyemark EM in the adjustment area F1 during position adjustment. Note that the line drawn at the position of the eyemark EM is not limited to a horizontal line, but may be a vertical line or a diagonal line. Furthermore, it is not limited to a continuous horizontal line, but may be an intermittent horizontal line.

[0059] In step S205, the control unit 21 acquires a rectangular area that has been set in advance for the manuscript data for overprinting (RIP image). The rectangular area corresponds to the position of the eyemark. The rectangular area is set via the operation unit 222 or an application before printing begins. In other words, the operation unit 222 functions as a setting unit of the present invention that can set a rectangular area that corresponds to the position of the eyemark for the manuscript data for printing. FIG. 10 shows an example of how a rectangular area R1 has been set for the manuscript data for overprinting. The control unit 21 identifies the position of the eye mark based on the rectangular area acquired in step S205.

[0060] Next, the control unit 21 performs overprinting and performs an eyemark processing process on the rectangular area acquired in step S205 (step S206). Fig. 11 shows an example of how the eyemark processing process is performed on the rectangular area R1. As shown in Fig. 11, it can be seen that the eyemark EM in the rectangular area R1 is filled in in the adjustment area F1 during position adjustment. In this case, even if the first reading unit 27 is not provided, the position of the eye mark can be identified and the eye mark processing process can be carried out.

[0061] Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the position adjustment of the image to be overprinted has been completed (step S104). When the control unit 21 determines that the position adjustment of the image to be overprinted is completed (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the position adjustment of the image to be overprinted has not been completed (step S104: NO), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0062] In step S105, the control unit 21 starts the production printing (official printing).

[0063] Next, the control unit 21 acquires the positions of the eye marks formed on the continuous paper PM based on the reading result of the first reading unit 27 (step S106).

[0064] Next, the control unit 21 executes the overprinting printing based on the overprinting printing manuscript data (step S107).

[0065] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the overprinting has been completed for all pages (step S108). When the control unit 21 determines that the overprinting has been completed for all pages (step S108: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step S109. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the pre-printing has not been completed for all pages (step S108: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S106.

[0066] In step S109, the control unit 21 ends the actual printing.

[0067] As described above, while the image is being adjusted, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 23 to process the eye marks that have been formed in advance on the continuous paper PM so that they become unrecognizable. In other words, if eye marks have been formed on the continuous paper PM on which the image is to be formed, the control unit 21 processes the eye marks so that they become unrecognizable until it is determined that the image adjustment is complete. This allows the eye mark processing process to be performed only on the eye marks in the adjustment area. Therefore, simply inserting the output print into the post-processing machine reads only the eye marks in the actual area. Therefore, post-processing is automatically performed only on the actual area.

[0068] 3, the image adjustment mode (position adjustment mode) is ON before printing starts (see step S101). Therefore, the control unit 21 processes the eye marks formed in advance on the continuous paper PM so that they become unrecognizable from the time printing starts until actual printing starts. As a result, the eye mark processing process is performed only on the eye marks in the adjustment area.

[0069] Next, the second control of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. The second control is a control for the case where no eye mark is formed on the continuous paper PM on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 23. FIG. 13 is an example of manuscript data (print manuscript data) for an image to be formed on the continuous paper PM. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows a case where an eye mark is present in the print manuscript data. In the control of FIG. 12, an image to be printed (see FIG. 13) is formed (printed) on a blank continuous paper PM.

[0070] First, the control unit 21 starts the image quality adjustment mode (step S301). The image quality adjustment mode is a mode for adjusting the image quality of the image formed on the continuous paper PM. In the image quality adjustment mode, the user adjusts the image quality of the image to be formed. Specifically, the user adjusts the image quality of the image to be formed by performing a predetermined operation via the operation unit 222 on the immediate adjustment screen displayed on the display unit 221.

[0071] FIG. 14 shows an example of the immediate adjustment screen G2. 14, the immediate adjustment screen G2 has an original document display area E21 and an image quality adjustment area E22. The original document display area E21 is an area for displaying the image to be printed before and after adjustment. The image quality adjustment area E22 is an area for adjusting the image quality of the image to be printed. The user adjusts the image quality of the image to be formed by operating the image quality adjustment area E22 while referring to the image read by the second reading unit 28.

[0072] Next, the control unit 21 erases the eyemarks from the print manuscript data (step S302).

[0073] Next, the control unit 21 forms (prints) a print image on the continuous paper PM based on the print manuscript data (step S303). At this time, since the eye marks have been erased from the print manuscript data, no eye marks are formed on the continuous paper PM.

[0074] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the image quality adjustment of the image to be printed is complete (step S304). If the control unit 21 determines that the image quality adjustment of the image for printing is complete (step S304: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to the next step S305. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the image quality adjustment of the image to be printed has not been completed (step S304: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S302. As a result, the eye marks are erased from the manuscript data to be printed until the image quality adjustment is completed. In other words, once the image quality adjustment is completed, the eye marks are no longer erased from the manuscript data to be printed.

[0075] In step S305, the control unit 21 starts the production printing (official printing).

[0076] Next, the control unit 21 forms (prints) a print image on the continuous paper PM based on the print manuscript data (step S306). At this time, actual printing is performed based on the original print manuscript data from which the eye marks have not been erased. As a result, the eye marks are formed on the continuous paper PM along with the print image.

[0077] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the actual printing of all pages has been completed (step S307). If the control unit 21 determines that the actual printing of all pages has been completed (step S307: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S308. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the actual printing has not been completed for all pages (step S307: NO), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0078] In step S308, the control unit 21 ends the actual printing.

[0079] As described above, the control unit 21 does not add (form) eye marks on the continuous paper while the image is being adjusted. Specifically, first, if there are eye marks in the print manuscript data, the control unit 21 erases the eye marks from the print manuscript data until it determines that the image adjustment is complete. Next, the control unit 21 outputs a print image based on the print manuscript data to the continuous paper PM with the eye marks erased from the print manuscript data. In other words, if no eye marks have been formed on the continuous paper PM on which the image is to be formed, the control unit 21 adds eye marks after determining that the image adjustment is complete. As a result, eye marks are added only to the actual area. Therefore, simply inserting the output print into a post-processing machine reads only the eye marks in the actual area. Therefore, post-processing is automatically performed only on the actual area.

[0080] An example of the state in which the second control is performed is shown in Fig. 15. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the eye mark EM is not provided in the adjustment area F1 of the continuous paper PM, and the eye mark is provided only in the production area F2.

[0081] 12, the image adjustment mode (image quality adjustment mode) is ON before printing starts (see step S301). Therefore, the control unit 21 erases the eye marks from the print manuscript data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing. As a result, eye marks are added only to the actual printing area.

[0082] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes the image forming unit 23, the image reading unit (second reading unit 28), and the control unit 21. The image forming unit 23 forms an image on the continuous paper. The image reading unit reads the image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit 23. The control unit 21 adjusts the image to be formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit 23 based on the image read by the image reading unit. While the image is being adjusted, the control unit 21 controls the image forming unit 23 to process eye marks that have been previously formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable, or to prevent eye marks from being added to the continuous paper. Therefore, with the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to change the image formation relative to the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area. This eliminates the need to visually check the boundary, and allows automatic post-processing of only the actual area. Furthermore, there is no need to add additional processing to the printed material or the post-processing machine. This reduces the user's workload and prevents the device from becoming larger and more expensive, allowing post-processing of only the actual area. Furthermore, the time required for post-processing can be shortened.

[0083] Furthermore, when an eye mark is formed on the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 23, the control unit 21 processes the eye mark to make it indistinguishable until it determines that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed. Therefore, it is possible to change the image formation for the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area, and therefore it is possible to automatically perform post-processing only on the actual area.

[0084] In addition, if an eye mark is not formed on the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 23, the control unit 21 causes an eye mark to be added to the continuous paper after determining that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed. Therefore, it is possible to change the image formation for the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area, and therefore it is possible to automatically perform post-processing only on the actual area.

[0085] Furthermore, a mark reading unit (first reading unit 27) that reads eye marks formed on the continuous paper is provided upstream of image forming unit 23 in the transport direction of the continuous paper. Control unit 21 identifies the position of the eye mark based on the reading result by the mark reading unit. Therefore, image formation can be more reliably performed on the eye marks, and post-processing can be more reliably performed only on the actual area.

[0086] The printer 20 also includes a setting unit (operation unit 222) that can set a rectangular area corresponding to the position of the eyemark in the print manuscript data. The control unit 21 identifies the position of the eyemark based on the rectangular area set by the setting unit. Therefore, image formation can be more reliably performed on the eye marks, and post-processing can be more reliably performed only on the actual area.

[0087] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 processes the eye mark to make it indistinguishable, it fills in the eye mark or draws a line at the position of the eye mark. Therefore, the eye marks can be made unidentifiable through simple processing, which makes it possible to perform post-processing only on the actual area while suppressing increases in the size and cost of the device.

[0088] Furthermore, if there is an eye mark in the print manuscript data, the control unit 21 outputs the print image based on the print manuscript data onto continuous paper with the eye mark erased from the print manuscript data until it determines that image adjustment is complete. Therefore, it is possible to change the image formation for the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area, and therefore it is possible to automatically perform post-processing only on the actual area.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 21 processes the eye marks formed in advance on the continuous paper so that they are unidentifiable from the time printing starts until the start of actual printing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably change the image formation for the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area, and therefore it is possible to more reliably perform post-processing only on the actual area.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 21 erases the eyemark from the print manuscript data from the time printing starts until the start of actual printing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably change the image formation for the eye marks between the adjustment area and the actual area, and therefore it is possible to more reliably perform post-processing only on the actual area.

[0091] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0092] (Variation 1) For example, in the above embodiment, the second control is described by exemplifying a case where the print manuscript data has an eye mark, but this is not limited to this. In Modification 1, the second control is described by exemplifying a case where the print manuscript data does not have an eye mark. FIG. 16 shows an example of manuscript data (print manuscript data) of an image to be formed on continuous paper PM. The example shown in FIG. 16 shows a case where the print manuscript data does not have an eye mark. The second control according to the first modification will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0093] First, the control unit 21 starts the image quality adjustment mode (step S401).

[0094] Next, the control unit 21 forms (prints) a print image on the continuous paper PM based on the print manuscript data (step S402). At this time, since the eyemark does not exist in the print manuscript data, the eyemark is not formed on the continuous paper PM.

[0095] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the image quality adjustment of the image to be printed is complete (step S403). If the control unit 21 determines that the image quality adjustment of the image for printing is complete (step S304: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S404. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the image quality adjustment of the image to be printed has not been completed (step S403: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S402.

[0096] In step S404, the control unit 21 starts the production printing (official printing).

[0097] Next, the control unit 21 draws an eye mark for post-processing on the print manuscript data (step S405).

[0098] Next, the control unit 21 forms (prints) a print image on the continuous paper PM based on the print manuscript data (step S406). At this time, actual printing is performed based on the print manuscript data on which the eyemarks have been drawn. As a result, the eyemarks are formed on the continuous paper PM together with the print image.

[0099] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the actual printing of all pages has been completed (step S407). If the control unit 21 determines that the actual printing of all pages has been completed (step S407: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S408. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that the actual printing has not been completed for all pages (step S407: NO), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S405. As a result, eye marks are drawn on the print manuscript data until all pages are completed. Therefore, during the actual printing, eye marks are formed on the continuous paper PM along with the print image.

[0100] In step S408, the control unit 21 ends the actual printing.

[0101] As described above, the control unit 21 does not add (form) eye marks to the continuous paper while the image is being adjusted. In other words, if eye marks have not been formed on the continuous paper PM on which the image is to be formed, the control unit 21 adds eye marks after determining that the image adjustment is complete. Specifically, first, if there are no eye marks in the print manuscript data, the control unit 21 adds (draws) eye marks to the print manuscript data after determining that the image adjustment is complete. Next, the control unit 21 outputs a print image based on the print manuscript data to the continuous paper PM with the eye marks added to the print manuscript data. As a result, eye marks are added only to the actual area. Therefore, simply inserting the output print into a post-processing machine reads only the eye marks in the actual area. Therefore, post-processing is automatically performed only on the actual area.

[0102] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the image adjustment mode (image quality adjustment mode) is ON before printing begins (see step S401). Therefore, the control unit 21 does not add eye marks to the print manuscript data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing. As a result, eye marks are added only to the actual area. Therefore, simply inserting the output print into the post-processing machine reads only the eye marks in the actual area. Therefore, post-processing is automatically performed only on the actual area.

[0103] (Other variations) For example, in the first control of the above embodiment, the position adjustment of the image to be overprinted is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied when adjusting the image quality of the image formed on the continuous paper PM.

[0104] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the image forming apparatus can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Image forming device 10 Paper feeder 20 Main unit 21 Control Unit 22 Operation display section 221 Display section 222 Operation section (setting section) 23 Image forming unit 231 Image forming unit 231a Photosensitive drum 231b Developing device 232 Intermediate transfer unit 232a Intermediate transfer belt 232b Secondary transfer roller 232c Backup Roller 232d Belt cleaning device 24 Fixing section 241 Fixing roller 242 Pressure Roller 25 Memory section 26 Communications Department 27 First reading unit (mark reading unit) 28 Second reading unit (image reading unit) 30 Winding device PM continuous paper

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on the continuous paper; an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit; a control unit that adjusts an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit; Equipped with An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the image is being adjusted, the control unit controls the image forming unit to process eye marks that have been pre-formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or to prevent the eye marks from being added to the continuous paper.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the eye mark is formed on the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, the control unit processes the eye mark to make it indistinguishable until it determines that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the eye mark is not formed on the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, the control unit adds the eye mark to the continuous paper after determining that adjustment of the image to be formed on the continuous paper has been completed.

4. a mark reading unit that is located upstream of the image forming unit in the transport direction of the continuous paper and that reads an eye mark formed on the continuous paper; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit identifies the position of the eye mark based on a result of reading by the mark reading unit.

5. a setting unit capable of setting a rectangular area corresponding to the position of the eye mark in the print manuscript data; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit specifies the position of the eye mark based on the rectangular area set by the setting unit.

6. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, when processing the eye mark to make it indistinguishable, fills in the eye mark or draws a line at the position of the eye mark.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the eye mark is present in the printing manuscript data, the control unit outputs the printing image based on the printing manuscript data to the continuous paper with the eye mark erased from the printing manuscript data until it is determined that the image adjustment is complete.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, if the eye mark is not present in the print manuscript data, the control unit determines that the image adjustment is complete, and then outputs the print image based on the print manuscript data to the continuous paper with the eye mark added to the print manuscript data.

9. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit processes the eye marks formed in advance on the continuous paper so that they are unidentifiable from the start of printing until the start of actual printing.

10. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit erases the eyemark from the print document data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing.

11. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit does not add the eyemark to the print document data from the start of printing until the start of actual printing.

12. 1. An image forming method for an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous sheet of paper, and an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous sheet by the image forming unit, a control step of adjusting an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit, The image forming method is characterized in that the control process controls the image forming unit to process eye marks that have been pre-formed on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or to not impart the eye marks to the continuous paper when the image is being adjusted.

13. A computer of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a continuous sheet of paper and an image reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous sheet by the image forming unit, functioning as a control unit that adjusts an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit based on the image read by the image reading unit; The control unit controls the image forming unit to process pre-formed eye marks on the continuous paper so that they are indistinguishable or not to add the eye marks to the continuous paper when the image is being adjusted.

Images