Printing system and printing method

Abstract

To reduce a print image in which a print position is not adjusted, compared to the case that the second page of a print image is printed by a printing part before a reading part reads a positioning image of the first page of the print image.SOLUTION: A printing system includes: a printing part for printing a print image in a record medium and printing a positioning image corresponding to each page of the print image in the record medium; a reading part for reading the positioning image printed by the printing part; an adjustment part for adjusting a print position relative to the record medium of each page of the print image printed by the printing part based on the positioning image read by the reading part; and a printing control part for controlling printing by spacing between a printing timing of the first page of the print image and a printing timing of the second page so that adjustment of the print position of the second page of the print image is performed by the adjustment part based on the positioning image of the first page of the print image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system and a printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image and prints the image on a transfer medium, and a control unit that manages jobs and controls image formation in the image forming unit, wherein the control unit has a real-time adjustment function that prints an adjustment image on the transfer medium and obtains the reading results of the adjustment image while the image forming unit is outputting a job in which the image is printed on the transfer medium based on the job, and adjusts the image quality of the image formed in the image forming unit in real time based on the reading results, and when an executed job includes a job that does not perform real-time adjustment and a job that does perform real-time adjustment, the image forming apparatus prints an adjustment image on the transfer medium for the job that does not perform real-time adjustment and obtains the reading results, and applies image quality adjustment to the job that performs real-time adjustment based on the reading results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-010115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to reduce the number of printed images whose printing position is not adjusted compared to when the printing unit prints the second page of the printed image before the reading unit reads the position adjustment image for the first page of the printed image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing system according to the first aspect includes: a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; a print control unit that controls printing by leaving an interval between the printing timing of the first page and the printing timing of the second page of the print image so that the adjustment unit adjusts the print position of the second page of the print image based on the position adjustment image of the first page of the print image; The present invention is characterized by having the following.

[0006] A printing system according to a second aspect includes: a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; The method is characterized by having a print control unit that generates an adjustment page of the same image as the first page of the print image, and prints the adjustment page of the print image with a gap between it and the first page so that the adjustment unit adjusts the printing position of the first page of the print image based on the position adjustment image of the adjustment page.

[0007] A printing system according to a third aspect is the printing system according to the second aspect, The recording medium on which the adjustment page has been printed is ejected to a purge tray.

[0008] A printing method according to a fourth aspect includes: a printing step of printing the first page of the print job on a recording medium and printing a position adjustment image on the recording medium; a reading step of reading the position adjustment image printed in the printing step; an adjusting step of adjusting a print position for printing a second page of the print job on a recording medium based on the position adjustment image read in the reading step; an instruction step of instructing printing of the entire print job so that the second page and subsequent pages of the print job are printed after the print position is adjusted by the adjustment step; It has. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first aspect, the number of printed images whose print position is not adjusted can be reduced compared to when the printing unit prints the second page of the printed image before the reading unit reads the position adjustment image for the first page of the printed image.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the number of printed images whose print position is not adjusted can be reduced compared to when the printing unit prints the second page of the printed image before the reading unit reads the position adjustment image for the first page of the printed image.

[0011] According to the third aspect, it is possible to distinguish between the adjustment page and each page of the print image.

[0012] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of printed images whose printing position is not adjusted compared to when the printing unit prints the second page of the printed image before the reading unit reads the position adjustment image for the first page of the printed image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a printed matter on which a position adjustment image is printed according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a printing system that starts printing subsequent printed materials before reading a position adjustment image from the first page of printed material. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of printed sheets of printed matter and the amount of positional deviation of the position adjustment image M read from the printed matter by the image reader in the printing system shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of a printing system that calculates a moving average value of a plurality of pieces of positional deviation information and calculates a correction value for the print position of an image based on the calculated moving average value. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of printed sheets of printed matter and the amount of misalignment of a position adjustment image read from the printed matter by an image reader in the printing system shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printing system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the printing system shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print position adjustment process in the printing system shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a print position adjustment process in a modified example of a printing system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Printing System Overview) 1 shows a printing system 10 according to one embodiment. The printing system 10 includes a printing machine 20 and an image reader 30.

[0016] (printing machine) The printing machine 20 has a plurality of storage trays 20T for storing paper sheets. The printing machine 20 also has a printing function for printing an image (hereinafter referred to as a "printed image") on paper sheets supplied from the storage trays 20T. The printing machine 20 supplies the paper sheets on which the printed image has been printed (hereinafter referred to as a "printed matter") to the image reader 30. The paper sheets are an example of a recording medium.

[0017] (Image reader) The image reader 30 has an image reading function of sequentially receiving printed materials on which printed images are printed from the printing machine 20 and reading the printed images from the received printed materials. Specifically, the image reader 30 has a scanner or the like as an in-line sensor that optically reads the printed images from the printed materials received from the printing machine 20.

[0018] The image reader 30 also has an output tray 30A for discharging printed matter after reading the print image, and a purge tray 30B for discharging adjustment pages after reading the position adjustment image M (described later).

[0019] (Print position adjustment function) The printing system 10 has a print position adjustment function that adjusts (corrects) the position of a print image printed on paper. In a printing process that executes this print position adjustment function, a print image (hereinafter referred to as a "position adjustment image") for detecting the print position of the print image printed on paper is printed on the paper. The position adjustment image is printed, for example, in the margin area of ​​the paper to be cut. The position adjustment image is one example of a position adjustment image.

[0020] 2 shows an example of a position adjustment image M. As an example, the position adjustment image M is a cross-shaped image, and is printed at each of the four corners of the margin area outside the image printing area R on the paper P. Furthermore, each position adjustment image M is printed so as to be positioned at a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as a "target position") on the paper P. As an example, the target position of the position adjustment image M may be a predetermined distance (hereinafter referred to as a "target distance X, Y") from the outer periphery of the paper P.

[0021] In double-sided printing, in which a print image is printed on both sides of the paper P, a plurality of position adjustment images M are printed on both sides of the paper P, respectively.

[0022] Each position adjustment image M printed on the paper P is read by the image reader 30. Then, the position of the position adjustment image M relative to the paper P (hereinafter referred to as the "detection position") is detected by performing image analysis on the position adjustment image M read by the image reader 30. The detected position of the position adjustment image M relative to the paper P can be, for example, the distance from the outer edge of the paper P to the position adjustment image M (hereinafter referred to as the "detection distance x, y"). Based on this detected position and the target position described above, positional deviation information of the position adjustment image M is calculated.

[0023] Examples of the misalignment information include the lead position, side position, right-angle correction amount, trapezoidal correction amount, horizontal magnification (main scanning magnification), and vertical magnification (sub-scanning magnification). As an example, the lead position is the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image M in the transport direction of the paper P, and is calculated as, for example, the difference (Xx) between the target distance X and the detected distance x. Furthermore, the side position is the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image M in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P, and is calculated as, for example, the difference (Yy) between the target distance Y and the detected distance y.

[0024] Next, based on the calculated misalignment information, a correction value (adjustment value) is calculated to adjust the print position of the print image to be printed on the paper P. As an example, the correction value is calculated for each type of misalignment information (lead position, side position, right angle correction amount, trapezoidal correction amount, horizontal magnification, vertical magnification) described above.

[0025] For example, the lead position correction value is calculated as position information indicating the print start position of the print image based on the leading edge in the transport direction of the paper P. Also, for example, the side position correction value is calculated as position information indicating the print start position of the print image based on one edge in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P. Then, based on the calculated correction value, the print position of the print image printed on the paper P is corrected.

[0026] (Correction continuous printing function) Here, when multiple printed materials are continuously printed in the printing system 10, the print position of the printed image is likely to shift due to the influence of factors such as a rise in temperature of the transport mechanism that transports the paper, and the amount of shift in the print position of the printed image is likely to change depending on the temperature of the transport mechanism. Therefore, the printing system 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a correction continuous printing function (real-time correction continuous printing function) that adjusts the print position of the print image printed on the paper while continuously printing multiple printed materials.

[0027] In a print job that uses the correction continuous printing function (hereinafter referred to as a "correction continuous print job"), multiple printed materials are printed consecutively, and the print positions of the printed images are adjusted by feedback control based on the position adjustment images printed on the preceding printed materials. Note that the correction continuous print job is one example of a print job.

[0028] Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 3, the printing system 10 prints the above-mentioned position adjustment images (see Fig. 2) in the margin area of ​​the paper in the printing machine 20. Then, the printing system 10 reads the position adjustment images in order from the preceding printed matter using the image reader 30, and calculates positional deviation information for each of the position adjustment images relative to the paper based on the read position adjustment images.

[0029] The printing system 10 then calculates a correction value for adjusting the printing position of the print image based on the calculated misalignment information, and adjusts the printing position of the print image to be printed on paper based on the calculated correction value. This reduces the amount of misalignment of the print images printed on paper while continuously printing multiple prints.

[0030] 3, before the image reader 30 reads the position adjustment image from the first page (1p) of the corrected continuous print job, the printer 20 starts printing the subsequent second page (2p) and subsequent printed materials. Therefore, in the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 3, the printing position of the printed image is not adjusted when the first to fourth pages (1p) of the printed materials are printed, but the printing position of the printed image is adjusted from the fifth page (5p) onwards.

[0031] 4 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between the number of printed sheets of printed matter and the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image read from the printed matter by the image reader 30 in the printing system 10 shown in FIG. 3. The amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image (misalignment information) is, for example, the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image in the paper transport direction (registration position).

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment images is large in printed materials from pages 1 to 4 (1 to 4p), where the printing position of the printed image is not adjusted, and the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment images is small in printed materials from page 5 (5p) onwards, where the printing position of the printed image is adjusted.

[0033] If printing of the subsequent printed material is started before the position adjustment image is read from the preceding printed material in this way, multiple printed materials will be generated in which the printing position of the print image is not adjusted.

[0034] (Measures to prevent variations in positional deviation information) Here, in order to reduce the variation in the positional deviation information of the printed image, it is conceivable to calculate a moving average value of multiple pieces of positional deviation information and calculate a correction value for the printing position of the printed image based on the calculated moving average value.

[0035] 5, the misalignment information of the position adjustment image is set to a moving average value of 16 printed sheets. In this case, if the number of times the position adjustment image is read from the printed sheets in the image reader 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "number of reads") does not reach the number required to calculate the moving average of the misalignment information, i.e., 16 times, the misalignment information is not calculated, and the printing position of the print image printed on paper in the printer 20 is not adjusted.

[0036] 5, printing of the subsequent printed matter from page 17 (17p) onwards is started in the printing press 20 before the correction value is calculated. Therefore, in the printing system 10 shown in Fig. 5, the printing position of the printed image is not adjusted when printing pages 1 to 19 (1 to 19p), but is adjusted from page 20 (20p) onwards.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between the number of printed sheets of printed matter and the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image read from the printed matter by the image reader 30 in the printing system 10 shown in Fig. 5. Note that the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image (misalignment information) is, for example, the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment image in the paper transport direction (registration position).

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment images is large in printed materials from pages 1 to 19 (1 to 19p), where the printing position of the printed image is not adjusted, and the amount of misalignment of the position adjustment images is small in printed materials from page 20 (20p) onwards, where the printing position of the printed image is adjusted.

[0039] If moving average values ​​of multiple pieces of positional deviation information are calculated in this way and a correction value for the printing position of the print image is calculated based on the calculated moving average values, the number of printed materials in which the printing position of the print image is not adjusted will increase.

[0040] Therefore, in the printing system 10 according to this embodiment, before executing the correction continuous printing job, a printed material identical to the printed material of the first page of the correction continuous printing job is printed as an adjustment page, and when printing the printed material of the first page of the correction continuous printing job, the position of the print image to be printed on the paper is adjusted based on the adjustment page. The printing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0041] (Printing system hardware configuration) First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the printing system 10. Note that, for the sake of convenience, the hardware configuration of the printing system 10 will be explained below, but the printing machine 20 and the image reader 30 may each have a hardware configuration such as that shown in FIG.

[0042] 7, the printing system 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54, a storage 56, an input unit 58, a display unit 60, a communication interface (I / F) 62, an image reading unit 64, an image forming unit 66, and a position adjustment image reading unit 68. Each of the components is connected to each other via a bus 72 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0043] The CPU 50 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. That is, the CPU 50 reads programs from the ROM 52 or storage 56 and executes the programs using the RAM 54 as a work area. The CPU 50 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 52 or storage 56. The CPU 50 is an example of a print control unit and a processor.

[0044] The ROM 52 stores various information processing programs and various data. The RAM 54 serves as a work area for the CPU 50 and temporarily stores programs or data.

[0045] The storage 56 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including the operating system, and various data.

[0046] The input unit 58 includes operation buttons and the like and is used to perform various inputs. The display unit 60 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information. The display unit 60 may employ a touch panel system and function as an input unit.

[0047] The communication I / F 62 is an interface for communicating with other devices, and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0048] The image reading unit 64 includes a scanner or the like, and optically reads image data from a document, etc. The image forming unit 66 prints the image data read by the image reading unit 64 or the image data received from an operation terminal (not shown) onto a recording medium such as paper.

[0049] The position adjustment image reading unit 68 includes a scanner or the like, and optically reads a printed image such as a position adjustment image from a sheet of paper (printed matter) on which the print image has been printed by the image forming unit 66.

[0050] (Printing system functions) Next, the functions of the printing system 10 will be described.

[0051] When executing the information processing program described above, the printing system 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions of the printing machine 20 and the image reader 30.

[0052] (Printing System) Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the printing machine 20 functionally has a print request receiving unit 22, an adjustment print request receiving unit 24, a printing unit 26, an adjustment unit 27, and a print control unit 28.

[0053] (Print request reception unit) The print request receiving unit 22 receives a corrected continuous print job input to the printing system 10. This corrected continuous print job includes, for example, print image information (print data), paper size, number of prints, and other printing conditions.

[0054] (Adjustment print job reception section) The adjustment print request receiving unit 24 receives a print request for an adjustment page (hereinafter referred to as an "adjustment print job") input to the printing system 10. The adjustment page is a printed matter for calculating a correction value for the printing position of a print image.

[0055] The adjustment print job is input to the printing system 10, for example, by the user selecting execution of an adjustment page on a selection screen displayed on the display unit 60 of the printing system 10. The adjustment print job input to the printing system 10 is accepted by the adjustment print request accepting unit 24.

[0056] (Printing Department) The printing unit 26 prints the print image (including the position adjustment image) on the paper based on the print request for corrected continuous printing received by the print request receiving unit 22.

[0057] (adjustment section) The adjustment unit 27 adjusts the print position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on a correction value for the print position of the print image calculated by a correction value calculation unit 34, which will be described later.

[0058] (Printing control unit) The print control unit 28 controls the overall operation of the printing machine 20. Furthermore, the print control unit 28 continuously prints multiple prints while adjusting the print positions of print images to be printed on paper, based on the corrected continuous print job accepted by the print request acceptance unit 22.

[0059] Specifically, the print control unit 28 controls a paper feeder (not shown) based on the corrected continuous print job accepted by the print request acceptance unit 22, and causes the paper feeder to sequentially supply multiple sheets of paper from the storage tray 20T to the printing unit 26. The print control unit 28 also transmits print data to be printed on the multiple sheets of paper to the printing unit 26. The print control unit 28 then causes the printing unit 26 to print a print image and a position adjustment image based on the print data on the multiple sheets of paper supplied from the storage tray 20T, and causes the printing unit 26 to sequentially supply the multiple printed sheets to the image reader 30.

[0060] (Adjustment page) Here, when the adjustment print request receiving unit 24 receives an adjustment print job, the print control unit 28 prints an adjustment page with the same print image as the first page of the correction continuous print job before executing the correction continuous print job.

[0061] Specifically, the print control unit 28 controls a paper feeder (not shown) to supply paper from the storage tray 20T used for the first page of the printed matter in the corrected continuous printing job to the printing unit 26. As a result, paper of the same size and type as the first page of the printed matter in the corrected continuous printing job is supplied to the printing unit 26.

[0062] Furthermore, the print control unit 28 transmits the same print data as that to be printed on the first page of the printout in the correction continuous print job to the print unit 26. Then, the print control unit 28 causes the print unit 26 to print a print image and a position adjustment image based on the print data on paper supplied from the storage tray 20T, and causes the print unit 26 to supply the printed adjustment page to the image reader 30.

[0063] Here, the print control unit 28 prints the adjustment page and the first page of the corrected continuous printing job with a gap between them so that the printing position of the first page of the printed matter in the corrected continuous printing job is adjusted by the adjustment unit 27. Specifically, the print control unit 28 starts the corrected continuous printing job after receiving a correction value from a correction value calculation unit 34 of the image reader 30, which will be described later. As a result, the printing position of the print image is adjusted when printing the first page of the printed matter in the corrected continuous printing job.

[0064] (Image reader) The image reader 30 functionally comprises a reading unit 31, a positional deviation information calculation unit 32, a correction value calculation unit , a discharge destination switching unit , and an image reading control unit .

[0065] (Reading unit) The reading unit 31 optically reads the position adjustment image from the printed matter printed by the printing unit 26.

[0066] (Positional deviation information calculation unit) The positional deviation information calculation unit 32 calculates the detected position of the position adjustment image by performing image processing on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit 31. Then, the positional deviation information calculation unit 32 calculates positional deviation information of the position adjustment image based on the calculated detected position of the position adjustment image and the target position.

[0067] As described above, the positional deviation information of the position adjustment image includes the lead position, side position, right-angle correction amount, trapezoidal correction amount, and lateral magnification. The positional deviation information of the position adjustment image calculated by the positional deviation information calculation unit 32 is stored in a predetermined storage area as time-series data according to the number of printed sheets.

[0068] (Correction value calculation section) The correction value calculation unit 34 calculates a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on paper based on the misalignment information calculated by the misalignment information calculation unit 32. As described above, the correction value is calculated for each type of misalignment information (lead position, side position, right-angle correction amount, trapezoidal correction amount, horizontal magnification, vertical magnification).

[0069] (Discharge destination switching unit) The discharge destination switching unit 36 ​​switches the discharge destination of the printed material from which the position adjustment image has been read between the output tray 30A and the purge tray 30B.

[0070] (Image reading control unit) The image reading control unit 38 controls the overall operation of the image reader 30. Specifically, the image reading control unit 38 causes the reading unit 31 to read the position adjustment image from the printed material, and causes the positional deviation information calculation unit 32 to calculate positional deviation information of the position adjustment image.

[0071] The image reading control unit 38 also causes the correction value calculation unit 34 to calculate a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper. The image reading control unit 38 then transmits the correction value calculated by the correction value calculation unit 34 to the print control unit 28.

[0072] Furthermore, the image reading control unit 38 switches the discharge destination of the printed materials between the output tray 30A and the purge tray 30B depending on the print job. Specifically, when the print job is a correction continuous print job, the image reading control unit 38 switches the discharge destination of the printed materials to the output tray 30A using the discharge destination switching unit 36. On the other hand, when the print job is an adjustment print job, the image reading control unit 38 switches the discharge destination of the printed materials to the purge tray 30B using the discharge destination switching unit 36.

[0073] The print control unit 28 and the image reading control unit 38 cooperate to control the overall operation of the print system 10 by transmitting and receiving information to and from each other.

[0074] (Printing system printing process) Next, the printing process performed by the printing system 10 will be described.

[0075] When the printing system 10 receives the adjustment print job and the correction continuous print job, the printing process shown in Fig. 9 is executed in the printing system 10. Note that the printing process is an example of a printing method.

[0076] First, in step S10, the CPU 50 sets the discharge destination of the printed matter to the purge tray 30B.

[0077] Next, in step S12, which is an example of a printing step, the CPU 50 prints, as an adjustment page, a printed matter that is the same as the printed matter of the first page in the correction continuous printing job. Specifically, the CPU 50 causes the printer 20 to print the adjustment page based on the print data of the printed matter of the first page in the correction continuous printing job, and causes the printed adjustment page to be supplied to the image reader 30. At this time, the printer 20 also prints a position adjustment image on the adjustment page.

[0078] Next, in step S14, the CPU 50 calculates misalignment information of the position adjustment image based on the position adjustment image read from the adjustment page. Specifically, as an example of a reading step, the CPU 50 causes the image reader 30 to read the position adjustment image from the adjustment page and eject the adjustment page onto the purge tray 30B. At this time, the CPU 50 calculates misalignment information of the position adjustment image based on the position adjustment image read by the image reader 30.

[0079] Next, in step S16, the CPU 50 calculates a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on paper based on the calculated positional deviation information of the position adjustment image. That is, the CPU 50 calculates a correction value (initial value) for adjusting the printing position of the print image to be printed on paper when printing the first page of the corrected continuous printing job.

[0080] Next, in step S18, the CPU 50 sets the output tray 30A as the discharge destination for the printed matter.

[0081] Next, in step S20, which is an example of an instruction step, the CPU 50 starts a correction continuous printing job. That is, the CPU 50 prints an adjustment page and the first page of the correction continuous printing job with a gap between them so that the printing position of the first page of the printout is adjusted in the correction continuous printing job.

[0082] Specifically, the CPU 50 causes the printing machine 20 to print multiple printed materials in sequence based on the print data of the correction continuous print job, and supplies the multiple printed materials to the image reading machine 30. At this time, the printing machine 20 also prints a position adjustment image on the printed materials.

[0083] Furthermore, the CPU 50 adjusts the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on the correction value calculated in step S16. That is, as an example of an adjustment step, the CPU 50 adjusts the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on the adjustment image read from the adjustment page when printing the first page of the printout in the correction continuous printing job.

[0084] The printed multiple printouts are discharged to the output tray 30A after the position adjustment images are read in order by the image reader 30. At this time, the CPU 50 calculates positional deviation information of the position adjustment images based on the position adjustment images read by the image reader 30, and calculates a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on the calculated amount of positional deviation.

[0085] As a result, every time the image reader 30 reads the position adjustment image from the printed material, the correction value for the printing position of the print image printed on the paper is updated, thereby reducing the amount of deviation in the printing position of the print image.

[0086] Until a correction value is calculated based on the position adjustment image read from the first page of the printed material in the correction continuous printing job, the printing position of the print image printed on the paper is adjusted based on the correction value (initial value) calculated in step S16.

[0087] (Variation) Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0088] The printing system 10 according to the above embodiment prints an adjustment page when an adjustment print job is received. However, the printing system 10 may be configured to print an adjustment page not only when an adjustment print job is received, but also when a correction continuous print job is received, for example, before executing the correction continuous print request job.

[0089] Furthermore, the printing system 10 may be configured to print an adjustment page before executing the first corrected continuous printing job when the first corrected continuous printing job is received after startup of the printing system 10. Furthermore, the printing system 10 may be configured to print an adjustment page before executing a subsequent corrected continuous printing job when printing conditions such as paper size or type are different between consecutive corrected continuous printing jobs, and may be configured not to print an adjustment page before executing a subsequent corrected continuous printing job when the printing conditions are the same.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the same printout (adjustment page) as the first printout in the corrected continuous printing job is printed as the adjustment page. However, the printing system 10 may print the first printout in the corrected continuous printing job as the adjustment page.

[0091] Specifically, for example, when the printing system 10 receives a corrected continuous print job, the printing system 10 may execute the printing process shown in Fig. 10. In this printing process, the CPU 50, as an instruction step, adjusts the print position of the second page of the print job based on the position adjustment image read from the first page of the print job, and then instructs printing of the entire print job so that pages two and beyond of the print job are printed. Note that the printing process is an example of a printing method.

[0092] First, in step S40, the CPU 50 sets the output tray 30A as the discharge destination for the printed matter.

[0093] Next, in step S42, which is an example of a printing step, the CPU 50 prints the first page of the correction continuous printing job as an adjustment page. Specifically, the CPU 50 causes the printer 20 to print only the first page of the correction continuous printing job and supplies the printed first page to the image reader 30. At this time, the printer 20 also prints a position adjustment image on the first page of the correction continuous printing job.

[0094] Next, in step S44, the CPU 50 calculates misalignment information of the position adjustment image based on the position adjustment image read from the first page of the printed material. Specifically, as an example of a reading step, the CPU 50 causes the image reader 30 to read the position adjustment image from the first page of the printed material and eject the first page of the printed material onto the output tray 30A. At this time, the CPU 50 calculates misalignment information of the position adjustment image based on the position adjustment image read by the image reader 30.

[0095] Next, in step S46, the CPU 50 calculates a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on paper based on the calculated positional deviation information of the position adjustment image. That is, the CPU 50 calculates a correction value (initial value) for adjusting the printing position of the print image when printing the second page of the printout in the corrected continuous printing job.

[0096] Next, in step S48, the CPU 50 starts printing the second and subsequent pages of the corrected continuous printing job. That is, the CPU 50 prints the first and second pages of the corrected continuous printing job with a gap between them so that the printing positions of the second and subsequent pages of the corrected continuous printing job are adjusted.

[0097] Specifically, the CPU 50 causes the printer 20 to print the second and subsequent pages of the corrected continuous printing job in order, and supplies the printed pages to the image reader 30. At this time, the printer 20 also prints position adjustment images on the second and subsequent pages of the corrected continuous printing job.

[0098] Furthermore, as an example of an adjustment step, the CPU 50 adjusts the printing position of the print image to be printed on the second page of the corrected continuous printing job based on the correction value calculated in step S46. In other words, when printing the second page of the corrected continuous printing job, the CPU 50 adjusts the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on the adjustment image read from the first page of the corrected continuous printing job.

[0099] The printed multiple printouts are discharged to the output tray 30A after the position adjustment images are read in order by the image reader 30. At this time, the CPU 50 calculates positional deviation information of the position adjustment images based on the position adjustment images read by the image reader 30, and calculates a correction value for the printing position of the print image to be printed on the paper based on the calculated amount of positional deviation.

[0100] As a result, every time the image reader 30 reads the position adjustment image from the printed material, the correction value for the printing position of the print image printed on the paper is updated, thereby reducing the amount of deviation in the printing position of the print image.

[0101] In addition, until a correction value is calculated based on the position adjustment image read from the second page of the printed material in the correction continuous printing job, the printing position of the print image printed on the paper is adjusted based on the correction value (initial value) calculated in step S46.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0103] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may not only be performed by one processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. Some or all of the processors may be configured on a cloud. At least each process described in the above embodiments may be executed by a processor on a cloud.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the programs are installed in a ROM or storage device, but this is not limiting. The programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. For example, the programs according to the above embodiment may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disc such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card. The programs according to the above embodiment may also be acquired from an external device via a communication I / F.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the processing in the printing system 10 is described as being implemented by a software configuration using a computer by executing a program, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the processing in the printing system 10 may be implemented by a hardware configuration or a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0106] Furthermore, the configuration of the printing system 10 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted or new parts may be added within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0107] Furthermore, the processing flow in the printing system 10 described in the above embodiment is also an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiments.

[0109] (((1))) a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; a print control unit that controls printing by leaving an interval between the printing timing of the first page and the printing timing of the second page of the print image so that the adjustment unit adjusts the print position of the second page of the print image based on the position adjustment image of the first page of the print image; A printing system comprising: (((2))) a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; a print control unit that generates an adjustment page of the same image as the first page of the print image, and prints the adjustment page and the first page of the print image with a gap between them so that the print position of the first page of the print image is adjusted by the adjustment unit based on the position adjustment image of the adjustment page; A printing system comprising: (((3))) The printing system according to (((2))), wherein the recording medium on which the adjustment page has been printed is discharged to a purge tray. (((4))) a printing step of printing the first page of the print job on a recording medium and printing a position adjustment image on the recording medium; a reading step of reading the position adjustment image printed in the printing step; an adjusting step of adjusting a print position for printing a second page of the print job on a recording medium based on the position adjustment image read in the reading step; an instruction step of instructing printing of the entire print job so that the second page and subsequent pages of the print job are printed after the print position is adjusted by the adjustment step; A printing method comprising:

[0110] According to (((1))), in a printing system that adjusts the printing position of each page of a print image printed by a printing unit relative to a recording medium based on a position adjustment image for each page of the print image read by a reading unit, it is possible to reduce the number of print images whose printing position is not adjusted. According to (((2))), in a printing system that adjusts the printing position of each page of a print image printed by a printing unit relative to a recording medium based on a position adjustment image for each page of the print image read by a reading unit, it is possible to reduce the number of print images whose printing position is not adjusted. According to (((3))), it is possible to distinguish between the adjustment page and each page of the print image. According to (((4))), in a printing system that adjusts the printing position of each page of a print image printed by a printing unit relative to a recording medium based on a position adjustment image for each page of the print image read by a reading unit, it is possible to reduce the number of print images whose printing position is not adjusted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 Printing System 26 Printing Department 27 Adjustment part 28 Printing control unit 31 Reading unit M Image for position adjustment

Claims

1. a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; a print control unit that controls printing by leaving an interval between the printing timing of the first page and the printing timing of the second page of the print image so that the adjustment unit adjusts the print position of the second page of the print image based on the position adjustment image of the first page of the print image; A printing system comprising:

2. a printing unit that prints a print image on a recording medium and also prints a position adjustment image corresponding to each page of the print image on the recording medium; a reading unit that reads the position adjustment image printed by the printing unit; an adjustment unit that adjusts the print position of each page of the print image printed by the printing unit on the recording medium based on the position adjustment image read by the reading unit; a print control unit that generates an adjustment page of the same image as the first page of the print image, and prints the adjustment page and the first page of the print image with a gap between them so that the print position of the first page of the print image is adjusted by the adjustment unit based on the position adjustment image of the adjustment page; A printing system comprising:

3. 3. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the recording medium on which the adjustment page has been printed is discharged to a purge tray.

4. a printing step of printing the first page of the print job on a recording medium and printing a position adjustment image on the recording medium; a reading step of reading the position adjustment image printed in the printing step; an adjusting step of adjusting a print position for printing a second page of the print job on a recording medium based on the position adjustment image read in the reading step; an instruction step of instructing printing of the entire print job so that the second page and subsequent pages of the print job are printed after the print position is adjusted by the adjustment step; A printing method comprising:

Images