Control device, image formation system, and program

Abstract

To make it possible to execute image adjustment at a necessary timing.SOLUTION: A control device (image formation device 10) includes a control unit (CPU 11) that performs first adjustment for performing image adjustment on the basis of a reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a first image formed by an image formation unit 17, and second adjustment for performing the image adjustment on the basis of the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading the second image formed by the image formation unit 17 on the basis of the first adjustment, wherein the control unit (CPU 11) controls the image formation based on a job on the basis of the second adjustment, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, performs the first adjustment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an image forming system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses form images on sheets based on image data, but errors occur between the images formed on the sheets and the images based on the original image data. Therefore, an image inspection device reads a sheet on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus, and obtains the difference between the read image data and the original image data.The image forming apparatus then creates adjustment values ​​for adjusting the image data based on the obtained difference.The image forming apparatus then corrects the image data based on the adjustment values ​​and forms an image using the corrected image data.

[0003] Furthermore, image adjustment involves creating adjustment values ​​in a step-by-step process. First, a reference difference is obtained, and an adjustment value for adjusting the image of the image data is created. The image forming device then obtains the difference as appropriate and corrects the adjustment value. The image forming device corrects the image data based on the corrected adjustment value, and forms an image based on the corrected image data. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the user determines whether or not to create an adjustment value, and the adjustment value is created based on an instruction from the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-254350 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the user has to decide whether or not the adjustment values ​​need to be recreated, so there is a risk that the user may not be aware of the need to recreate them or may forget to recreate them, resulting in the adjustment values ​​not being recreated at the appropriate time.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to perform image adjustment at the required timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the control device according to the present invention comprises: a control unit that performs a first adjustment to adjust an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by an image forming unit with a reading unit, and a second adjustment to adjust an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment with the reading unit, The control unit controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, performs the first adjustment.

[0008] Further, the image forming system according to the present invention comprises: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job; a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet; a control unit that performs a first adjustment to perform image adjustment based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by the image forming unit using the reading unit, and a second adjustment to perform image adjustment based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit using the first adjustment using the reading unit, The control unit controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, performs the first adjustment.

[0009] In addition, the program according to the present invention is The control device's computer, a control unit that performs a first adjustment for adjusting an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by an image forming unit using a reading unit, and a second adjustment for adjusting an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit using the first adjustment, The control unit controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, performs the first adjustment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, image adjustment can be performed at the required timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a readjustment process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] [Image formation system overview] First, the configuration of an image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming system 100. The image forming system 100 is configured to include an image forming apparatus 10 (control apparatus) that performs image forming processing on paper P, and an image inspection apparatus 20 that inspects the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 1 shows an example in which one image inspection device 20 is connected to an image forming device 10. Fig. 2 shows an example in which two image inspection devices 20 (a first image inspection device 20A and a second image inspection device 20B) are connected to the image forming device 10. Note that the number of image inspection devices 20 connected to the image forming device 10 may be three or more.

[0014] [Image forming device] The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on a sheet P in accordance with image formation conditions received from an external information processing terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) via a communication network. The image forming apparatus 10 conveys the sheet P after the image formation to the image inspection apparatus 20. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Unit) 13, a storage unit 14, a paper feed unit 15, an image forming unit 17, an operation display unit 19, a communication I / F (Interface) 110, and the like.

[0015] The CPU 11 reads out a program stored in the ROM 12, loads it into the RAM 13, and controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the loaded program. The ROM 12 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores the system program, various processing programs that can be executed on the system program, various data, and the like. The RAM 13 is configured by a volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and forms a work area for temporarily storing programs read from the ROM 12, input or output data, parameters, and the like during various processes executed by the CPU 11.

[0016] The CPU 11 functions as a control unit that performs a first adjustment to perform image adjustment based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit reading a first image formed by the image forming unit, and a second adjustment to perform image adjustment based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment. The first image and the second image are, for example, a color chart or a chart for density correction. The CPU 11 controls the job-based image formation based on the second adjustment, as in the readjustment process described below, and performs the first adjustment if it determines that a predetermined condition is met. After that, if the CPU 11 determines that a predetermined condition is met and performs the first adjustment, as in the readjustment process described below, it performs image adjustment based on the first adjustment performed immediately before the second adjustment. The image adjustment is, for example, color adjustment, but is not limited to this. The image adjustment may also include, for example, density adjustment. The CPU 11 may perform the first adjustment based on an instruction from the user in addition to when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied. The first adjustment is to calculate an adjustment value that adjusts the deviation between the first image and the reading result obtained by reading the first image with the reading unit. The image in which the adjustment value (target adjustment value) is reflected in the first image is called the target image. The second adjustment is correcting the adjustment value based on the reading result of reading the second image by the reading unit, for example, by readjusting the target image.

[0017] The storage unit 14 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various data.

[0018] The paper feed unit 15 has multiple paper feed trays T1 to T3 that can store paper P of different sizes, types (paper grades), basis weights, etc., and supplies the paper P stored in the set paper feed trays T1 to T3 to the image forming unit 17.

[0019] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on the paper P. The image forming unit 17 charges a photosensitive member in a charging unit, exposes and scans the photosensitive member with a laser beam emitted from an exposure unit based on image data to form an electrostatic latent image, develops the electrostatic latent image with toner in a developing unit, transfers the toner image to the paper P in a transfer unit, and fixes the toner image to the paper P in a fixing unit (fixing device).

[0020] The operation display unit 19 includes a display unit configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays various screens, and an operation unit configured with a touch panel and various keys stacked on the display unit. The operation display unit 19 outputs operation signals input by touch operation or key operation to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11. The operation display unit 19 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user. The operation display unit 19 may be provided with an audio output unit such as a speaker, and may notify by audio when functioning as a notification unit.

[0021] The communication I / F 110 is configured with a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, etc., and transmits and receives data to and from the image inspection device 20, a PC (Personal Computer), etc.

[0022] [Image inspection equipment] The image inspection device 20 generates a read image by reading information formed on the paper P as an image, and transmits the read image to the image forming device 10 via a communication network. The image inspection device 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage unit 24, a paper transport unit 25, a reading unit 27, a communication I / F 28, and the like.

[0023] The CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 are the same as the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13, except that the object controlled by the CPU 21 is the image inspection device 20.

[0024] The storage unit 24 is configured with a HDD, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various data.

[0025] The paper transport section 25 is made up of a plurality of transport rollers provided along a transport path, and transports the paper P carried in from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0026] The communication I / F 28 is configured with a NIC, a modem, etc., and transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 10, a PC, etc.

[0027] The reading unit 27 reads the paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 and generates image data (read image). The reading unit 27 can read both sides of the paper P. Specifically, the reading unit 27 reads light that is irradiated from a light source and reflected by the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or the like.

[0028] Here, automatic change of the reading unit 27 to be controlled due to a change in configuration will be described. For example, initially, the configuration of the image forming system 100 may consist of one first image inspection device 20A connected to the image forming device 10, as shown in Figure 1, and then the configuration may be changed so that a second image inspection device 20B (with higher reading accuracy than the first image inspection device 20A) is newly connected in the subsequent stage, as shown in Figure 2. In such a case, the image forming device 10 (CPU 11) obtains information regarding the configuration change from information input by the user using the operation display unit 19 or from the second image inspection device 20B connected via the communication I / F 110. Then, the image forming apparatus 10 (CPU 11) controls the second image inspection apparatus 20B, causes the reading unit 27B to generate a read image, and acquires the read image from the second image inspection apparatus 20B. In this case, the first image inspection apparatus 20A is not controlled.

[0029] [Readjustment process] The flow of the readjustment process executed by the CPU 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The readjustment process is a process of performing the first adjustment again when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied. In addition, the readjustment process may perform a second adjustment based on the first adjustment after the first adjustment. It is assumed that at least the first adjustment has been performed before the readjustment process. The second adjustment may also be performed before the readjustment process.

[0030] First, the CPU 11 determines whether a predetermined condition is met (step S1). If the predetermined condition is met (step S1; YES), the CPU 11 advances the readjustment process to step S2. If the predetermined condition is not met (step S1; NO), the CPU 11 advances the readjustment process to step S4. That is, the CPU 11 controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, it performs the first adjustment.

[0031] Here, the predetermined conditions will be explained. For example, the predetermined condition is when there is a change in the configuration of image forming system 100 (image forming unit 17 or reading unit 27) from when the first adjustment was performed. A change in the configuration includes not only the replacement of the image inspection device 20 itself, including the reading unit 27, as described above, but also the addition or replacement of parts in the image forming unit 17 or the reading unit 27. In other words, a change in the configuration is a change from the configuration of the image forming unit 17 or the reading unit 27 when the first adjustment was performed. As a result, if there is a change in the configuration of the image forming system 100 from when the first adjustment was performed, the first adjustment and the second adjustment, which will be described later, are performed again to perform readjustment. Therefore, the adjustment values ​​can be recreated at the required timing.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition is when the date information when the second adjustment is performed (when the second adjustment starts) is different from the date information when the first adjustment is performed. In this case, the first adjustment and the second adjustment, which will be described later, are executed again to perform readjustment, so that the adjustment values ​​can be recreated at the required timing.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, the predetermined condition is when the history information related to image formation satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the predetermined condition is when the history information related to image formation is the number of jobs executed, the number of images formed, or the like, and the number of jobs or the number of images formed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the first adjustment and the second adjustment, which will be described later, are executed again to perform readjustment, so that the adjustment values ​​can be recreated at the required timing.

[0034] Next, CPU 11 controls operation display unit 19 to notify the user that the first adjustment is not necessarily accurate (step S2). For example, the CPU 11 displays a warning screen on the operation display unit 19 saying, "Conditions that may cause color abnormalities have been detected. Please recreate the output paper density correction values."

[0035] Next, the CPU 11 performs a first adjustment (step S3). The CPU 11 deletes the adjustment values ​​in the first adjustment that are already stored in the storage unit 14, and stores new adjustment values ​​in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, the CPU 11 overwrites the adjustment values ​​in the first adjustment that are already stored in the storage unit 14 with the new adjustment values, and stores them in the storage unit 14. It should be noted that the adjustment values ​​in the second adjustment that have already been stored in the storage unit 14 are deleted by the CPU 11 when the adjustment values ​​in the first adjustment that are associated with them are deleted or overwritten.

[0036] Next, the CPU 11 performs a second adjustment (step S4). The CPU 11 stores the new adjustment value in the second adjustment in the storage unit 14. Then, the CPU 11 ends the readjustment process.

[0037] [others] In the above description, the readjustment process is started from the start of the second adjustment, but is not limited to this. For example, the start may be when the image forming apparatus 10 is started.

[0038] In the above readjustment process, the first adjustment and the second adjustment are performed in steps S2 and S3, but the CPU 11 may delete the adjustment values ​​in the first adjustment and also delete the adjustment values ​​in the second adjustment, and then end the readjustment process. After the end, the CPU 11 may execute the readjustment process and obtain new adjustment values ​​before the next image formation.

[0039] Furthermore, instead of configuring the image inspection device 20 separately from the image forming device 10 as described above, the image inspection device 20 may be integrated with the image forming device 10 to form a single image forming device 10 .

[0040] [effect] As described above, the control device (image forming device 10) is provided with a control unit (CPU 11) that performs a first adjustment to adjust the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a first image formed by the image forming unit 17, and a second adjustment to adjust the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a second image formed by the image forming unit 17 based on the first adjustment, and the control unit (CPU 11) controls image formation based on a job based on the second adjustment, and performs the first adjustment when it determines that predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, image adjustment can be performed at the required timing. Specifically, the present invention is effective in the following cases: For example, if there is a change in the configuration of an image forming device or an image inspection device, it may be necessary to recreate the adjustment values. This is because if correction is performed without changing the adjustment values, errors associated with the change in the device configuration will be included in the final corrected image data. As a result, the color and density of the formed image will differ from the image of the original image data. Configuration changes include adding or replacing parts in the image forming device or image inspection device, or replacing the image inspection device itself. When parts are added or replaced, the adjustment values ​​naturally change. Furthermore, when the image inspection device itself is replaced, the adjustment values ​​naturally change because the sheet reading accuracy differs for each individual image inspection device. Furthermore, the adjustment values ​​may vary depending on the environment in which the image forming apparatus or image inspection apparatus is installed, the usage status of the image forming apparatus or image inspection apparatus, etc. Therefore, even in such cases, the adjustment values ​​must be recreated.

[0041] The image forming system 100 also includes an image forming unit 17 that forms an image on a sheet based on a job, a reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) that reads the image formed on the sheet, and a control unit (CPU 11) that performs a first adjustment that adjusts the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit reading a first image formed by the image forming unit, and a second adjustment that adjusts the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment, and the control unit (CPU 11) controls image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and performs the first adjustment when it determines that predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, image adjustment can be performed at the required timing.

[0042] The program also causes the computer of the control device (image forming device 10) to function as a control unit (CPU 11) that performs a first adjustment, which adjusts the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a first image formed by the image forming unit 17, and a second adjustment, which adjusts the image based on the reading result obtained by the reading unit (reading unit 27, 27A, 27B) reading a second image formed by the image forming unit 17 based on the first adjustment, and the control unit (CPU 11) controls image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and performs the first adjustment if it determines that predetermined conditions are met. Therefore, image adjustment can be performed at the required timing.

[0043] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the image forming system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The detailed configurations and operations of the components constituting the image forming system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where paper P is used as the sheet has been described, but the material of the sheet is not limited to paper, and it may be sheet-shaped resin or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Image forming device (control device) 11 CPU (control unit) 17 Image forming unit 19 Operation display section (notification section) 20, 20A, 20B Image inspection equipment 27, 27A, 27B reading unit 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. a control unit that performs a first adjustment to adjust an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by an image forming unit with a reading unit, and a second adjustment to adjust an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment with the reading unit, The control unit controls image formation based on a job based on the second adjustment, and performs the first adjustment when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

2. The control device described in claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the specified conditions are met, the control unit performs the first adjustment and then performs the second adjustment based on the reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment using a reading unit.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit performs the first adjustment based on an instruction from a user in addition to when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

4. the first adjustment includes calculating an adjustment value for adjusting a deviation between the first image and a reading result obtained by reading the first image by the reading unit; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second adjustment corrects the adjustment value based on a reading result obtained by reading the second image by the reading unit.

5. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a configuration of the image forming unit or the reading unit has been changed from that when the first adjustment was performed.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition is that date information when the second adjustment is performed is different from date information when the first adjustment is performed.

7. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where history information relating to image formation satisfies a preset condition.

8. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on a job based on the second adjustment, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, performs the first adjustment after the job is executed.

9. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to perform image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, notifies a user by a notification unit.

10. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on a job; a reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet; a control unit that performs a first adjustment to perform image adjustment based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by the image forming unit using the reading unit, and a second adjustment to perform image adjustment based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit based on the first adjustment using the reading unit, The control unit controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and performs the first adjustment when it determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

11. The control device's computer, a control unit that performs a first adjustment for adjusting an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a first image formed by an image forming unit using a reading unit, and a second adjustment for adjusting an image based on a reading result obtained by reading a second image formed by the image forming unit using the first adjustment, The control unit controls the image formation based on the job based on the second adjustment, and when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit performs the first adjustment.

Images