Image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device capable of reproducing images that sufficiently satisfy a user without requiring time and effort for image reproduction adjustment work.SOLUTION: An image processing device capable of adjusting quality of images formed by an image forming device is provided, the image processing device comprising a storage unit configure to store image information regarding an image formed at a given time after initial use and before maintenance of the image forming device, and an image quality adjustment unit configured to perform image quality adjustment such that image quality after the maintenance matches the stored image quality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, color printers with color printing capabilities that allow users to copy or print a created document as a color image have become increasingly popular. As color printers become more popular, the use of color printers to output a document as a color image is also increasing. In this environment, users' expectations regarding the image quality of color images are rising. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to be able to consistently output color images with consistent quality.

[0003] Color printers have process characteristics that change depending on the operating environment, such as temperature and humidity. For this reason, they are equipped with a calibration function to adjust the printer to the target image quality. In addition to the operating environment, process characteristics also change when consumables such as toner and photoconductors are replaced, which can affect image quality. Therefore, by performing calibration even after replacing consumables, corrections are made to maintain the original target image quality as much as possible.

[0004] However, adjusting the image quality to the target level after replacing a consumable may result in a different image quality than before, which can be undesirable for the user. This is mainly due to the difference in characteristics between deteriorated and new consumables. However, for the user, it is not important whether the image quality after replacement is the target (the manufacturer's aim). What is problematic for the user is the change in image quality from what they have been using up until now. With normal usage, minor long-term changes in image quality due to deterioration of consumables are not a problem, but short-term changes in image quality are a major issue.

[0005] For example, the image processing method described in Patent Document 1 compares scan data of a specific image with scan data of a newly output specific image, and then corrects the specific image to be output. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-118349 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] By the way, printer parts are sometimes replaced as a solution to problems. In particular, when it comes to image-related problems, the photoconductor or transfer unit is replaced. For example, if the problem is caused by the photoconductor, replacing the photoconductor will solve the problem. However, changing the photoconductor can change the printer's characteristics, which can also result in changes in image quality that users do not want.

[0008] It is difficult for users to adjust the image quality themselves to eliminate the discrepancies. In such cases, they must ask a service technician to adjust the image quality, and the technician will adjust the image quality reproduction based on the user's memory or a printout from before the part was replaced. However, this adjustment process for image quality reproduction is extremely time-consuming, and it is difficult to fully reproduce the image quality that satisfies the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the image processing method described in Patent Document 1 is designed to adjust only specific images, and since this method does not correct the characteristics of current printers, it is difficult to fully reproduce images that satisfy users.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that does not require much time and effort for adjusting image reproduction and that is capable of reproducing an image that satisfies the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the image processing device of the present invention comprises: An image processing device capable of adjusting the image quality of an image formed by an image forming device, a storage unit that stores image quality information relating to image quality at a predetermined timing after the start of use of the image forming apparatus and before maintenance; an image quality adjustment unit that adjusts image quality so that the image quality after the maintenance matches the stored image quality; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, adjustment work for image reproduction does not require much effort, and an image that satisfies the user can be reproduced sufficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall structure of an image forming apparatus to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall structure of a defect analysis system applied to an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a characteristic adjustment unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the image quality adjustment process in the characteristic adjustment unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic overall configuration of an image forming apparatus to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic overall structure of a defect analysis system applied to an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] 1 and 3 is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus that utilizes electrophotographic process technology. That is, image forming apparatus 1 primarily transfers toner images of each color (Yellow, M, C, and K) formed on photosensitive drum 413 onto intermediate transfer belt 421. Next, image forming apparatus 1 superimposes the four color toner images on intermediate transfer belt 421, and then secondarily transfers them onto paper S, thereby forming an image.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 employs a tandem system in which photosensitive drums 413 corresponding to the four colors YMCK are arranged in series in the running direction of an intermediate transfer belt 421. Then, toner images of each color are transferred sequentially onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 in a single step.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a paper conveying unit 50, a fixing unit 60, a characteristic adjustment unit 80 (see FIG. 3), a defect analysis unit 90 (see FIG. 3), and a control unit 101 (see FIG. 3).

[0018] The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, etc. The CPU 102 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 103, loads it into the RAM 104, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 1 in cooperation with the loaded program. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 72 is referenced. The storage unit 72 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

[0019] The control unit 101 is connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. The communication network is connected to an external device (e.g., a personal computer). This allows the control unit 101 to send and receive various data to and from the external device. For example, the control unit 101 receives image data sent from the external device and forms an image on the paper S based on this image data (input image data). The communication unit 71 is configured, for example, by a communication control card such as a LAN card.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), an original image scanning device 12 (scanner), and the like.

[0021] The automatic document feeder 11 transports the documents D placed on the document tray using a transport mechanism and sends them to the document image scanning device 12. The automatic document feeder 11 makes it possible to continuously read the images (including both sides) of multiple documents D placed on the document tray all at once.

[0022] Original image scanning device 12 optically scans an original document transported from automatic document feeder 11 onto the contact glass or placed on the contact glass. Then, original image scanning device 12 forms an image of the light reflected from the original document on the light receiving surface of CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 12a, thereby reading the original image. Image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading results by original image scanning device 12. This input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in image processing unit 30.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the operation display unit 20 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel. The operation display unit 20 functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, image states, operation statuses of each function, etc. in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 101. The operation unit 22 has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The operation unit 22 accepts various input operations by the user and outputs operation signals to the control unit 101.

[0024] The image processing unit 30 includes a circuit for performing digital image processing on input image data according to initial settings or user settings. For example, under the control of the control unit 101, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data (gradation correction table). In addition to gradation correction, the image processing unit 30 also performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, as well as compression, on the input image data. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data that has undergone these processes.

[0025] 1, the image forming section 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, and an intermediate transfer unit 42. The image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K form images using color toners of Y, M, C, and K components based on input image data.

[0026] The image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for the Y, M, C, and K 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, or K. In FIG. 1, reference numerals are only used for the components of the image forming unit 41Y for the Y component. In FIG. 1, reference numerals are omitted for the components of the image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K other than the image forming unit 41Y.

[0027] The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photosensitive drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, and the like.

[0028] Photosensitive drum 413 is made of an organic photosensitive body in which a photosensitive layer made of a resin containing an organic photoconductor is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a drum-shaped metal substrate, for example.

[0029] The control unit 101 controls the drive current supplied to a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the photosensitive drum 413, thereby rotating the photosensitive drum 413 at a constant peripheral speed.

[0030] The charging device 414 is, for example, a scorotron, and generates a corona discharge to uniformly charge the surface of the photoconductive photosensitive drum 413 to a negative polarity.

[0031] The exposure device 411 is configured with, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 413 with laser light corresponding to an image of each color component. As a result, an electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed in the image area on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 irradiated with the laser light due to the potential difference with the background area.

[0032] The developing device 412 is a two-component reverse type developing device, and visualizes the electrostatic latent image by depositing the developer of each color component onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 413, thereby forming a toner image.

[0033] To the developing device 412, for example, a DC developing bias having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414 is applied. Alternatively, to the developing device 412, for example, a developing bias in which a DC voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the charging device 414 is superimposed on an AC voltage is applied. As a result, reversal development is performed in which toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure device 411.

[0034] Drum cleaning device 415 has flat plate-shaped drum cleaning blade 415A made of an elastic material and is brought into contact with the surface of photosensitive drum 413. Drum cleaning blade 415A and the like remove toner remaining on the surface of photosensitive drum 413 without being transferred to intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, an image forming unit 41T for white toner is provided. The image forming unit 41T has the same configuration as the image forming units 41 for the other color toners. The image forming unit 41T is disposed in a position where it can supply white toner on top of the color toners. The white toner is also used when forming a base image on the paper S during overprinting, which will be described later.

[0036] The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, and a plurality of support rollers 423. The intermediate transfer unit 42 further includes a secondary transfer roller 424, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

[0037] The intermediate transfer unit 42 is composed of an endless belt, stretched in a loop around multiple support rollers 423. At least one of the multiple support rollers 423 is a drive roller, and the others are driven rollers. For example, it is preferable that roller 423A, which is located downstream of primary transfer roller 422 for the K component in the belt running direction, be the drive roller. This makes it easier to maintain a constant belt running speed at the primary transfer nip. As drive roller 423A rotates, intermediate transfer belt 421 runs at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A.

[0038] The intermediate transfer belt 421 is a conductive and elastic belt, and is driven to rotate by a control signal from the control unit 101 .

[0039] The primary transfer rollers 422 are disposed opposite the photosensitive drums 413 of the respective color components on the inner peripheral side of the intermediate transfer belt 421. The primary transfer rollers 422 are pressed against the photosensitive drums 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 sandwiched therebetween. This forms a primary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drums 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0040] Secondary transfer roller 424 is disposed opposite backup roller 423B, which is disposed downstream of drive roller 423A in the belt running direction. Secondary transfer roller 424 is also disposed on the outer circumferential surface side of intermediate transfer belt 421. Secondary transfer roller 424 is pressed against backup roller 423B, with intermediate transfer belt 421 sandwiched between them. This forms a secondary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from intermediate transfer belt 421 to paper S.

[0041] When the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner images on the photosensitive drum 413 are sequentially superimposed and primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421. Specifically, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 422. Then, a charge of the opposite polarity to that of the toner is applied to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side that contacts the primary transfer roller 422. As a result, the toner images are electrostatically transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421.

[0042] Thereafter, when the paper S passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred onto the paper S. Specifically, a secondary transfer bias is applied to the backup roller 423B, and a charge of the same polarity as the toner is applied to the front side of the paper S, that is, the side that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 421. Furthermore, a voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 424 so that the potential is relatively higher than that of the backup roller 423B. As a result, the toner image is electrostatically transferred onto the paper S, and the paper S is transported toward the fixing unit 60.

[0043] Belt cleaning device 426 removes residual toner remaining on the surface of intermediate transfer belt 421 after secondary transfer. Note that a so-called belt-type secondary transfer unit may be used instead of secondary transfer roller 424. The belt-type secondary transfer unit has a configuration in which a secondary transfer belt is looped and stretched around a plurality of support rollers including a secondary transfer roller, for example.

[0044] The fixing section 60 includes an upper fixing section 60A having a fixing surface side member that is arranged on the fixing surface of the paper S, i.e., the surface on which the toner image is formed. The fixing section 60 also includes a lower fixing section 60B having a back surface side support member that is arranged on the back surface of the paper S, i.e., the surface opposite the fixing surface. The fixing section 60 also includes a heating source 60C and the like. The back surface side support member is pressed against the fixing surface side member to form a fixing nip that clamps and transports the paper S.

[0045] The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image onto the paper S by applying heat and pressure to the paper S, which has been transported after the toner image has been secondarily transferred, at a fixing nip. The fixing unit 60 is disposed as a unit inside the fixing device F.

[0046] The paper transport section 50 includes a paper feed section 51, a paper discharge section 52, and a transport path section 53. The paper feed section 51 is made up of three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c. The three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c store paper S (standard paper, special paper) identified based on basis weight, size, etc., according to a preset type. The transport path section 53 has a plurality of transport rollers, such as a registration roller body 53a.

[0047] The sheets S stored in the sheet feed tray units 51a to 51c are fed one by one from the top, and are transported to the image forming unit 40 by the transport path unit 53. At this time, the skew of the fed sheets S is corrected by a registration roller unit having a registration roller pair 53a. The registration roller unit also adjusts the transport timing. Then, in the image forming unit 40, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred all at once onto one side of the sheets S, and the toner image is fixed in the fixing unit 60. The sheets S with the image formed thereon are discharged outside the apparatus by the sheet discharge rollers 52a.

[0048] Parts may be replaced as a countermeasure against defects in the image forming device 1. Part replacement changes the characteristics of the image forming device 1, and may also result in changes in image quality that the user does not desire. The image processing device 100 in this embodiment has a characteristic adjustment unit 80 and a defect analysis unit 90 (see FIG. 3). This eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustment work to reproduce the image quality before the part replacement, and makes it possible to fully reproduce images that satisfy the user.

[0049] (Characteristics adjustment section 80) 4 is a block diagram showing a characteristic adjustment unit according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the characteristic adjustment unit 80 includes a processing unit 81, an image quality information storage unit 82, an image quality comparison unit 83, and an image quality adjustment unit 84.

[0050] (Processing unit 81) The processing unit 81 determines whether a specific event has occurred. The processing unit 81 stores image quality information of the output image in the image quality information storage unit 82 at a predetermined timing when the specific event occurs. Here, the "output image" refers to an output image output as a color image when a document is copied or printed. The "predetermined timing" refers to the following cases. The first case is when the process is performed in conjunction with other processes. Here, other processes include, for example, tone correction, which corrects the tone range to improve the reproducibility of the output image, and stabilization processing, which stabilizes the image quality of the output image. The second case is when the process is performed before a process that may change the image quality is performed. Here, the time when a process that may change the image quality is performed includes, for example, component replacement or the start of defect analysis to analyze a defect in the output image. The third case is when the process is forcibly performed at a predetermined time interval, a fixed time interval such as when the power is turned on / off, or after a predetermined number of prints. The "image quality information" is, for example, image quality information extracted from the detection results of the toner pattern on the transfer belt during stabilization. Furthermore, the "image quality information" is image quality information extracted from the results of reading a test pattern during tone correction or defect analysis, for example.

[0051] The processing unit 81 continues to store the image quality information in the image quality information storage unit 82 until maintenance is performed, such as replacing consumables due to their lifespan or addressing malfunctions. Furthermore, the processing unit 81 stores the image quality information in the image quality information storage unit 82 at a predetermined timing. Here, "maintenance" includes adjustment of engine characteristics in the image forming apparatus 1 and adjustment of characteristics through image processing. Note that the image quality information stored in the image quality information storage unit 82 before maintenance is performed is referred to as "image quality information before maintenance."

[0052] The processing unit 81 determines whether maintenance has been performed. If maintenance has been performed, the processing unit 81 determines whether the maintenance was performed with the objective of resolving an image defect. If the processing unit determines that the maintenance was performed with the objective of resolving an image defect, the defect analysis unit 90 analyzes the image defect. Here, "image defect" refers to stains such as dots in the image, black or gray vertical lines, light printing, faded images, color unevenness, color misalignment, etc.

[0053] (Fault analysis unit 90) The defect analysis unit 90's function of analyzing image defects resides within the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, when a defect occurs, the defect image is scanned and the defect analysis unit 90 performs defect analysis. As shown in FIG. 2, the service center presents the user with countermeasures, including part replacement. Alternatively, the service center may inform a service technician of the cause of the defect and request a visit from the user. Alternatively, the service center may remotely change the settings or adjust parameters of the target image forming apparatus 1. After the countermeasure is taken, the output image is scanned to confirm that the defect has been resolved, and if the defect has been resolved, the countermeasure work is terminated. The function of the defect analysis unit 90 may reside in an external server connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a communications network.

[0054] The defect analysis unit 90 analyzes defects in the image based on the image quality information before maintenance. Furthermore, the defect analysis unit 90 analyzes defects in the image by referring to the operation data of the image forming apparatus 1 and the maintenance and inspection history data of the image forming apparatus 1. The processing unit 81 stores the defect analysis results analyzed by the defect analysis unit 90 in the image quality information storage unit 82.

[0055] When maintenance is performed, the processing unit 81 stores image quality information in the image quality information storage unit 82 in parallel with the execution of the maintenance. Furthermore, the processing unit 81 stores the image quality information in the image quality information storage unit 82 regardless of whether the maintenance is aimed at resolving an image defect or not. Note that the image quality information stored in the image quality information storage unit 82 in parallel with the execution of maintenance is referred to as "image quality information after maintenance."

[0056] The image quality comparison unit 83 performs an image quality comparison between image quality information before maintenance and image quality information after maintenance, and extracts the difference between the two. When performing the image quality comparison and difference extraction, the image quality comparison unit 83 refers to the defect analysis results read out from the image quality information storage unit 82. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of difference extraction by the image quality comparison unit 83.

[0057] (Image quality adjustment unit 84) Based on the image quality comparison result, the image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment so that the image quality after maintenance is the same as the image quality before maintenance. Here, "image quality adjustment" includes engine characteristics used when an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 1. The engine characteristics include, for example, control parameter values ​​of the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, "image quality adjustment" includes characteristics used when image processing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1. The characteristics include, for example, the gamma value of the image (gamma table value), the width of characters and lines, color conversion parameters, and the like.

[0058] Next, an example of image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment unit 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a patch image before and after maintenance. The left side of FIG. 5 shows a plurality of color patches in the patch image before maintenance. The right side of FIG. 5 shows a plurality of color patches in the patch image after maintenance. Each of the plurality of color patches depicted in the patch image shown in FIG. 5 is represented by a number. The image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment so that the image quality of the patch image before maintenance and the image quality of the patch image after maintenance are the same. The image quality adjustment results are stored in the image quality information storage unit 82.

[0059] Next, another example of image quality adjustment by the image quality adjustment unit 84 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a patch image before and after maintenance. The left side of FIG. 6 shows multiple color patches in the patch image before maintenance. The right side of FIG. 6 shows multiple color patches in the patch image after maintenance. Each of the multiple color patches depicted in the patch image shown in FIG. 6 is represented by a number. Some of the multiple color patches depicted in the patch image may be defective. Defective portions in the patch image before maintenance shown on the left side of FIG. 6 are indicated by numbers (defect numbers) placed within areas surrounded by dashed lines. The image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment while excluding the defective portions. The defect numbers are "8," "10," "11," "20," "22," "23," "32," "34," "35," "44," "46," and "47." The image quality adjustment results are stored in the image quality information storage unit 82.

[0060] It should be noted that when the image forming apparatus 1 has been used for a long period of time, the image quality before maintenance may have changed from the initial image quality that the manufacturer aimed for. Basically, by reproducing the image quality before maintenance, the user can use the image forming apparatus 1 with the same image quality as before. However, when comparing the image quality of the initial state with the image quality before maintenance, the user may decide that the image quality of the initial state is preferable. Therefore, the image quality adjustment results are stored in the image quality information storage unit 82 separately from the initial adjustment results. By storing the adjustment results of both the manufacturer's recommended image quality and the image quality before maintenance, it becomes possible to switch the image quality according to the user's preference.

[0061] Next, the image quality adjustment process in the characteristic adjustment section 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the image quality adjustment process in the characteristic adjustment section 80. This flow starts when the image forming apparatus 1 is started up.

[0062] First, in step S110, the processing unit 81 determines whether a specific event has occurred. If a specific event has occurred (step S110: YES), the process proceeds to step S120. If a specific event has not occurred (step S110: NO), the process proceeds to step S130.

[0063] Next, in step S120, the processing unit 81 stores the image quality information of the output image in the image quality information storage unit .

[0064] Next, in step S130, the processing unit 81 determines whether maintenance has been performed. If maintenance has been performed (step S130: YES), the process proceeds to step S140. If maintenance has not been performed (step S130: NO), the process returns to before step S110.

[0065] Next, in step S140, the processing unit 81 determines whether the maintenance is intended to resolve an image defect. If the maintenance is intended to resolve an image defect (step S140: YES), the process proceeds to step S150. If the maintenance is not intended to resolve an image defect (step S140: NO), the process proceeds to step S160.

[0066] Next, in step S150, the failure analysis section 90 executes a failure analysis.

[0067] Next, in step S160, the processing unit 81 stores the image quality information in the image quality information storage unit .

[0068] Next, in step S170, the image quality comparison unit 83 compares the image quality information before maintenance with the image quality information after maintenance, and extracts the difference between them.

[0069] Next, in step S180, the image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment based on the comparison result of the image quality comparison unit 83. The image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment so that the image quality after maintenance is the same as the image quality before maintenance. After that, this flow ends.

[0070] The image processing device 100 in the above embodiment is an image processing device capable of adjusting the image quality of an image formed by the image forming device 1. The image processing device 100 includes an image quality information storage unit 82 that stores image quality information at a predetermined timing after the start of use of the image forming device 1 and before maintenance. Furthermore, the image processing device 100 includes an image quality adjustment unit 84 that adjusts the image quality after maintenance to match the stored image quality.

[0071] With the above configuration, the image quality before maintenance stored at a predetermined timing in the image quality information storage unit 82 is matched with the image quality after maintenance. This eliminates the need for laborious adjustment work for image quality reproduction, and makes it possible to fully reproduce images that satisfy the user.

[0072] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing when stabilization processing is performed on the image forming device 1. This makes it possible to store image quality information before maintenance in the image quality information storage unit 82 even if stabilization processing is performed during maintenance.

[0073] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing when gradation correction of an image is performed on the image forming device 1. This makes it possible to store image quality information before maintenance in the image quality information storage unit 82 even if gradation correction is performed during maintenance.

[0074] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing at which analysis of an image defect is started in the image forming device 1. This makes it possible to store image quality information before maintenance in the image quality information storage unit 82 even if analysis of an image defect is started during maintenance.

[0075] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing at which processing is started in association with the replacement of a component part of the image forming device 1. This makes it possible to store the image quality information before maintenance in the image quality information storage unit 82 even if processing involving the replacement of a component part is started during maintenance.

[0076] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the predetermined timing is set to be a timing that is performed at a predetermined regular interval. As a result, image quality information is stored in the image quality information storage unit 82 at regular intervals, regardless of whether maintenance is performed or not. As a result, it becomes possible to store image quality information before maintenance in the image quality information storage unit 82.

[0077] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment in conjunction with the stabilization process. As a result, even if image quality adjustment is performed in conjunction with the stabilization process, the image quality adjustment unit 84 can match the image quality after maintenance to the image quality before maintenance. As a result, it is possible to fully reproduce an image that satisfies the user.

[0078] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment in conjunction with gradation correction. As a result, even if image quality adjustment is performed in conjunction with gradation correction, the image quality adjustment unit 84 can match the image quality after maintenance to the image quality before maintenance. As a result, it is possible to fully reproduce an image that satisfies the user.

[0079] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image quality adjustment unit 84 performs image quality adjustment in conjunction with the processing for improving a defect. As a result, even if image quality adjustment is performed in conjunction with the processing for improving a defect, the image quality adjustment unit 84 can match the image quality after maintenance to the image quality before maintenance. As a result, it is possible to fully reproduce an image that satisfies the user.

[0080] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image quality adjustment unit 84 adjusts the image quality so that the entire image matches the defective portion. This prevents the image quality after maintenance from being matched to the image quality of the defective portion before maintenance. As a result, it becomes possible to reproduce an image that satisfies the user. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the process of matching the image quality after maintenance to the image quality of the defective portion before maintenance. As a result, it becomes possible to eliminate unnecessary image quality adjustment work.

[0081] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image quality adjustment unit 84 adjusts the engine characteristics used when an image is formed by the image forming device. Image quality adjustment is performed by adjusting the engine characteristics. As a result, by adjusting the engine characteristics, it is possible to adjust the image quality after maintenance so that it matches the image quality before maintenance.

[0082] Furthermore, in the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the image forming device 1 performs image processing based on the characteristics. The image quality adjustment unit 84 adjusts the characteristics to perform image quality adjustment. This makes it possible to adjust the image quality after maintenance so that it matches the image quality before maintenance by adjusting the characteristics in image processing.

[0083] In the image processing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the initial adjustment results are stored separately from the image quality adjustment results in the image quality information storage unit 82. This makes it possible to maintain substantially the same image quality as before the consumables were replaced by resetting the adjustment values ​​to their initial values ​​after the consumables have been replaced. Note that image quality adjustment involves a mixture of characteristics (items) adjusted to maintain quality and characteristics (items) adjusted to suit the user's preferences. In this case, when replacing consumables, it is sufficient to reset only the characteristics (items) adjusted to maintain quality to their initial values, for example.

[0084] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be carried out in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Image forming device 80 Characteristic adjustment section 81 Processing section 82 Image quality information storage unit 83 Image Quality Comparison 84 Image quality adjustment section 90 Defect Analysis Department 100 Image processing device

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of adjusting the image quality of an image formed by an image forming device, a storage unit that stores image quality information relating to image quality at a predetermined timing after the start of use of the image forming apparatus and before maintenance; an image quality adjustment unit that adjusts image quality so that the image quality after the maintenance matches the stored image quality; An image processing device comprising:

2. the predetermined timing is a timing when a stabilization process is executed on the image forming apparatus. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the predetermined timing is a timing at which gradation correction of an image is performed on the image forming device; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the predetermined timing is a timing at which an analysis of an image defect in the image forming apparatus is started; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the predetermined timing is a timing at which a process associated with replacement of a component constituting the image forming apparatus is started; The image processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The predetermined timing is a timing that is performed at a predetermined regular interval. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the image quality adjustment unit performs the image quality adjustment in conjunction with the stabilization processing. The image processing device according to claim 2 .

8. the image quality adjustment unit performs the image quality adjustment in conjunction with the gradation correction. The image processing device according to claim 3 .

9. the image quality adjustment unit performs the image quality adjustment in conjunction with the process of improving the defect. The image processing device according to claim 4 .

10. the image quality adjustment unit performs the image quality adjustment so that the entire image, excluding the defective portion, is consistent. The image processing device according to claim 9 .

11. the image quality adjustment unit adjusts engine characteristics used when an image is formed by the image forming apparatus, thereby performing the image quality adjustment. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

12. the image forming device performs image processing based on the characteristics, the image quality adjustment unit adjusts the characteristics to perform the image quality adjustment. The image processing device according to claim 1 .

Images