Image forming control method and image forming device

Abstract

To reduce a stand-by time when an event, which causes a test print process or an interrupt job to be started, occurs in the middle of a job.SOLUTION: When an insertion event occurs while a print device 4 is executing a job, a control device 8 makes the print device 4 to stop a target job that is the job being executed and makes the print device 4 execute a test print process without changing a target temperature of a drying device 5 and then makes the print device 4 execute a remaining process of the target job. When an interrupt event occurs while the print device is executing the target job, the control device 8 makes the print device 4 stop the target job and changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job and also makes the print device 4 execute the interrupt job, and then returns the target temperature to the temperature corresponding to the target job and also makes the print device 4 execute the remaining process of the target job.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming control method for controlling an image forming apparatus that includes a heater for drying ink on a sheet on which an ink image is formed, and to the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by an inkjet method may include a drying device that dries the ink on the sheet by a heater.

[0003] The power supplied to the heater is adjusted by feedback control based on a target temperature and a detected value of a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the heater or the air heated by the heater.

[0004] It is also known that the temperature of the heater or the conveyance of the sheet in the area corresponding to the drying device is controlled according to the amount of ink per unit area on the sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42937 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When the image forming apparatus executes a job for sequentially forming images on a plurality of sheets, the target temperature of the drying device may be set for each job, for example, based on the type of the sheets used in the job.

[0007] On the other hand, while the job is being executed, an event may occur that triggers the start of a test print process or an interrupt job for forming a predetermined image. In this case, the job being executed is interrupted, and the test print process or the interrupt job corresponding to the event is executed.

[0008] If the target temperature corresponding to the job currently being executed differs from the target temperature corresponding to the test print process or the interrupt job, a waiting time occurs before and after the test print process or the interrupt job.

[0009] The waiting time is the time required for the temperature of the drying device to fall within an allowable range based on the target temperature, and the waiting time is longer as the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the job currently being executed and the target temperature corresponding to the test print process or the interrupt job increases.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming control method and an image forming apparatus that can shorten the waiting time when an event that triggers the start of a test print process or an interrupt job occurs while a job is being executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image formation control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a printing apparatus and a drying apparatus. The printing apparatus forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink. The drying apparatus has a temperature detection unit and a heater, and dries the ink on the sheet using the heater. The heater adjusts its supply power through feedback control based on a target temperature set for each job in which images are sequentially formed on multiple sheets and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. The image formation control method includes a control device, when a job request is input while the printing apparatus is not operating, setting the target temperature corresponding to the job and causing the printing apparatus to execute the job. The image formation control method further includes a first insertion control, when an insertion event occurs in which a predetermined insertion condition is satisfied while the printing apparatus is executing the job, in which the control device causes the printing apparatus to suspend the currently executing target job, causing the printing apparatus to execute a test print process in which a predetermined image is formed on one or more sheets without changing the target temperature, and then causing the printing apparatus to execute the remaining processing of the target job. Furthermore, the image formation control method includes, when an interrupt event occurs in which a request for a new job, that is, an interrupt job, is input while the target job is being executed, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job, and executes the interrupt job on the printing device, and then returns the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and executes the remaining processing of the target job on the printing device.

[0012] An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes the printing device, the drying device, and a control device that implements the image formation control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming control method and an image forming apparatus that can shorten the waiting time when an event that triggers the start of a test print process or an interrupt job occurs while a job is being executed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for image formation control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first example of insertion print control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second example of insertion print control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a third example of insertion print control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first example of interrupt job control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second example of interrupt job control in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0016] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 10] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of sheet storage units 1 and a printing device 4. The printing device 4 includes an image forming unit 40 and a sheet conveying device 3.

[0017] The sheet transport device 3 includes a sheet feeding mechanism 30, multiple pairs of transport rollers 31, a first belt transport device 32, a second belt transport device 33, and a discharge roller pair 34. The sheet feeding mechanism 30 feeds a sheet 9 in a target storage unit selected from multiple sheet storage units 1 to a main transport path 301.

[0018] The plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 31 convey the sheet 9 along the main conveying path 301 and further send the sheet 9 to the first belt conveying device 32 .

[0019] The first belt conveying device 32 takes over from the plurality of conveying roller pairs 31 to convey the sheet 9, and sends the sheet 9 to the second belt conveying device 33. The second belt conveying device 33 takes over from the first belt conveying device 32 to convey the sheet 9, and further sends the sheet 9 to the subsequent conveying path 302.

[0020] The first belt conveying device 32 includes a circular conveying belt 320 , a plurality of support rollers 321 , and a suction device 322 .

[0021] The plurality of support rollers 321 rotatably support the conveyor belt 320. A motor (not shown) rotates one of the plurality of support rollers 321, causing the conveyor belt 320 to rotate.

[0022] A rotating conveyor belt 320 conveys the sheet 9. A suction device 322 causes the sheet 9 to adhere to the upper surface of the conveyor belt 320 by suctioning air.

[0023] The second belt conveying device 33 includes a circular conveying belt 330 and a plurality of support rollers 331 .

[0024] The plurality of support rollers 331 rotatably support the conveyor belt 330. A motor (not shown) rotates one of the plurality of support rollers 331, thereby rotating the conveyor belt 330. The rotating conveyor belt 330 conveys the sheet 9.

[0025] The image forming section 40 forms an image on the sheet 9 conveyed by the first belt conveying device 32. That is, the printing device 4 executes a printing process for forming an image on the sheet 9 while conveying the sheet 9.

[0026] In this embodiment, the image forming unit 40 forms an image on the sheet 9 by ejecting ink onto the sheet 9. That is, the printing device 4 performs the printing process by an inkjet method. The ink is an example of a developer.

[0027] The image forming unit 40 includes a plurality of ink heads 41 corresponding to inks of different colors and a plurality of ink supply units 42. Specifically, the image forming unit 40 includes four ink heads 41 and four ink supply units 42 corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0028] Each of the ink heads 41 has a plurality of ejection nozzles 41a that eject ink. The ink heads 41 are fixed at positions facing the conveyor belt 320 of the first belt conveying device 32. The ink supply units 42 each contain ink of a different color and supply the ink to the ink heads 41.

[0029] The first belt conveying device 32 conveys the sheet 9 on which the image has been formed to the second belt conveying device 33.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes a drying device 5 disposed opposite to the upper surface of the conveyor belt 330 of the second belt conveying device 33. The drying device 5 has a heater 51 that heats the ink on the sheet 9 to dry the ink.

[0031] 1, the drying device 5 further includes a fan 52. The fan 52 blows air heated by the heater 51 onto the sheet 9 on the second belt conveying device 33.

[0032] Furthermore, the drying device 5 includes a temperature sensor 53 that detects the temperature inside the drying device 5. The temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the heater 51 or the temperature of the air heated by the heater 51.

[0033] For example, the temperature sensor 53 is a thermistor. The temperature sensor 53 is an example of a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature inside the drying device 5.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 10 further includes an operation device 801, a display device 802, and a control device 8 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] The operation device 801 detects operations by a person. For example, the operation device 801 includes a plurality of operation buttons and a touch panel. The display device 802 is capable of displaying various types of information. For example, the display device 802 is a panel display device such as a liquid crystal display panel.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 8 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 80, a random access memory (RAM) 81, a secondary storage device 82, a communication device 83, and the like.

[0037] The CPU 80 executes computer programs to perform various control and data processing operations. The RAM 81 temporarily stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 80 and various data.

[0038] The secondary storage device 82 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 82 stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 80 and various data. For example, one or both of a flash memory and a hard disk drive may be used as the secondary storage device 82.

[0039] The communication device 83 communicates with other devices such as the host device 7 through the network 70. The CPU 80 communicates with other devices through the communication device 83. The host device 7 is an information processing device that requests the image forming device 10 to perform the print processing.

[0040] The CPU 80 includes a plurality of processing modules that are realized by executing the computer programs, including a main control unit 8a, a print control unit 8b, and a heater control unit 8c (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The main control unit 8a executes start control for starting various processes in response to an operation on the operation device 801 or a processing request received through the communication device 83.

[0042] The print control unit 8b controls the print device 4. The print control unit 8b controls the sheet transport device 3, thereby controlling the transport of the sheet 9.

[0043] Furthermore, the print control unit 8b causes the image forming unit 40 to perform an ink ejection process in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet 9, and also causes the fan 52 of the drying device 5 to operate.

[0044] For example, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute a job of sequentially forming images on a plurality of sheets 9. Furthermore, the print control unit 8b sets a target temperature for the drying device 5 according to the content of the print process.

[0045] When the printing process is performed, the heater control unit 8c controls a power supply circuit (not shown) to control the amount of power supplied to the heater 51 of the drying device 5. The power supply circuit is a circuit that supplies power to the heater 51. The heater control unit 8c adjusts the power supplied to the heater 51 by feedback control based on the target temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53.

[0046] Incidentally, when the image forming apparatus 10 executes a job, the target temperature of the drying device 5 may be set for each job. For example, the target temperature is set based on the type of sheet 9 used in the job.

[0047] On the other hand, while the job is being executed, an event may occur that triggers the start of a test print process or an interrupt job for forming a predetermined image. In this case, the job being executed is interrupted, and the test print process or the interrupt job corresponding to the event is executed. The interrupt job is a new job that is different from the job being executed.

[0048] If the target temperature corresponding to the job currently being executed differs from the target temperature corresponding to the test print process or the interrupt job, a waiting time occurs before and after the test print process or the interrupt job.

[0049] The waiting time is the time required for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 to fall within an allowable range based on the target temperature. The waiting time is longer as the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the job currently being executed and the target temperature corresponding to the test print process or the interrupt job increases.

[0050] In the image forming apparatus 10, the print control unit 8b executes image formation control, which will be described later (see FIG. 3). The image formation control includes processing for shortening the waiting time when the event that triggers the start of the test print process or the interrupt job occurs during execution of the job.

[0051] [Image formation control] An example of the image formation control procedure will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0052] When a job request is input while the printing device 4 is not operating, the main control unit 8a causes the print control unit 8b to execute the image formation control. The main control unit 8a inputs the job request via the communication device 83 or the operation device 801. In the following description, the job that is the target for starting the image formation control is referred to as the target job.

[0053] The image formation control is an example of a process that realizes an image formation control method for controlling the image forming apparatus 10. The control device 8 including the print control unit 8b is an example of a device that realizes the image formation control method.

[0054] In the following description, S101, S102, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the image formation control. In the image formation control, the processing of step S101 is executed first.

[0055] <Process S101> In step S101, the print control unit 8b acquires job data representing the request content of the target job. The job data includes image data to be printed and data on printing conditions. The printing conditions include information such as the type of sheet 9 used in the printing process, the number of copies to be printed, and image density correction values.

[0056] For example, when the print control unit 8b receives a job request from the host device 7, it acquires the job data from the host device 7 through the communication device 83.

[0057] Alternatively, the print control unit 8b acquires the data of the print conditions through the operation device 801, and acquires the image data designated by the operation on the operation device 801 from the secondary storage device .

[0058] After executing the process of step S101, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S102.

[0059] <Process S102> In step S102, the print control unit 8b sets the target temperature of the drying device 5 corresponding to the target job.

[0060] For example, the print control unit 8b sets the target temperature according to the type of sheet 9 specified in the print conditions. Alternatively, the print control unit 8b may set the target temperature according to the type of sheet 9 specified in the print conditions and the correction value of the image density.

[0061] The heater control unit 8c adjusts the power supplied to the heater 51 by feedback control based on the target temperature set in step S102 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53.

[0062] After executing the process of step S102, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S103.

[0063] <Process S103> In step S103, the print control unit 8b determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within an allowable range based on the target temperature.

[0064] The print control unit 8b waits until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range, executes the process of step S104.

[0065] <Process S104> In step S104, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute a single-sheet conveying process and the print process corresponding to the target job. The single-sheet conveying process is a process of conveying one sheet 9 to the first belt conveying device 32 and the second belt conveying device 33.

[0066] By executing the process of step S104, the print process is executed on one sheet 9. The print control unit 8b selects the target storage unit corresponding to the type of sheet 9 specified by the print conditions from the plurality of sheet storage units 1. Information on the type of sheet 9 stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units 1 is set in advance.

[0067] After executing the process of step S104, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S105.

[0068] <Process S105> In step S105, the print control unit 8b selects the next process depending on whether the target job has been completed.

[0069] The print control unit 8b ends the image formation control when the target job is completed. On the other hand, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S106 when the target job is not yet completed.

[0070] <Process S106> In step S106, the print control unit 8b selects the next process depending on the occurrence status of the insertion event or the interruption event.

[0071] The insertion event is an event that a predetermined insertion condition is met. The insertion condition is a condition for starting the test print process. The test print process is a process for forming a predetermined test image on one or more sheets 9.

[0072] A first example of the insertion condition is that the print process has been performed on a predetermined reference number of sheets 9. A second example of the insertion condition is that the print process has ejected ink onto a predetermined reference number of pixels.

[0073] The interrupt event is an event in which a request for an interrupt job, which is a new job, is input via the operation device 801 or the communication device 83.

[0074] If neither the insertion event nor the interruption event occurs during the execution of the target job, the print control unit 8b repeats the processes from step S103 onwards.

[0075] On the other hand, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S107 when the insertion event occurs during the execution of the target job.

[0076] Furthermore, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S108 when the interrupt event occurs while the target job is being executed.

[0077] <Process S107> In step S107, the print control unit 8b executes the insertion print control described below (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 8). After executing the insertion print control, the print control unit 8b repeats the processes from step S103 onwards.

[0078] <Process S108> In step S108, the print control unit 8b executes an interrupt job control, which will be described later (see FIGS. 5 and 7). After executing the interrupt job control, the print control unit 8b repeats the processes from step S103 onwards.

[0079] [First example of insert print control] Next, the procedure of the first example of the insertion print control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0080] In the following description, S201, S202, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the first example of the insertion print control. In the first example of the insertion print control, the processing of step S201 is executed first.

[0081] <Process S201> In step S201, the print control unit 8b executes an insertion instruction request process, which is a process of outputting, via the display device 802 or the communication device 83, insertion instruction request information that prompts the user to input an instruction.

[0082] The insertion instruction request information is information that prompts the user to select either a temperature change instruction or a temperature maintenance instruction. The temperature change instruction is an instruction to change the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process. The temperature maintenance instruction is an instruction to maintain the target temperature at a temperature corresponding to the target job.

[0083] The display device 802 and the communication device 83 are each an example of an information output device.

[0084] After executing the process of step S201, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S202.

[0085] <Process S202> In step S202, the print control unit 8b checks whether an instruction has been input as a response to the output of the insertion instruction request information, and selects the next process according to the content of the input instruction.

[0086] When the temperature change instruction is input, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S203 without changing the target temperature, whereas when the temperature maintenance instruction is input, the print control unit 8b skips step S203 and executes the process of step S204.

[0087] <Process S203> In step S203, the print control unit 8b changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process.

[0088] By executing the process of step S203, heater control unit 8c adjusts the power supplied to heater 51 by feedback control based on the target temperature set in step S203 and the temperature detected by temperature sensor 53.

[0089] After executing the process of step S203, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S204.

[0090] <Process S204> In step S204, the print control unit 8b suspends the target job. After executing the process of step S204, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S205.

[0091] <Process S205> In step S205, the print control unit 8b waits until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range, executes the process of step S206. The process of step S205 is the same as the process of step S103.

[0092] <Process S206> In step S206, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the single-sheet conveying process and the test print process.

[0093] By executing the process of step S206, the test print process on one sheet 9 is executed.

[0094] After executing the process of step S206, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S207.

[0095] <Process S207> In step S207, the print control unit 8b selects the next process depending on whether the test print process has been completed.

[0096] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 6 that reads an image formed on a sheet 9 (see FIG. 1). The plurality of processing modules further includes an image processing unit 8d that processes data of the read image obtained by the image reading device 6 (see FIG. 2).

[0097] The image reading device 6 reads the test image formed on the sheet 9 by the test print process. The image processing unit 8d determines whether the quality of the test image formed on the sheet 9 satisfies the target quality based on the data of the read image.

[0098] If it is determined that the quality of the test image does not satisfy the target quality, the print control unit 8b changes the control parameters of the printing device 4 and repeats the processes from step S205 onwards. As a result, the test print process is executed again under conditions where the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined that the quality of the test image satisfies the target quality, the test print process ends. When the test print process ends, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S208.

[0100] The quality of the test image may be determined by visual inspection by a user.

[0101] <Process S208> In step S208, the print control unit 8b returns the target temperature to the target temperature corresponding to the interrupted target job, and ends the insertion print control.

[0102] If the process of step S203 has not been executed, the print control unit 8b skips the process of step S208 and ends the insertion print control.

[0103] After the insertion print control is completed, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the remaining processes of the target job in step S103 and subsequent steps (see FIG. 3).

[0104] As described above, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S101 to S105 when a job request is input while the printing device 4 is not operating. In steps S102 to S105, the print control unit 8b sets the target temperature corresponding to the job and causes the printing device 4 to execute the job.

[0105] Furthermore, when the insertion event occurs while the printing device 4 is executing the job, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S204 to S208 and the processes of steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control ends.

[0106] When the processing of steps S204 to S207 is executed following the processing of step S202, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to suspend the target job that is currently being executed, and executes the processing of steps S205 to S207 without changing the target temperature.

[0107] In steps S205 to S207, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the test print process. After that, in steps S103 to S105, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the remaining processes of the target job.

[0108] The processes of steps S204 to S207 that are executed following the process of step S202 and the processes of steps S103 to S105 that are executed after the insertion print control is completed are an example of first insertion control.

[0109] In the first example of the insertion print control, when the temperature maintenance instruction is input in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information, the print control unit 8b executes the first insertion control. The temperature maintenance instruction is an example of a first insertion instruction.

[0110] In the first example of the insertion print control, when the temperature change instruction is input in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information, the print control unit 8b executes the processing of step S203 and steps S204 to S208, and the processing of steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control is completed.

[0111] In step S203 and steps S204 to S207, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to suspend the target job, change the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process, and cause the printing device 4 to execute the test print process.

[0112] Furthermore, in step S208 and steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control ends, the print control unit 8b returns the target temperature to the temperature corresponding to the target job and causes the printing device 4 to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

[0113] The processes of steps S203 to S207 and steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control is completed are an example of second insertion control.

[0114] In the first example of the insertion print control, when the temperature change instruction is input in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information, the print control unit 8b executes the second insertion control. The temperature change instruction is an example of the second insertion instruction.

[0115] By adopting the first example of the insertion print control, the change of the target temperature in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information is omitted (see steps S202 and S204).

[0116] That is, when the temperature maintenance command is input, the prompt execution of the test print process takes priority over the drying performance of the ink in the test image, which contributes to shortening the waiting time when the insertion event occurs.

[0117] [Second example of insert print control] Next, the procedure of the second example of the insertion print control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0118] The second example of the insertion print control is executed in a procedure in which step S201 and step S202 in the first example of the insertion print control are replaced with step S202a. Below, differences between the first example of the insertion print control and the second example will be described.

[0119] In the second example of the insertion print control, first, the process of step S202a is executed.

[0120] <Process S202a> In step S202a, the print control unit 8b determines whether a predetermined temperature maintenance condition is met and selects the next process depending on the determination result. The temperature maintenance condition is a condition for allowing the test print process to be executed without changing the target temperature.

[0121] In this embodiment, the temperature maintenance condition includes a first remaining number comparison condition or a first temperature comparison condition.

[0122] The first remaining number comparison condition is a condition for comparing the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a preset first reference remaining number, which is the number of sheets 9 in the target job for which the print process has not yet been executed.

[0123] For example, the first remaining number comparison condition is a condition that the number of unprocessed sheets is less than the first reference remaining number, and when the number of unprocessed sheets is small, it is highly likely that the image quality confirmed in the previous test print processing will be maintained in the remaining processing of the target job.

[0124] The first temperature comparison condition is a condition for comparing a target temperature difference, which is the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the test print process, with a preset first temperature range.

[0125] For example, the first temperature comparison condition is that the target temperature difference is within the first temperature range. If the target temperature difference is small, even if the test print process is performed without changing the target temperature, the effect on the drying performance of the ink on the sheet 9 is small.

[0126] If the temperature maintenance condition is not met, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S203. As a result, the target temperature is changed to a temperature corresponding to the test print process in step S203, and the processes from step S204 onward are executed.

[0127] On the other hand, if the temperature maintenance condition is met, the print control unit 8b executes the processes from step S204 onwards without changing the target temperature.

[0128] In the second example of the insertion print control, when the insertion event occurs and the temperature maintenance condition is met, the print control unit 8b executes the processing of steps S204 to S207 following the processing of step S202a, and the processing of steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control is completed.

[0129] The processes of steps S204 to S207 that are executed following the process of step S202a and the processes of steps S103 to S105 that are executed after the insertion print control is completed are an example of the first insertion control.

[0130] In the second example of the insertion print control, when the insertion event occurs and the temperature maintenance condition is not met, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S203 to S207 and the processes of steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control ends.

[0131] In the second example of the insertion print control, the processes of steps S203 to S207 and the processes of steps S103 to S105 after the insertion print control is completed are an example of the second insertion control.

[0132] By adopting the second example of the insertion print control, the change of the target temperature is omitted when the temperature maintenance condition is met (see steps S202a and S204).

[0133] That is, when the temperature maintenance condition is met, the prompt execution of the test print process takes priority over the drying performance of the ink in the test image, which contributes to shortening the waiting time when the insertion event occurs.

[0134] [Third example of insert print control] Next, the procedure of the third example of the interrupt job control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0135] The third example of the interrupt job control is executed in a procedure in which steps S201 to S203 and step S208 in the first example of the interrupt job control are omitted.

[0136] That is, in the third example of the interrupt job control, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S204 to S207.

[0137] By adopting the third example of the insertion print control, the change of the target temperature is omitted. In other words, the prompt execution of the test print process takes priority over the ink drying performance of the test image. This contributes to shortening the waiting time when the insertion event occurs.

[0138] [First example of interrupt job control] Next, the procedure of the first example of the interrupt job control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0139] In the following description, S301, S302, ... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the first example of interrupt job control. In the first example of interrupt job control, the processing of step S301 is executed first.

[0140] <Process S301> In step S301, the print control unit 8b acquires the job data indicating the content of the interrupt job request, similarly to step S101.

[0141] After executing the process of step S301, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S302.

[0142] <Process S302> In step S302, the print control unit 8b determines whether a predetermined automatic interrupt condition is met, and selects the next process depending on the determination result. The automatic interrupt condition is a condition for allowing the automatic execution of the interrupt job, which involves the interruption of the target job.

[0143] In this embodiment, the automatic interrupt condition includes a second remaining number comparison condition or a second temperature comparison condition.

[0144] The second remaining number comparison condition is a condition for comparing the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a preset second reference remaining number.

[0145] For example, the second remaining number comparison condition is a condition that the number of unprocessed sheets exceeds the second reference remaining number.When the number of unprocessed sheets is large, the waiting time until the interrupt job is executed is long.

[0146] When the number of unprocessed sheets exceeds the second reference remaining number, automatic execution of the interrupt job is permitted to avoid the occurrence of a long waiting time.

[0147] The second temperature comparison condition is a condition for comparing a target temperature difference, which is the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interruption job, with a second temperature range set in advance.

[0148] For example, the second temperature comparison condition is a condition that the target temperature difference is within the second temperature range. When the target temperature difference is small, the waiting time until the interrupt job involving the interruption of the target job is executed is short.

[0149] The print control unit 8b executes the process of step S309 when the automatic interrupt condition is not met, whereas the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S303 when the automatic interrupt condition is met.

[0150] <Process S303> In step S303, the print control unit 8b suspends the target job. After executing the process of step S303, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S304.

[0151] <Process S304> In step S304, the print control unit 8b changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job.

[0152] By executing the process of step S304, heater control unit 8c adjusts the power supplied to heater 51 by feedback control based on the target temperature set in step S304 and the temperature detected by temperature sensor 53.

[0153] After executing the process of step S304, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S305.

[0154] <Process S305> In step S305, the print control unit 8b waits until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range, and executes the process of step S306 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 falls within the allowable range. The process of step S305 is the same as the process of step S103 and the process of step S205.

[0155] <Process S306> In step S306, the print control unit 8b causes the sheet conveying device 3 to execute the single-sheet conveying process, and also causes the printing device 4 to execute the print process corresponding to the interrupt job.

[0156] Every time the process of step S306 is executed, the print process is executed for each sheet 9 in the interrupt job.

[0157] After executing the process of step S306, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S307.

[0158] <Process S307> In step S307, the print control unit 8b selects the next process depending on whether the interrupt job has been completed.

[0159] If the interrupt job has not ended, the print control unit 8b repeats the processes from step S305 onwards. On the other hand, if the interrupt job has ended, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S308.

[0160] <Process S308> In step S308, the print control unit 8b returns the target temperature to the target temperature corresponding to the interrupted target job, and ends the interrupt job control.

[0161] After the interrupt job control is completed, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the remaining processing of the target job in step S103 and subsequent steps (see FIG. 3).

[0162] <Process S309> On the other hand, in step S309, the print control unit 8b executes an interrupt instruction request process, which is a process of outputting, via the display device 802 or the communication device 83, interrupt instruction request information that prompts the user to input an instruction.

[0163] The interrupt instruction request information is information that prompts the user to select either a permission instruction or a non-permission instruction. The permission instruction is an instruction that indicates that execution of the interrupt job is permitted. The non-permission instruction is an instruction that indicates that execution of the interrupt job is not permitted.

[0164] After executing the process of step S309, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S310.

[0165] <Process S310> In step S310, the print control unit 8b checks whether an instruction has been input as a response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information, and selects the next process according to the content of the input instruction.

[0166] When the permission instruction is input, the print control unit 8b executes the processes from step S303 onwards, whereby the target job is interrupted and the interrupt job is executed.

[0167] On the other hand, when the non-permission instruction is input, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S311.

[0168] <Process S311> In step S311, the print control unit 8b sets the interrupt job as a waiting job.

[0169] The waiting job is the job that is executed after the target job is completed. For example, the print control unit 8b stores the job data corresponding to the interrupt job in the secondary storage device 82 as waiting job data.

[0170] After the target job is completed, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to execute the job based on the queued job data.

[0171] That is, after the target job is completed, the print control unit 8b changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job and causes the printing device 4 to execute the interrupt job (see steps S102 to S105).

[0172] After executing the process of step S311, the print control unit 8b ends the interrupt job control.

[0173] As described above, when an interrupt event occurs while the target job is being executed, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S303 to S308 and steps S103 to S105 after the interrupt job control ends.

[0174] In steps S303 to S307, the print control unit 8b causes the printing device 4 to suspend the target job, change the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job, and cause the printing device 4 to execute the interrupt job.

[0175] Furthermore, in step S308 and steps S103 to S105, the print control unit 8b returns the target temperature to the temperature corresponding to the target job, and causes the printing device 4 to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

[0176] The processes of steps S303 to S308 and steps S103 to S105 after the interrupt job control is completed are an example of interrupt control.

[0177] In the first example of the interrupt job control, the print control unit 8b executes the interrupt control if the automatic interrupt condition is met when the interrupt event occurs (see steps S302, S303 to S308).

[0178] In the first example of the interrupt job control, when the interrupt event occurs, the print control unit 8b outputs the interrupt instruction request information through the display device 802 or the communication device 83 if the automatic interrupt condition is not met (see steps S302 and S309).

[0179] When the permission instruction is input as a response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information, the print control unit 8b executes the interrupt control (see steps S310, S303 to S308).

[0180] On the other hand, when the non-permission instruction is input as a response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information, the print control unit 8b sets the interrupt job to the waiting job (see step S311).

[0181] By setting the interrupt job as the waiting job, the print control unit 8b changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job after the target job is completed and causes the printing device 4 to execute the interrupt job (see steps S102 to S105).

[0182] By adopting the first example of the interrupt job control, the interrupt job is postponed depending on whether the automatic interrupt condition is satisfied and the response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information (see steps S302, S309 to S311). By postponing the interrupt job, the occurrence of the waiting time during the execution of the target job is avoided.

[0183] [Second example of interrupt job control] Next, the procedure of the second example of the interrupt job control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0184] The second example of the interrupt job control is executed in a procedure in which steps S302, S309, and S310 in the first example of the interrupt job control are replaced with steps S302a and S309a. The following describes the differences between the second example of the interrupt job control and the first example.

[0185] In the second example of the interrupt job control, the process of step S301 is executed first. After executing the process of step S301, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S302a.

[0186] <Process S302a> In step S302a, the print control unit 8b determines whether a predetermined interrupt permission condition is met or not, and selects the next process depending on the determination result. The interrupt permission condition is a condition for allowing the automatic execution of the interrupt job that involves the interruption of the target job.

[0187] In this embodiment, the interrupt permission condition includes a third remaining number comparison condition or a third temperature comparison condition.

[0188] The third remaining number comparison condition is a condition for comparing the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a preset third reference remaining number.

[0189] For example, the third remaining number comparison condition is a condition that the number of unprocessed sheets exceeds the third reference remaining number.When the number of unprocessed sheets is large, the waiting time until the interrupt job is executed is long.

[0190] When the number of unprocessed sheets exceeds the third reference remaining number, execution of the interrupt job is permitted to avoid the occurrence of a long waiting time.

[0191] The third temperature comparison condition is a condition for comparing a target temperature difference, which is the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interruption job, with a preset third temperature range.

[0192] For example, the third temperature comparison condition is that the target temperature difference is within the third temperature range. When the target temperature difference is small, the waiting time until the interrupt job involving the interruption of the target job is executed is short.

[0193] The print control unit 8b executes the process of step S309a when the interruption permission condition is not met. On the other hand, the print control unit 8b executes the processes of steps S303 to S308 when the interruption permission condition is met. The processes of steps S303 to S308 are the same in the first and second examples of interruption job control.

[0194] <Process S309a> In step S309a, the print control unit 8b outputs interruption disable information via the display device 802 or the communication device 83.

[0195] The non-interruptible information is predetermined information indicating that execution of the interrupt job that involves interruption of the target job is not permitted.

[0196] After executing the process of step S309a, the print control unit 8b executes the process of step S311. The process of step S311 is the same in the first and second examples of the interrupt job control.

[0197] In the second example of the interrupt job control, the print control unit 8b executes the interrupt control if the interrupt permission condition is met when the interrupt event occurs (see step S302).

[0198] In the second example of the interrupt job control, when the interrupt event occurs and the interrupt permission condition is not met, the print control unit 8b sets the interrupt job to the waiting job (see step S311).

[0199] By setting the interrupt job as the waiting job, the print control unit 8b changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job after the target job is completed and causes the printing device 4 to execute the interrupt job (see steps S102 to S105).

[0200] In the second example of the interrupt job control, when the interrupt event occurs and the interrupt permission condition is not met, the print control unit 8b outputs the interruption disabling information through the display device 802 or the communication device 83 (see step S309a).

[0201] By adopting the second example of the interrupt job control, the interrupt job is postponed in response to the establishment of the interrupt permission condition (see steps S302a and S311). By postponing the interrupt job, the occurrence of the waiting time during the execution of the target job is avoided.

[0202] [Notes on the Invention] The following is a summary of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiment. Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0203] <Appendix 1> a printing device that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink; 1. An image formation control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a temperature detection unit, a heater having a target temperature set for each job of forming images sequentially on a plurality of sheets and a drying device that adjusts a supply power by feedback control based on the target temperature set for each job and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, and that dries the ink on the sheets using the heater, comprising: a control device, when a request for the job is input while the printing device is not operating, sets the target temperature corresponding to the job and causes the printing device to execute the job; when an insertion event occurs in which a predetermined insertion condition is satisfied while the printing device is executing the job, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job being executed, causes the printing device to execute a test print process in which a predetermined image is formed on one or more sheets without changing the target temperature, and then executes a first insertion control in which the printing device executes the remaining process of the target job; and when an interrupt event occurs in which a request for a new job, that is, an interrupt job, is input while the target job is being executed, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job, causes the printing device to execute the interrupt job, and then executes interrupt control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and cause the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

[0204] <Appendix 2> the control device outputs insertion instruction request information that prompts input of an instruction through an information output device when the insertion event occurs; the control device executes the first insertion control when a first insertion instruction is input in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information; The image formation control method described in Appendix 1 includes, when a second insertion instruction is input in response to the output of the instruction request information, causing the control device to interrupt the target job, change the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process, cause the printing device to execute the test print process, and then execute second insertion control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and cause the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

[0205] <Appendix 3> the control device executes the first insertion control when a predetermined temperature maintenance condition is met when the insertion event occurs; The image formation control method described in Appendix 1 includes, when the insertion event occurs and the temperature maintenance condition is not met, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process, causes the printing device to execute the test print process, and then executes second insertion control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and cause the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

[0206] <Appendix 4> The image forming control method described in Appendix 3, wherein the temperature maintenance conditions include a first remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined first reference remaining number, or a first temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the test print processing with a predetermined first temperature range.

[0207] <Appendix 5> the control device executes the interrupt control if a predetermined automatic interrupt condition is met when the interrupt event occurs; the control device outputs interrupt instruction request information that prompts input of an instruction through an information output device when the automatic interrupt condition is not satisfied when the interrupt event occurs; the control device executes the interrupt control when a permission instruction is input in response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information; The image forming control method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4 includes, when a non-permission instruction is input in response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information, changing the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job after the target job is completed and causing the printing device to execute the interrupt job.

[0208] <Appendix 6> The image forming control method described in Appendix 5, wherein the automatic interrupt conditions include a second remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined second reference remaining number, or a second temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interrupt job with a predetermined second temperature range.

[0209] <Appendix 7> the control device executes the interrupt control when a predetermined interrupt permission condition is satisfied when the interrupt event occurs; The image forming control method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4 includes, when the interruption allowance condition is not met when the interruption event occurs, changing the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interruption job after the target job is completed and causing the printing device to execute the interruption job.

[0210] <Appendix 8> The image forming control method described in Appendix 7, wherein the interruption allowance condition includes a third remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined third reference remaining number, or a third temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interruption job with a predetermined third temperature range.

[0211] <Appendix 9> The image formation control method according to claim 8, further comprising the control device outputting interruption disabling information through an information output device if the interruption permission condition is not met when the interruption event occurs.

[0212] <Appendix 10> a printing device that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink; a drying device that dries the ink on the sheet by using a heater that has a heater and a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heater or the temperature of air heated by the heater, and that is supplied with power in accordance with a comparison between the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and a target temperature that is set for each job; An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that realizes the image forming control method according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 4: Printing device 5:Drying device 6: Image reader 8: Control device 10: Image forming device 31: Transport roller pair 32: First belt conveyor 33: Second belt conveyor 40: Image forming unit 41: Ink head 51: Heater 52: Fan 53: Temperature sensor

Claims

1. a printing device that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink; 1. An image formation control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a temperature detection unit, a heater having a target temperature set for each job of forming images sequentially on a plurality of sheets and a drying device that adjusts a supply power by feedback control based on the target temperature set for each job and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, and that dries the ink on the sheets using the heater, comprising: a control device, when a request for the job is input while the printing device is not operating, sets the target temperature corresponding to the job and causes the printing device to execute the job; When an insertion event occurs in which a predetermined insertion condition is satisfied while the printing device is executing the job, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job being executed, causes the printing device to execute a test print process in which a predetermined image is formed on one or more sheets without changing the target temperature, and then executes a first insertion control in which the printing device executes the remaining process of the target job; and when an interrupt event occurs in which a request for a new job, that is, an interrupt job, is input while the target job is being executed, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job, causes the printing device to execute the interrupt job, and then executes interrupt control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and cause the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

2. the control device outputs insertion instruction request information that prompts input of an instruction through an information output device when the insertion event occurs; the control device executes the first insertion control when a first insertion instruction is input in response to the output of the insertion instruction request information; 2. The image formation control method according to claim 1, further comprising: when a second insertion instruction is input in response to the output of the instruction request information, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print processing, causes the printing device to execute the test print processing, and then executes second insertion control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and cause the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

3. the control device executes the first insertion control when a predetermined temperature maintenance condition is satisfied when the insertion event occurs; 2. The image formation control method of claim 1, further comprising: when the insertion event occurs and the temperature maintenance condition is not met, the control device causes the printing device to suspend the target job, changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the test print process, causes the printing device to execute the test print process, and then executes second insertion control to return the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the target job and causes the printing device to execute the remaining processing of the target job.

4. The image forming control method of claim 3, wherein the temperature maintenance condition includes a first remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined first reference remaining number, or a first temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the test print processing with a predetermined first temperature range.

5. the control device executes the interrupt control if a predetermined automatic interrupt condition is met when the interrupt event occurs; the control device outputs interrupt instruction request information that prompts input of an instruction through an information output device when the automatic interrupt condition is not satisfied when the interrupt event occurs; the control device executes the interrupt control when a permission instruction is input in response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information; 5. The image forming control method according to claim 1, further comprising: when a non-permission instruction is input in response to the output of the interrupt instruction request information, the control device changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interrupt job after the target job is completed and causes the printing device to execute the interrupt job.

6. The image forming control method of claim 5, wherein the automatic interrupt condition includes a second remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined second reference remaining number, or a second temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interrupt job with a predetermined second temperature range.

7. the control device executes the interrupt control when a predetermined interrupt permission condition is satisfied when the interrupt event occurs; 5. The image forming control method according to claim 1, further comprising: when the interruption permission condition is not satisfied when the interruption event occurs, the control device changes the target temperature to a temperature corresponding to the interruption job after the target job is completed and causes the printing device to execute the interruption job.

8. The image forming control method of claim 7, wherein the interruption allowance condition includes a third remaining number comparison condition that compares the number of unprocessed sheets of the target job with a predetermined third reference remaining number, or a third temperature comparison condition that compares the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the target job and the target temperature corresponding to the interruption job with a predetermined third temperature range.

9. 9. The image formation control method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of: when the interruption permission condition is not satisfied when the interruption event occurs, the control device outputs interruption disabling information through an information output device.

10. a printing device that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink; a drying device that dries the ink on the sheet by using a heater that has a heater and a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heater or the temperature of air heated by the heater, and that is supplied with power in accordance with a comparison between the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and a target temperature that is set for each job; An image forming apparatus comprising: a control device that implements the image forming control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images