Image forming apparatus and storage method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening the execution time of adjustment processing for adjusting an image forming part, and a storage method.SOLUTION: The image forming device (1) includes an image forming unit (12) configured to form an image based on the dot image datum, an adjustment processing unit (54) configured to execute an adjustment process of adjusting the image forming unit (12) based on a result of reading an adjustment image formed by the image forming unit (12), an obtaining processing unit (51) configured to obtain an adjustment dot image datum generated by the DFE2 based on an original datum corresponding to the adjustment image, and a storing processing unit (52) configured to store the adjustment dot image datum obtained by the obtaining processing unit (51) in a storage unit (15). DFE2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a printer includes an image forming unit that forms an image based on halftone image data. Also, there is known an image forming apparatus that executes an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on the results of reading a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, the image forming apparatus is known to be communicably connected to an external image generating device such as a DFE (digital front end) that generates the halftone image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-205637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional image forming device that is communicatively connected to the image generating device, a process is executed to obtain the halftone image data corresponding to the adjustment image from the image generating device each time the adjustment process is executed.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a storage method that can reduce the execution time of an adjustment process for adjusting an image forming unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is communicably connected to an image generating device that generates halftone image data, and includes an image forming unit, an adjustment processing unit, an acquisition processing unit, and a storage processing unit. The image forming unit forms an image based on the halftone image data. The adjustment processing unit executes an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on a read result of a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires adjustment halftone image data generated by the image generating device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image. The storage processing unit stores the adjustment halftone image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit in a predetermined memory unit.

[0008] A storage method according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by an image forming apparatus communicably connected to an image generating device that generates halftone image data, the image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on the halftone image data, and includes an adjusting step, an acquiring step, and a storing step. In the adjusting step, an adjustment process is executed to adjust the image forming unit based on the results of reading a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit. In the acquiring step, adjustment halftone image data generated by the image generating device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image is acquired. In the storing step, the adjustment halftone image data acquired in the acquiring step is stored in a predetermined memory unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the execution time of the adjustment process for adjusting the image forming unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment image formed by the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first operation control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the second operation control process executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of image forming system 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a DFE (digital front end) 2.

[0014] In the image forming system 100, the image forming apparatus 1 and the DFE 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer that forms an image on a print medium such as a sheet. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 is a production printer. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet using an inkjet method. The print medium may be cloth, a plastic film, or the like.

[0016] The DFE 2 is an image processing device that generates halftone image data based on document data to be printed. The image forming device 1 forms an image on a sheet based on the halftone image data generated by the DFE 2. The DFE 2 is an example of an image generating device of the present invention.

[0017] Specifically, the DFE2 performs a rasterization process to convert the data format of the original data into a raster format. The DFE2 also performs a screening process to generate the halftone dot image data based on the original data converted into a raster format. For example, the DFE2 performs an AM screening process to change the size of halftone dots according to the gradation value expressed by the halftone dots, or an FM screening process to change the density of halftone dots according to the gradation value expressed by the halftone dots. The content of the screening process performed by the DFE2, i.e., the method for generating the halftone dot image data, differs depending on the type of DFE2.

[0018] In the image forming system 100, the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is switched depending on the type of image included in the document data. Specifically, in the image forming system 100, when the document data is printed, the DFE2 capable of executing the screen processing that is compatible with the type of image included in the document data is connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0019] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 1] Next, the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of an image forming unit 12.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet conveying section 11, an image forming section 12, an image reading section 13, an operation display section 14, a storage section 15, a communication section 16, and a control section 17.

[0021] The sheet conveying unit 11 conveys sheets stored in a paper feed cassette (not shown) to a paper discharge tray (not shown) via an image forming position by the image forming unit 12 and an image reading position by the image reading unit 13. The sheet conveying unit 11 includes a plurality of conveying rollers used to convey the sheets.

[0022] The image forming unit 12 forms an image based on the halftone image data. The image forming unit 12 also forms an image on a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 12 includes line heads 21 to 24 and a head frame 25.

[0023] 2, each of the line heads 21 to 24 is elongated in a width direction D12 (see FIG. 2) perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction D11 (see FIG. 2) by the sheet conveyance unit 11. Specifically, each of the line heads 21 to 24 has a length in the width direction D12 corresponding to the width of the largest size sheet that can be accommodated in the sheet feed cassette. The line heads 21 to 24 are arranged side by side at equal intervals along the conveyance direction D11.

[0024] The line head 21 ejects black ink toward the sheet being transported by the sheet transport unit 11. The line head 22 ejects cyan ink toward the sheet being transported by the sheet transport unit 11. The line head 23 ejects magenta ink toward the sheet being transported by the sheet transport unit 11. The line head 24 ejects yellow ink toward the sheet being transported by the sheet transport unit 11.

[0025] Except for the fact that the color of ink that is ejected differs, the line heads 22 to 24 have a common configuration with the line head 21. Only the line head 21 will be described below.

[0026] 2, the line head 21 has three recording heads 20. Each of the recording heads 20 is elongated in the width direction D12. The three recording heads 20 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the width direction D12.

[0027] A plurality of nozzles 26 (see FIG. 2) are provided on the surface of each recording head 20 facing the sheet. In each recording head 20, the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged along the width direction D12. Specifically, in each recording head 20, the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged along the width direction D12 at a density corresponding to the printing resolution of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction D12. In other words, each recording head 20 has a nozzle row formed by the plurality of nozzles 26 arranged at equal intervals along the width direction D12. Note that each recording head 20 may have a plurality of the nozzle rows.

[0028] All the nozzles 26 included in the line head 21 are arranged along the width direction D12. Specifically, the three recording heads 20 included in the line head 21 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the width direction D12 so that all the nozzles 26 included in the line head 21 are arranged along the width direction D12 at a density corresponding to the printing resolution of the image forming apparatus 1. The line head 21 ejects ink from each of the nozzles 26 based on the halftone dot image data.

[0029] Each recording head 20 includes a pressure chamber (not shown), a discharge element (not shown), and an individual flow path (not shown) corresponding to each nozzle 26. The pressure chamber communicates with the nozzle 26 and stores ink. The discharge element discharges ink from the nozzle 26 in response to an input of a drive signal. For example, the discharge element is a piezoelectric element. The discharge element discharges ink from the nozzle 26 by changing the pressure in the pressure chamber in response to an input of the drive signal. The individual flow path is an ink flow path provided between the pressure chamber and a common flow path (not shown) common to the multiple nozzles 26. The multiple individual flow paths corresponding to the multiple nozzles 26 are connected to the common flow path. The common flow path is connected to an ink supply unit (not shown) that supplies ink to each of the pressure chambers.

[0030] The head frame 25 supports the line heads 21 to 24. The head frame 25 is supported by the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The number of line heads provided in the image forming unit 12 may be one or more. Furthermore, the number of recording heads 20 provided in each of the line heads 21 to 24 does not have to be limited to three.

[0031] The image reading unit 13 reads the image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit 12 .

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 13 includes a line sensor 31 and an AFE (analog front end) 32.

[0033] The line sensor 31 is disposed downstream of the image forming unit 12 in the conveying direction D11 (see FIG. 2). The line sensor 31 is capable of reading an image of one line along the main scanning direction, which is the same direction as the width direction D12 (see FIG. 2), from the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 11. For example, the line sensor 31 is a CIS (contact image sensor). The line sensor 31 includes a plurality of imaging elements arranged side by side in the width direction D12. Each of the imaging elements includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit emits light toward the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying unit 11. The light-receiving unit is configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the sheet, and outputs an analog electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light. The line sensor 31 outputs an analog electrical signal corresponding to an image of one line along the main scanning direction at predetermined intervals in response to a control signal input from the control unit 17.

[0034] The AFE 32 is an electronic circuit that performs predetermined processing on the analog electrical signal output from the line sensor 31. Specifically, the AFE 32 includes a signal conversion unit that converts the analog electrical signal output from the line sensor 31 into a digital electrical signal (image data). The AFE 32 also includes an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing, such as shading correction, on the image data output from the signal conversion unit. The AFE 32 outputs the image data output from the image processing unit after the image processing has been performed to the control unit 17.

[0035] The operation display unit 14 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 14 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 17. For example, the display unit is a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various information to the control unit 17 in response to user operations. For example, the operation unit includes a touch panel and operation keys.

[0036] The storage unit 15 is a nonvolatile storage device, such as a flash memory.

[0037] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that executes wired or wireless data communication with an external communication device such as the DFE 2 via the communication network.

[0038] The control unit 17 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 17 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. The CPU 41 is a processor that executes various types of arithmetic processing. The ROM 42 is a non-volatile storage device that stores in advance information such as control programs for causing the CPU 41 to execute various types of processing. The RAM 43 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device that is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for the various types of processing executed by the CPU 41. The CPU 41 executes the various control programs that are stored in advance in the ROM 42. This allows the image forming apparatus 1 to be controlled overall.

[0039] In the image forming apparatus 1, an adjustment process is executed to adjust the image forming unit 12 based on the results of reading a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit 12.

[0040] For example, in the adjustment process, an adjustment image G100 is formed as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the adjustment image G100 formed on a sheet by the image forming unit 12.

[0041] The adjustment image G100 is an image formed by the line head 21 of the image forming unit 12. In other words, the adjustment image G100 is an image formed using black ink.

[0042] 3, the adjustment image G100 includes ten color regions G10 (G11 to G20) with different black densities. The color of each color region G10 is represented by black halftone dots.

[0043] Color region G11 is the region with the lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G12 is the region with the second lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G13 is the region with the third lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G14 is the region with the fourth lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G15 is the region with the fifth lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G16 is the region with the sixth lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G17 is the region with the seventh lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Color region G18 is the region with the eighth lightest density of black among the ten color regions G10. Of the ten color regions G10, color region G19 is the region with the ninth lightest black density, and color region G20 is the region with the darkest black density of the ten color regions G10.

[0044] In the adjustment process, the image reading unit 13 is used to read the adjustment image G100 formed on the sheet. Then, in the adjustment process, the amount of ink ejected by the line head 21 is adjusted based on the result of reading the adjustment image G100 by the image reading unit 13.

[0045] For example, in the adjustment process, the amount of ink ejected by each nozzle 26 included in the line head 21 is adjusted so that the density of each color region G10 formed by the line head 21 becomes a predetermined target value. For example, in the adjustment process, the voltage or waveform of the drive signal input to the ejection element corresponding to each nozzle 26 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the amount of ink ejected by each nozzle 26.

[0046] The adjustment image G100 may be an image formed by any of the line heads 22 to 24. Furthermore, four adjustment images G100 corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow may be formed in the adjustment process. In this case, the amount of ink ejected by each of the line heads 21 to 24 may be adjusted based on the results of reading each adjustment image G100.

[0047] Incidentally, in a conventional image forming apparatus communicably connected to the DFE 2, a process of acquiring the halftone image data corresponding to the adjustment image from the DFE 2 is executed every time the adjustment process is executed.

[0048] In contrast to this, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the execution time of the adjustment process for adjusting the image forming unit 12, as will be described below.

[0049] [Functional configuration of control unit 17] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 17 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 17 includes an acquisition processing unit 51, a storage processing unit 52, a reception processing unit 53, and an adjustment processing unit .

[0051] Specifically, an operation control program for causing the CPU 41 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units is stored in advance in the ROM 42 of the control unit 17. The CPU 41 executes the operation control program stored in the ROM 42 to function as each of the above-mentioned processing units.

[0052] The operation control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and installed in a storage device such as memory unit 15. Some or all of the processing units included in control unit 17 may be configured with electronic circuits. The operation control program may also be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the processing units included in control unit 17.

[0053] The acquisition processing unit 51 acquires the adjustment halftone image data generated by the DFE 2 based on the original data corresponding to the adjustment image G100.

[0054] For example, in the image forming apparatus 1, the original data is stored in advance in the storage unit 15. For example, the original data is image data in a raster format.

[0055] For example, when the adjustment process is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not stored in the storage unit 15, the acquisition processing unit 51 acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the DFE2. For example, the identification information is the MAC address of the DFE2. Note that the identification information may be information used to identify the type of DFE2 (the type of the screen process executed by the DFE2).

[0056] Specifically, when the adjustment process is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not stored in the storage unit 15, the acquisition processing unit 51 transmits the original data to the DFE2 and requests the DFE2 to transmit the adjustment halftone dot image data generated based on the original data. Then, the acquisition processing unit 51 receives the adjustment halftone dot image data transmitted from the DFE2 in response to the request from the acquisition processing unit 51.

[0057] The storage processing unit 52 stores the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit 51 in the memory unit 15 .

[0058] For example, the storage processing unit 52 stores in the storage unit 15 the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE 2 that generated it.

[0059] The reception processing unit 53 receives a selection operation for selecting the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 15 .

[0060] For example, the reception processing unit 53 displays a selection screen used to receive the selection operation on the operation display unit 14 in response to a predetermined user operation on the operation display unit 14. The selection screen displays each of the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 15 in a selectable manner. For example, the selection screen displays icon images corresponding to each of the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 15 in a selectable manner. For example, the icon images include a character string image indicating the data name of the adjustment halftone dot image data and a character string image indicating the device name of the DFE2 associated with the adjustment halftone dot image data.

[0061] The adjustment processing unit 54 executes the adjustment processing.

[0062] For example, the adjustment processing unit 54 executes the adjustment processing when an instruction to execute the adjustment processing is input via the DFE2 from an external information processing device that inputs a print job to print the document data to the image forming system 100.

[0063] Furthermore, when the selection operation is accepted by the acceptance processing unit 53, the adjustment processing unit 54 executes the adjustment process using the adjustment halftone dot image data selected by the selection operation.

[0064] Below, an example of the procedure of each process executed by the control unit 17 and the storage method of the present invention will be described.

[0065] [First operation control process] 4, an example of the procedure of the first operation control process executed by the control unit 17 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Here, steps S11, S12, etc. represent the numbers of the processing procedures (steps) executed by the control unit 17. The first operation control process is executed when an instruction to execute the adjustment process is input from the external information processing device via the DFE 2.

[0066] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the control unit 17 determines whether the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 15 or not.

[0067] Here, when the control unit 17 determines that the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 15 (Yes in S11), the control unit 17 shifts the process to step S15. On the other hand, when the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not stored in the storage unit 15 (No in S11), the control unit 17 shifts the process to step S12.

[0068] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 17 acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the DFE 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The processing of step S12 is an example of an acquisition step of the present invention, and is executed by the acquisition processing unit 51 of the control unit 17.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 17 transmits the original data to the DFE 2 and requests the DFE 2 to transmit the adjustment halftone dot image data generated based on the original data. Then, the control unit 17 receives the adjustment halftone dot image data transmitted from the DFE 2 in response to the request from the control unit 17.

[0070] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 17 stores the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired by the processing of step S12 in the memory unit 15. The processing of step S13 is an example of a storage step of the present invention, and is executed by the storage processing unit 52 of the control unit 17.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 17 associates the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired by the processing of step S12 with the identification information of the DFE2 that generated the adjustment halftone dot image data. Then, the control unit 17 stores the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 that generated the adjustment halftone dot image data in the storage unit 15.

[0072] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 17 executes the adjustment process using the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired in the process of step S12. The process of step S14 is an example of an adjustment step of the present invention, and is executed by the adjustment processing unit 54 of the control unit 17.

[0073] Specifically, the control unit 17 uses the image forming unit 12 to form an adjustment image G100 on a sheet based on the adjustment halftone image data acquired by the processing of step S12. The control unit 17 also uses the image reading unit 13 to read the adjustment image G100 formed on the sheet. The control unit 17 then adjusts the amount of ink ejected by the line head 21 of the image forming unit 12 based on the reading result of the adjustment image G100. Note that in the adjustment processing, an image different from the adjustment image G100 may be formed on the sheet, and the timing of ink ejection by each of the line heads 21 to 24 may be adjusted based on the reading result of the different image.

[0074] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 17 executes the adjustment process using the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit 15 and associated with the identification information of the DFE 2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The process of step S15 is an example of an adjustment step of the present invention, and is executed by the adjustment processing unit 54 of the control unit 17.

[0075] [Second operation control process] 5, an example of the procedure of the second operation control process executed by the control unit 17 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Note that the second operation control process is executed when a user operation to instruct execution of the second operation control process is accepted on the operation display unit 14.

[0076] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the control unit 17 displays the selection screen on the operation display unit 14. The process of step S21 is executed by the reception processing unit 53 of the control unit 17.

[0077] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the selection operation has been accepted on the selection screen displayed by the process of step S21.

[0078] Here, if the control unit 17 determines that the selection operation has been accepted (Yes in S22), it shifts the process to step S23. On the other hand, if the selection operation has not been accepted (No in S22), the control unit 17 waits for acceptance of the selection operation in step S22.

[0079] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 17 executes the adjustment process using the adjustment halftone dot image data selected by the selection operation. The process of step S23 is an example of an adjustment step of the present invention, and is executed by the adjustment processing unit 54 of the control unit 17.

[0080] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the adjustment process is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is not stored in the storage unit 15, the adjustment halftone dot image data is acquired from the DFE2 and the acquired adjustment halftone dot image data is stored in the storage unit 15. As a result, when the adjustment process is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 15, the adjustment process can be executed using the adjustment halftone dot image data. In other words, it is possible to omit the process of acquiring the adjustment halftone dot image data from the DFE2. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the execution time of the adjustment process.

[0081] Furthermore, when the selection operation is accepted, the image forming apparatus 1 executes the adjustment process using the adjustment halftone dot image data selected by the selection operation, thereby enabling the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the adjustment process even when the DFE 2 is not connected.

[0082] Note that, when the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a DFE2 and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the DFE2 is not stored in the storage unit 15, the acquisition processing unit 51 may acquire the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the DFE2. In other words, the acquisition processing unit 51 may acquire the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the DFE2 at the time when a DFE2 that has not been connected before is connected to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0083] The storage processing unit 52 may store the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit 51 in a storage device external to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0084] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may form images according to an image forming method other than the inkjet method, such as an electrophotographic method.

[0085] [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.

[0086] <Appendix 1> An image forming apparatus communicably connected to an image generating device that generates halftone image data, the image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image based on the halftone image data; an adjustment processing unit that executes an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on the reading result of a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit; an acquisition processing unit that acquires adjustment halftone image data generated by the image generating device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image; and a storage processing unit that stores the adjustment halftone image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit in a predetermined memory unit.

[0087] <Appendix 2> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage processing unit stores the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with identification information of the image generating apparatus that generated the adjustment halftone dot image data in the storage unit.

[0088] <Appendix 3> The image forming device described in Appendix 2, wherein the acquisition processing unit acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the image generating device when the adjustment processing is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the image generating device connected to the image forming device is not stored in the memory unit.

[0089] <Appendix 4> The image forming device described in Appendix 2, wherein the acquisition processing unit acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the image generating device when the image forming device is connected to the image generating device and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the image generating device is not stored in the memory unit.

[0090] <Appendix 5> An image forming apparatus as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a reception processing unit that receives a selection operation to select the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the memory unit, and the adjustment processing unit performs the adjustment processing using the adjustment halftone dot image data selected by the selection operation.

[0091] <Appendix 6> A storage method executed by an image forming device that is communicatively connected to an image generating device that generates halftone image data and that has an image forming unit that forms an image based on the halftone image data, the storage method including: an adjustment step that executes an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on the reading result of a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit; an acquisition step that acquires adjustment halftone image data generated by the image generating device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image; and a storage step that stores the adjustment halftone image data acquired by the acquisition step in a predetermined memory unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Image forming device 2 DFE 11 Sheet transport section 12 Image forming unit 13 Image reading unit 14 Operation display section 15 Storage section 16 Communications Department 17 Control Unit 20 Recording head 21 Line Head 22 Line Head 23 Line Head 24 Line Head 25 Head Frame 26 nozzles 31 Line Sensor 32 AFE 41 CPU 42 ROM 43 RAM 51 Acquisition processing unit 52 Storage processing unit 53 Reception department 54 Adjustment processing section 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus communicably connected to an image generating apparatus that generates halftone image data, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the halftone image data; an adjustment processing unit that executes an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on a result of reading a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit; an acquisition processing unit that acquires halftone image data for adjustment generated by the image generating device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image; a storage processing unit that stores the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired by the acquisition processing unit in a predetermined storage unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. the storage processing unit stores the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with identification information of the image generation device that generated the adjustment halftone dot image data in the storage unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the acquisition processing unit acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the image generation device connected to the image forming apparatus when the adjustment processing is executed and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the image generation device connected to the image forming apparatus is not stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the acquisition processing unit acquires the adjustment halftone dot image data generated by the image generation device when the image forming apparatus is connected to the image generation device and the adjustment halftone dot image data associated with the identification information of the image generation device is not stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

5. a reception processing unit that receives a selection operation for selecting the adjustment halftone dot image data stored in the storage unit; the adjustment processing unit executes the adjustment processing using the adjustment halftone dot image data selected by the selection operation.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. 1. A storage method executed by an image forming apparatus communicably connected to an image generating apparatus that generates halftone image data, the image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image based on the halftone image data, an adjustment step of performing an adjustment process to adjust the image forming unit based on a result of reading a predetermined adjustment image formed by the image forming unit; an acquisition step of acquiring halftone image data for adjustment generated by the image generation device based on original data corresponding to the adjustment image; a storing step of storing the adjustment halftone dot image data acquired in the acquiring step in a predetermined storage unit; Storage method including.

Images