Image processing apparatus, method for controlling image processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for improving convenience by selecting a sheet storage part storing a sheet having a length suitable for printing an image for adjustment from a plurality of sheet storage parts storing a plurality of sheets.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether a length in a first direction of a sheet stored in each of a plurality of sheet storage units is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, a selection unit configured to select a sheet storage unit from the sheet storage units determined by the determination unit to be equal to or longer than the predetermined length, a conveyance unit configured to convey the sheet from the sheet storage unit selected by the selection unit, and a printing unit configured to print an image for adjustment on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in image forming devices that print images on sheets, even when printing an image with a uniform density pattern, color shading (uneven print density) can occur depending on the position in the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction (main scanning direction of printing). This is due to, for example, the shape of the drum of a laser beam printer or non-uniform electrical resistance.

[0003] To alleviate this unevenness in print density, a function for correcting an image according to its position in the main scanning direction is known. For example, several correction methods are known, including a method in which an adjustment image (test page) is printed and a user visually determines and sets a correction value, and a method in which a scanner is used to read the adjustment image and perform correction.

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 describes that when there is no sheet suitable for adjustment in the sheet storage section, a message is sent to the user urging them to set a sheet suitable for adjustment in the sheet storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-72532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The user would like the sheet on which the adjustment image that meets the conditions is printed to be automatically selected without having to explicitly select a sheet storage unit.

[0007] In addition to standard sizes, there are also user-defined size sheets. Conventionally, there was a function to automatically select a sheet on which to print an adjustment image that meets the conditions, even if the user did not explicitly select a sheet storage area, but user-defined size sheets were not automatically selected.

[0008] The reason for this is that user-defined size sheets come in a variety of sizes, and if the size of the sheet used for printing is too small, the image size required for adjustment cannot be printed, making it impossible to perform adjustments with precision.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for improving convenience by selecting, from among a plurality of sheet storage units each containing a plurality of sheets, a sheet storage unit that contains a sheet of a length appropriate for printing an adjustment image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The apparatus is characterized by having a determination means for determining whether the length in a first direction of a sheet stored in each of a plurality of sheet storage sections is equal to or greater than a predetermined length, a selection means for selecting a sheet storage section from among the sheet storage sections determined by the determination means to have the predetermined length or greater, a transport means for transporting a sheet from the sheet storage section selected by the selection means, and a printing means for printing an adjustment image on the sheet transported by the transport means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, convenience can be improved by selecting a sheet storage section that stores sheets of a length suitable for printing an adjustment image from among multiple sheet storage sections that store multiple sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2]1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus; [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen for density unevenness correction; (b) is a diagram showing an example of the visual correction screen; (c) is a diagram showing an example of the test page setting screen; (d) is a diagram showing an example of the screen during test page printing; and (e) is a diagram showing an example of the automatic paper selection priority setting screen. [Figure 4] Figure showing an example of printing a test page [Figure 5] Test page setting screen flowchart [Figure 6] Test page printing flowchart DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0014] The same components are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0015] <<Embodiment 1>> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus, which is an example of an image processing apparatus.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 101 comprises a control unit 102, a display unit 103, an operation unit 104, a printing unit 105, and a reading unit 106.

[0017] The control unit 102 is composed of a CPU 107, a ROM 108, a RAM 109, a HDD 110, an EEPROM 111, and a network I / F 112. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory.

[0018] The CPU 107 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 107 is an execution medium for a control program built into the image forming apparatus 101, and controls the operations of devices connected to the control unit 102 via each I / F (Interface) and memory of a storage medium.

[0019] The ROM 108 is a read-only memory that stores a boot program and other programs required for starting the system.

[0020] The RAM 109 is a volatile memory and is a work memory required when the CPU 107 executes a control program.

[0021] The HDD 110 is a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, and stores control programs, image data, and the like.

[0022] The EEPROM 111 is a non-volatile memory that stores setting values ​​and the like required when the control program is executed, and also stores adjustment values ​​for print density unevenness, which will be described later.

[0023] The display unit 103 includes an LED (Light Emmitting Diode) and a liquid crystal display, and displays the contents of user operations and internal information of the device.

[0024] The operation unit 104 includes a plurality of hard keys and a touch panel formed by attaching a touch panel sheet to the liquid crystal display of the display unit 103, and accepts user operations via these.

[0025] The printing unit 105 is a print engine that receives a print instruction from the control unit 102 and prints image data sent from the control unit 102 onto paper (sheets).

[0026] The reading unit 106 is a scanner that receives a reading instruction from the control unit 102, reads a document, generates image data, and transmits the generated image data to the control unit 102. The reading unit 106 may be equipped with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) (not shown), and may have a mechanism that transports multiple documents set in the ADF one by one and reads the transported documents.

[0027] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. Here, the flow from when a sheet is fed from a paper feed unit to when it is printed and then discharged to a paper discharge unit will be explained.

[0028] Paper sheets to be used for printing are set in paper feed units 201 to 205. The paper feed units are also referred to as paper holders, paper storage units, sheet holders, or sheet storage units. A plurality of paper sheets of different sizes and types are set in each paper feed unit. The paper sheets set in each paper feed unit may be any type that can be printed by printing unit 105. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 is described as having five paper feed units, but the number of paper feed units is not limited to five and may be two or more. The image forming apparatus 101 may also have an external paper feed unit and be able to transport sheets from the external paper feed unit. The paper feed unit may also include a manual feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus 101.

[0029] Drum unit (Y) 206, drum unit (M) 207, drum unit (C) 208, and drum unit (K) each have a photosensitive drum corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inside. Image forming apparatus 101 irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light in accordance with image data sent from control unit 102, and then develops the image by adhering toner. After development, primary transfer roller 211 transfers the toner of each color onto intermediate transfer belt 210. Then, secondary transfer roller 212 transfers the toner onto paper fed from one of paper feeders 201 to 205. After transfer, fuser 213 fuses the toner onto the paper using heat and pressure, and the paper is discharged to paper discharge unit 214.

[0030] As a result of the above, a printed matter corresponding to the image data sent from the control unit 102 can be obtained, but density unevenness (shades of density) may occur depending on the position in the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction (main scanning direction for printing). This is due to the shape of the drum, non-uniformity in electrical resistance, etc.

[0031] Next, the flow of user operations for correcting density unevenness in the main scanning direction will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows screens displayed on the display unit 103. The user performs operations via the operation unit 104 while viewing these screens.

[0032] 3A shows an example of a menu screen for density unevenness correction. A density unevenness correction menu screen 301 includes a visual correction button 302, a densitometer correction button 303, a scanner correction button 304, and an automatic paper selection priority setting button 305.

[0033] The visual correction button 302 is used when a test page for correction (an image for adjustment) is output and the user visually checks and corrects the test page. The specific flow will be described later with reference to Figures 3(b) to 3(d).

[0034] A densitometer correction button 303 and a scanner correction button 304 are used when a test page for correction is output and the density is read and corrected by a densitometer or a scanner.

[0035] These correction methods have in common that they output a test page for correction, and the procedure for outputting the test page is the same as for visual correction. In the case of densitometer correction, a measurement unit (not shown) is used to read an image printed on a sheet and perform correction. In the case of scanner correction, correction is performed by reading the output test page with the reading unit 105. The method of correction after outputting the test page is not limited to these, as long as it is a method of outputting a test page for correction and performing correction.

[0036] From here, visual correction will be explained using FIG. 3(b).

[0037] FIG. 3(b) is an example of a screen for visual correction, which is displayed on the display unit 103 when the visual correction button 302 in FIG. 3(a) is pressed.

[0038] The visual correction screen 310 is composed of an adjustment value input section 311 , a “return to initial value” button 312 , a “return to previous value” button 313 , a test page output button 314 , a save button 315 , and a cancel button 316 .

[0039] The adjustment value input section 311 is used when the user visually checks the test page after outputting it and inputs an adjustment value for the density unevenness.

[0040] The relationship with the test chart will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, but each adjustment value is a combination of color and position, and the user can operate the operation unit 104 to input an adjustment value (numerical value) in the range of -127 to +127 into each of the yellow columns ranging from -6 to +6. For example, if the location in the +3 row of the yellow column is touched, a numerical value input screen (not shown) is displayed together with a soft keyboard, and the user can input a numerical value by selecting the soft keyboard. The user can also input values ​​for magenta, cyan, and black in the same way. The adjustment values ​​input here are stored in the EEPROM 111.

[0041] The "restore to initial value" button 312 is used to restore the adjusted values ​​at the time of shipment from the factory.

[0042] A "return to previous value" button 313 is used to return to the adjusted value at the time of the previous saving.

[0043] A test page output button 314 is used to output a test page. Details of test page output will be described later.

[0044] The save button 315 is used to confirm the values ​​input to the adjustment value input unit 311. When the save button 315 is pressed, the CPU 107 saves each adjustment value input to the adjustment value input unit 311 in the EEPROM 111, and also calculates correction information for correcting density unevenness and saves this correction information in the EEPROM 111. The correction information is calculated so that when the adjustment value is negative (-), the density becomes lighter, and when the adjustment value is positive (+), the density becomes darker. The correction information then corrects the voltage in each process for printing described in FIG. 2, and as a result, the density at the position in the main scanning direction changes.

[0045] The cancel button 316 is used to cancel the visual correction. When the cancel button 316 is pressed, the CPU 107 discards the value input in the adjustment value input section 311 and displays the density unevenness correction menu screen 301 on the display section 103.

[0046] Next, the setting of test page output will be described with reference to Fig. 3(c). The screen of Fig. 3(c) is an example of a screen for test page setting, and is displayed on the display unit 103 when the test page output button 314 is pressed.

[0047] The test page setting screen 320 is configured from an automatic selection button 321 , a paper feed unit 1 selection button 322 to a paper feed unit 5 selection button 326 , a print start button 327 , and a cancel button 328 .

[0048] The automatic selection button 321 is used when the user does not specify a specific paper feed unit. In this case, the CPU 107 selects the most suitable paper feed unit. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0049] Paper feed unit 1 selection button 322 to paper feed unit 5 selection button 326 correspond to paper feed units 201 to 205, respectively, and are used when the user specifies a paper feed unit. If a paper feed unit cannot be used as a result of the processing in FIG. 5, which will be described later, the corresponding paper feed unit selection button is grayed out and cannot be selected by the user.

[0050] The cancel button 328 is used to cancel the start of test page printing. When the cancel button 328 is pressed, the CPU 107 displays the visual calibration screen 310 on the display unit 103.

[0051] The print start button 327 is used to start printing a test page. A specific flow of the print process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The CPU 107 displays a test page printing screen 330, as shown in FIG. 3(d), on the display unit 103 while printing is in progress, and displays a visual correction screen 310 on the display unit 103 after printing is complete. This completes the flow of user operations.

[0052] The automatic paper selection priority setting will now be described. The automatic paper selection priority setting is a setting for which paper is to be preferentially selected when printing a test page when the automatic selection button 321 on the test page setting screen 320 is selected.

[0053] FIG. 3E is an example of a screen for setting the priority of automatic paper selection, and the screen is displayed by pressing the automatic paper selection priority setting button 305 on the density unevenness correction menu screen 301.

[0054] Priority setting screen 340 is made up of no priority setting 341, standard size priority setting 342, user-defined size priority setting 343, OK button 344, and cancel button 345. Each priority setting is stored in EEPROM 111 and is referenced when paper feed units 201 to 205 contain paper of both standard sizes and user-defined sizes that can be used for test pages for correction.

[0055] In the case of the no priority setting 341, the paper feeder with the longest paper in the main scanning direction is selected from among the paper feeders available for the test page, regardless of whether it is a standard size or a user-defined size.

[0056] In the case of the standard size priority 342, the paper feeder that has the longest standard size paper in the main scanning direction among the paper feeders that can be used for the test page is selected. If there is no paper feeder with a standard size, the paper feeder with the longest user-defined size paper is selected.

[0057] In the case of user-defined size priority 343, the paper feeder having the longest paper in the main scanning direction of the user-defined size among the paper feeders available for the test page is selected. If there is no paper feeder having the user-defined size, the paper feeder having the longest paper of the standard size is selected.

[0058] These settings allow the user to select from among the paper types that are likely to be used.

[0059] The OK button 344 is used to confirm the automatic paper selection priority setting. When the OK button 344 is pressed, the CPU 107 stores the priority setting values ​​in the EEPROM 111, and the density unevenness correction menu screen 301 is displayed on the display unit 103.

[0060] The cancel button 345 is used to cancel the priority setting of the automatic paper selection. When the cancel button 345 is pressed, the CPU 107 transitions to the density unevenness correction menu screen 301 without reflecting the setting in FIG. 3(e).

[0061] Next, the print content of the test page will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0062] 4 is an example of a printed test page. Test page 401 is composed of position number 402, band pattern (Y) 403, band pattern (M) 404, band pattern (C) 405, and band pattern (K) 406. Y corresponds to yellow toner, M corresponds to magenta toner, C corresponds to cyan toner, and K corresponds to black toner. Toner is an example of a recording material, and the recording material may also be ink.

[0063] The band patterns of each color extend in the main scanning direction, and a position number 402 (scale) is printed to identify their position in the main scanning direction. The center of this position number is 0, and the number increases at regular intervals as the distance from the center increases. The main scanning direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the test page in FIG. 4 when it is set in the paper feed cassette. The combination of color and position corresponds to the adjustment value input section 311 on the visual correction screen 310. For example, if density unevenness occurs at position -3 in the band pattern (M) 404 on the test page 401, the density unevenness can be corrected by changing the adjustment value of -3 for magenta in the adjustment value input section 311.

[0064] Not just any paper can be used for the test page; a certain length in the main scanning direction is required to correct density unevenness in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, a certain length in the sub-scanning direction is also required because multiple band patterns must be printed. In this embodiment, the paper size that can be used for the test page is 270.0 mm or more in the main scanning direction and 210.0 mm or more in the sub-scanning direction.

[0065] Furthermore, paper types (plain paper, thick paper, coated paper, recycled paper, etc.) may be limited to certain paper types so that density unevenness can be detected with high accuracy. In this embodiment, plain paper, thick paper, and coated paper are the paper types that can be used for test pages. On the other hand, recycled paper is a paper type that cannot be used for test pages.

[0066] The paper size and paper type are not limited to the values ​​in this embodiment, and may be changed depending on the capabilities and characteristics of the image forming apparatus.

[0067] Next, we will use two flowcharts to explain how to determine the paper feed unit to use for the test page. From here on, we will explain the case where the following paper is set in paper feed units 201 to 205. The size notation in parentheses is expressed as the length in the sub-scanning direction x the length in the main scanning direction. Paper feeder 201: A4 (210.0 mm x 297.0 mm) / plain paper / paper included Paper source 202: User-defined (195.0mm x 270.0mm) / Plain paper / Paper present Paper feeder 203: SRA3 (450.0mm x 320.0mm) / Thick paper / Paper included Paper feeder 204: User-defined (431.8mm x 279.4mm) / Coated paper / Paper available Paper feeder 205: A4R (297.0mm x 210.0mm) / recycled paper / paper available

[0068] 5 is a flowchart of the test page setting screen 320. This process is started by pressing the test page output button 314. This process is realized by the CPU 107 reading a control program stored in the ROM 108 into the RAM 109 and executing it.

[0069] In step S501, the CPU 107 acquires paper feed unit information of a certain paper feed unit from the printing unit 105.

[0070] In S502, CPU 107 determines whether that paper feed unit is out of paper. If there is no paper, the process proceeds to S507. In S507, the paper feed unit selection button for that paper feed unit on test page setting screen 320 is set to an unselectable state. In this case, because there is paper in all of paper feed units 201 to 205, the process proceeds to S503 for all paper feed units.

[0071] In S503, CPU 107 determines whether the length in the main scanning direction of the paper stored in that paper feed unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined length (270.0 mm). The main scanning direction of the paper is the direction parallel to the leading edge of the paper when the paper is transported from the paper feed unit. If the length in the main scanning direction of the paper is less than 270.0 mm, proceed to S507. In the example of FIG. 3(c), the length in the main scanning direction of the paper in paper feed unit 205 is less than 270.0 mm, so paper feed unit 5 selection button 326 is disabled for selection.

[0072] Next, in S504, CPU 107 determines whether the length in the sub-scanning direction of the paper stored in that paper feed unit is equal to or greater than a certain length (210 mm). If it is less than 210.0 mm, the process proceeds to S507. In the example of FIG. 3(c), the length of the paper in paper feed unit 202 in the sub-scanning direction is less than 210.0 mm, so paper feed unit 2 selection button 323 is disabled for selection.

[0073] In S505, CPU 107 determines whether the type of paper stored in that paper feed unit is a paper type (plain paper, thick paper, coated paper) that can be used for test pages. If the paper type is not a usable type, the process proceeds to S507. In the example of FIG. 3C, the paper feed units (paper feed units 201, 203, and 204) that satisfy the conditions of S503 and S504 all have printable paper types, so the process proceeds to S506.

[0074] In S506, the CPU 107 sets the paper feed unit selection buttons (322 to 326) of the corresponding paper feed units to a selectable state on the test page setting screen 320. In the example of Fig. 3(c), the paper feed unit 1 selection button 322, paper feed unit 3 selection button 324, and paper feed unit 4 selection button 325 are set to a selectable state.

[0075] In S508, the CPU 107 repeats the processes of S501 to S507 for all the paper feed units.

[0076] In S509, the CPU 107 determines whether all of the paper feed unit selection buttons (322 to 326) are in an unselectable state. If it is determined that all are in an unselectable state, that is, that there are no available paper feed units, the CPU 107 sets the automatic selection button 321 to an unselectable state in S512. Then, in S513, the CPU 107 sets the print start button 327 to an unpressable state so that printing cannot be started. On the other hand, if at least one or more of the paper feed unit selection buttons (322 to 326) are in a selectable state, the CPU 107 sets the automatic selection button 321 to a selectable state in S510, and sets the print start button 327 to a pressable state in S511.

[0077] In S514, the CPU 107 displays on the display unit 103 the test page setting screen 320 that reflects the processing in S501 to S513.

[0078] In S515, the CPU 107 determines whether the print start button 327 has been pressed. If the print start button 327 has been pressed, in S516 the CPU 107 causes the printing unit 105 to print a test page. Details of the test page printing process will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. After printing is complete, the flow ends.

[0079] If the print start button 327 has not been pressed, in S517 the CPU 107 determines whether the cancel button 328 has been pressed. If it determines that the cancel button 328 has been pressed, the CPU 107 ends the flow. If it determines that the cancel button 328 has not been pressed, the CPU 107 returns the process to S515 and waits until the print start button 327 or the cancel button 328 is pressed.

[0080] The above is the flowchart for the test page setting screen 320. This series of processes allows the user to easily determine the paper feed unit to use for the test page for correction by looking at the screen display when there are multiple paper feed units, including those with user-defined sizes.

[0081] Next, the test page printing process will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the test page printing process. This process is realized by the CPU 107 reading a control program stored in the ROM 108 into the RAM 109 and executing it.

[0082] In S601, the CPU 107 determines whether the automatic selection button 321 is designated on the test page setting screen 320 or whether any of the paper feed unit selection buttons (322 to 326) is designated.

[0083] If it is determined that one of the paper feed unit selection buttons (322 to 326) has been designated, in S602, the CPU 107 determines that the paper feed location to be actually used is the designated paper feed unit, and proceeds to instruct the printing unit 105 to start printing.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic selection button 321 has been selected, the CPU 107 proceeds to the processing of S603 and subsequent steps in order to determine the paper feed location to actually be used.

[0085] In step S603, the CPU 107 sets "none" as a provisional candidate for the standard size paper feed unit.

[0086] In step S604, the CPU 107 also sets "none" to the provisional user-defined paper feed unit candidates.

[0087] In step S605, the CPU 107 acquires paper feed unit information of a certain paper feed unit from the printing unit 105.

[0088] In S606, CPU 107 determines whether the paper feed unit is out of paper. If there is no paper, the process proceeds to S615. In the example of FIG. 3C, there is paper in all of paper feed units 201 to 205, so the process proceeds to S607 for all paper feed units.

[0089] In S607, CPU 107 determines whether the length in the main scanning direction of the paper stored in that paper feed unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined length (270.0 mm). The main scanning direction of the paper is the direction parallel to the leading edge of the paper when the paper is transported from the paper feed unit. If the length in the main scanning direction of the paper is less than 270.0 mm, the process proceeds to S615. In the example of FIG. 3(c), the length in the main scanning direction of the paper in paper feed unit 205 is less than 270.0 mm, so when paper feed unit information for paper feed unit 205 is obtained in S605, the process proceeds to S615.

[0090] Next, in S608, the CPU 107 determines whether the length in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet stored in that paper feed unit is equal to or greater than a certain length (210 mm). If it is less than 210.0 mm, the process proceeds to S507. In the example of FIG. 3C, the length of the paper in the paper feed unit 202 in the sub-scanning direction is less than 210.0 mm, so when the paper feed unit information for the paper feed unit 202 is acquired in S605, the process proceeds to S615.

[0091] In S609, CPU 107 determines whether the type of paper stored in that paper feed unit is a paper type (plain paper, thick paper, coated paper) that can be used for test pages. If the paper type is not a usable type, the process proceeds to S615. In the example of FIG. 3C, all of the paper feed units (paper feed units 201, 203, and 204) that satisfy the conditions of S503 and S504 are printable paper types, so the process proceeds to S610.

[0092] When the processes of S605 to S609 are performed for paper feed units 201, 203, and 204, CPU 107 proceeds to S610. In S610, CPU 107 determines whether the paper feed unit contains sheets of a user-defined size or a standard-size sheet. If it is determined that the paper feed unit contains sheets of a standard size, CPU 107 proceeds to S611. In the example of FIG. 3(c), this applies to paper feed units 201 and 203.

[0093] In S611, CPU 107 determines whether the paper feed unit in question is longer than the length in the main scanning direction of the standard size paper feed unit candidate. At the timing to determine paper feed unit 201, "none" is set as the standard size paper feed unit candidate, so in S612, "paper feed unit 201" is set as the standard size paper feed unit candidate. At the next timing to determine paper feed unit 203, "paper feed unit 201" is set as the standard size paper feed unit candidate, and in S611, the length in the main scanning direction of paper feed unit 201 (297.0 mm) is compared with the length in the main scanning direction of paper feed unit 203 (320.0 mm). Then, in S612, "paper feed unit 203," which stores paper that is longer in the main scanning direction, is set as the standard size paper feed unit candidate by overwriting it.

[0094] On the other hand, for a paper feed tray determined to be a user-defined size in S610, the process proceeds to S613. In this case, this is paper feed unit 204. In S613, it is determined whether the length of the corresponding paper feed unit in the main scanning direction is longer than the length of the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size. At the time of determining paper feed unit 204, "none" has been set as the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size, so in S614, "paper feed unit 204" is set as the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size. In S614, if a paper feed unit has already been set, the CPU 107 overwrites the user-defined size and sets the new paper feed unit.

[0095] In S615, the CPU 107 repeats the processes of S605 to S614 for all paper feed units. When the processes for all paper feed units have been completed, the process proceeds to S616. In this case, at the time of proceeding to S616, "paper feed unit 203" has been set as the paper feed stage candidate for standard sizes, and "paper feed unit 204" has been set as the paper feed stage candidate for user-defined sizes.

[0096] In S616, the CPU 107 determines whether or not a priority setting for automatic paper selection is set. Specifically, this is determined from the value of the EEPROM 111 that was saved as a result of designation on the automatic paper selection priority setting screen 340. If the no priority setting 341 is saved in the EEPROM 111, the process proceeds to S617.

[0097] In S617, the CPU 107 compares the length in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in the paper feed unit set in S612 with the length in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in the paper feed unit set in S614.

[0098] In S618, the CPU 107 determines whether the length in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in the paper feed unit that is the candidate paper feed unit for the standard size is longer. If it is determined that the length in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in the paper feed unit that is the candidate paper feed unit for the standard size is longer, in S619 the CPU 107 determines the paper feed unit set in S612 as the paper feed unit to be actually used, and proceeds to S628 to instruct the printing unit 105 to start printing. Conversely, if it is determined that the length in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in the paper feed unit that is the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size is longer, in S620 the CPU 107 determines the paper feed unit set in S614 as the paper feed unit to be actually used, and proceeds to S628 to instruct the printing unit 105 to start printing. Assume that the no priority setting 341 is set in the example of FIG. 3(c). In this case, the length (320.0 mm) in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in paper feed unit 203, which is a candidate paper feed tray for the standard size, is compared with the length (279.4 mm) in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in paper feed unit 204, which is a candidate paper feed tray for the user-defined size. Then, since the length (320.0 mm) in the main scanning direction of the sheets stored in paper feed unit 203 is longer, paper feed unit 203 is determined to be the paper feed unit to actually be used.

[0099] If it is determined in S616 that the standard size priority 342 or the user-defined size priority 343 is stored in the EEPROM 111, the CPU 107 advances the process to S621.

[0100] If it is determined in S621 that the standard size priority 342 is stored in the EEPROM 111, the CPU 107 advances the process to S622.

[0101] In S622, the CPU 107 determines whether the standard size paper feed tray candidate is "none." If the standard size paper feed tray candidate is set to anything other than "none," the CPU 107 determines in S623 that the paper feed tray set in S612 will be the paper feed tray that will actually be used, and proceeds to instruct the printing unit 105 to start printing in S628. If the standard size paper feed tray candidate is set to "none," the CPU 107 determines in S624 that the user-defined size paper feed tray candidate will be the paper feed location that will actually be used, and proceeds to instruct the printing unit 105 to start printing in S628. If the standard size priority setting 342 is set in the example of FIG. 3C, the standard size paper feed tray candidate is set to anything other than "none," so the CPU 107 determines that the paper feed unit that will actually be used is the paper feed unit 203 set in S612.

[0102] If it is determined in S621 that the user-defined size priority 343 is stored in the EEPROM 111, the CPU 107 advances the process to S625.

[0103] In S625, the CPU 107 determines whether the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size is "none." If the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size is set to anything other than "none," the CPU 107 determines the paper feed location to actually be used as the candidate paper feed stage for the user-defined size in S627. The CPU 107 then proceeds to issue a print start instruction to the printing unit 105 in S628. On the other hand, if the candidate paper feed unit for the user-defined size is set to "none," the CPU 107 determines the paper feed unit set in S612 as the paper feed unit to actually be used in S626, and proceeds to issue a print start instruction to the printing unit 105 in S628. In the example of FIG. 3C, if the user-defined size priority setting 343 is set, the candidate paper feed stage for the user-defined size is set to anything other than "none," so the CPU 107 determines the paper feed unit to actually be used to be the paper feed unit 204 set in S614.

[0104] Through the processing up to this point, CPU 107 determines which paper feed unit will actually be used, from paper feed unit 201 to paper feed unit 205, and in S628, CPU 107 specifies the paper feed location to printing unit 105 and causes printing unit 105 to print a test page.

[0105] In S629, the CPU 107 waits until printing is completed, and after receiving a signal indicating that printing is completed from the printing unit 105, ends the flow.

[0106] This completes the test page printing flowchart. This series of steps allows you to specify automatic paper selection, even when there are multiple paper sources, including user-defined sizes, to determine the appropriate paper source to use for the calibration test page.

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment, convenience can be improved by selecting a sheet storage unit that stores sheets suitable for printing adjustment images from among multiple sheet storage units that store multiple sheets, including sheets of user-defined sizes.

[0108] <Other embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, the determinations from S503 to S505 are made, but it is not necessary to make all of these determinations. For example, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S503 of S503 to S505, and if the determination in S503 is Yes, execute the process of S506. Alternatively, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S504 of S503 to S505, and if the determination in S504 is Yes, execute the process of S506. Alternatively, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S505 of S503 to S505, and if the determination in S505 is Yes, execute the process of S506.

[0109] Furthermore, although the determinations from S607 to S609 are made, it is not necessary to make determinations in all of these steps. For example, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S607 of S607 to S609, and if the determination in S607 is Yes, execute the process of S610. Furthermore, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S608 of S607 to S609, and if the determination in S608 is Yes, execute the process of S610. Furthermore, the CPU 107 may make a determination only in S609 of S607 to S609, and if the determination in S609 is Yes, execute the process of S610.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the case of visual correction has been described as an example, but in densitometer correction or scanner correction, the above processing may be executed when outputting a test page.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, an example of adjusting print density unevenness has been described, but the present invention may be applied to other adjustments such as adjusting print position, etc. In the case of adjusting print position, a test chart for adjusting the print position is output, and the CPU 107 corrects the print position by reading the marks printed on the test chart with the reading unit 106.

[0112] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 107 CPU 108 ROM 109 RAM

Claims

1. a determining means for determining whether or not the length in a first direction of the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units is equal to or greater than a predetermined length; a selection means for selecting a sheet storage unit from among the sheet storage units determined by the determination means to have a length equal to or greater than the predetermined length; a conveying means for conveying a sheet from the sheet storage unit selected by the selecting means; an image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints an image for adjustment on the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit;

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a length in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet.

3. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a length of the sheet in a conveying direction.

4. The method further includes a determination unit for determining whether the length in the second direction of the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units is equal to or greater than another predetermined length, 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a sheet storage unit from among sheet storage units whose length in the first direction is determined by the determination means to be equal to or greater than the predetermined length and whose length in the second direction is determined by the determination means to be equal to or greater than another predetermined length.

5. Further, another determination means is provided for determining whether the type of sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage sections is a predetermined type, 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a sheet storage unit from among sheet storage units that are determined by the determination means to have a length in the first direction that is equal to or greater than the predetermined length and that are determined by the other determination means to be of the predetermined type.

6. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when there are multiple sheet storage sections determined by the determination means to have a length greater than the specified length, the selection means selects the sheet storage section that stores the sheet with the longest length of the leading edge side in the sheet transport direction among the sheets stored in each of the multiple sheet storage sections.

7. the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units include a first sheet storage unit storing sheets of a standard size and a second sheet storage unit storing sheets of a user-defined size; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting received from a user as to whether the selection means is to give priority to a sheet storage unit storing sheets of a standard size or sheets of a user-defined size.

8. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment is an adjustment of density.

9. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment image includes images of recording materials with different colors in the conveying direction of the sheet, and has a scale indicating the distance from the center in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet.

10. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a display unit that displays a screen on which a density adjustment value can be received for each of the scales and the recording material.

11. a determining step of determining whether or not the length in a first direction of the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units is equal to or greater than a predetermined length; a selection step of selecting a sheet storage unit from among the sheet storage units determined in the determination step to have a length equal to or greater than the predetermined length; a conveying step of conveying a sheet from the sheet storage unit selected in the selection step; a printing step of printing an image for adjustment on the sheet conveyed in the conveying step.

12. 12. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first direction is a length in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet.

13. 12. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first direction is a length of the sheet in a conveying direction.

14. The method further includes a determination step of determining whether or not the length in the second direction of the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage sections is equal to or greater than another predetermined length, The control method for an image processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that in the selection process, a sheet storage unit is selected from among sheet storage units whose length in the first direction is determined in the judgment process to be equal to or greater than the predetermined length and whose length in the second direction is determined in the judgment process to be equal to or greater than the other predetermined length.

15. a determining step of determining whether the type of sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage sections is a predetermined type; The control method for an image processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that in the selection process, a sheet storage unit is selected from among sheet storage units whose length in the first direction is determined in the judgment process to be equal to or greater than the specified length and whose length is determined in the other judgment process to be of the specified type.

16. A control method for an image processing device as described in claim 11, characterized in that when there are multiple sheet storage sections that are determined in the determination process to have a length greater than the specified length, the selection process selects the sheet storage section that stores the sheet with the longest length of the leading edge side in the sheet transport direction among the sheets stored in each of the multiple sheet storage sections.

17. the sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet storage units include a first sheet storage unit storing sheets of a standard size and a second sheet storage unit storing sheets of a user-defined size; 12. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising receiving a setting from a user as to whether a sheet storage unit containing sheets of a standard size or sheets of a user-defined size should be given priority in the selection process.

18. 12. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment is an adjustment of density.

19. 12. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment image includes images of recording materials with different colors in the conveying direction of the sheet, and has a scale indicating the distance from the center in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet.

20. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 19.

Images