Printing system, image forming apparatus and control method thereof, and storage medium

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus that provides a function of measuring a color of a chart and performing adjustment, there is a case where it is necessary to change sheet conveyance control or a sheet discharge destination depending on an arrangement position of a sensor of the image forming apparatus, and therefore, it is necessary for an information processing apparatus that instructs chart printing to create a print job of the chart in accordance with the arrangement position of the sensor.SOLUTION: When a print job received from the information processing apparatus is a print job for printing a chart for adjustment, the image forming apparatus prints the chart based on the print job, determines which of the plurality of reading units is to be used to perform color measurement on a printed material on which the chart is printed, changes a conveyance path of the printed material to use the determined reading unit for the color measurement on the printed material, and notifies the information processing apparatus of a result of the color measurement performed by the reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, commercial electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are generally connected to information processing devices to form printing systems in order to increase added value. Such printing systems have an adjustment function (calibration function) for the purpose of stabilizing output image quality. This adjustment function generally works by generating measurement patch images according to the purpose of the adjustment, creating a chart on which the color measurement patches are printed, measuring the chart, and performing corrections using the measurement results.

[0003] The image forming apparatus is equipped with an in-line sensor between the fixing unit and the paper discharge destination on the paper transport path, and the in-line sensor can measure the color of the chart. By using the in-line sensor, it is possible to realize an automatic adjustment function without requiring user operation.

[0004] In recent years, various optional devices have been connected to commercial electrophotographic image forming apparatuses. One of these optional devices is an inspection device. The inspection device reads the image of a conveyed print sheet and determines whether the print sheet is normal or not by analyzing the read image. The reading sensor installed in the inspection device can be used not only for inspection purposes but also for measuring the color of a chart. Therefore, in a configuration in which an inspection device is connected to an image forming apparatus, there are two sensors capable of measuring the color of a chart, and various adjustment functions can be realized depending on the characteristics of both sensors.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that in a printing system having multiple sensors, a user is allowed to specify the sensor to be used to realize the adjustment function. Patent Document 1 also describes that when a print job to print a chart is submitted from an information processing device to an image forming device, the information processing device determines the paper output destination in accordance with the sensor settings specified by the user, taking into account the configuration of the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-3256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] According to the method of Patent Document 1, the printing system can determine and control the optimal paper discharge destination according to the sensor position specified by the user to perform the adjustment function. However, in this case, the information processing device must understand the configuration of the image forming device before processing. Image forming devices vary in the position of the inline sensor and the presence or absence of optional devices, so the information processing device must create logic that takes into account all of these configurations.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables an information processing apparatus to create a print job for printing a chart and perform color measurement without being aware of the configuration of the image forming apparatus that prints the chart. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: An image forming apparatus that receives and executes a print job from an information processing apparatus, a plurality of reading means for reading and measuring the color of an image on a printed material; a printing means for printing a chart based on a print job received from the information processing device when the print job is for printing an adjustment chart; a determining unit that determines, based on the chart, which of the plurality of reading units to use to measure the color of a printed matter on which the chart is printed by the printing unit; a change unit that changes a transport path of the printed material so that the reading unit determined by the determination unit is used for color measurement of the printed material; and a notification unit that notifies the information processing device of the result of color measurement by the reading unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus can create a print job for printing a chart and perform color measurement without being aware of the configuration of the image forming apparatus that prints the chart.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system configuration of an information processing apparatus and a client PC according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed on a display for setting an adjustment function of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a sequence when a print job including a color measurement instruction is input from an information processing apparatus to an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for describing a process for making print settings executed in step S505 by a job control unit of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0015] In the following description, the information processing apparatus may also be called an external controller, an image processing controller, a digital front end, a print server, a DFE, etc. The image forming apparatus may also be called a multifunction device, a multifunction peripheral, or an MFP.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] This printing system includes an image forming apparatus 101 and an information processing apparatus 102. The image forming apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 are communicatively connected via an internal LAN 105 and a video cable 106. The information processing apparatus 102 is communicatively connected to a client PC 103 via an external LAN 104, and a print instruction is issued from the PC 103 to the information processing apparatus 102. A printer driver having a function of converting print data into a print description language processable by the information processing apparatus 102 is installed in the client PC 103. A user who performs printing can issue a print instruction from various applications via the printer driver. The printer driver transmits print data to the information processing apparatus 102 based on the print instruction from the user. Upon receiving the print instruction from the PC 103, the information processing apparatus 102 performs data analysis and rasterization processing, and inputs the print data to the image forming apparatus 101 to issue a print instruction.

[0018] Next, the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0019] The image forming device 101 is connected to multiple devices with different functions, enabling complex printing processes such as bookbinding. The printing device 107 forms an image using toner on paper transported from a paper feeder located below the printing device 107. The configuration and operating principle of this printing device 107 are as follows: A beam of light, such as a laser beam, modulated according to image data is reflected by a rotating polygon mirror or other such mirror and irradiated onto a photosensitive drum as scanning light. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum by this laser beam is developed with toner, and the toner image is transferred to paper attached to a transfer drum. This series of image formation processes is performed sequentially for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, forming a full-color image on the paper. The paper on the transfer drum with the full-color image formed is transported to a fuser. The fuser includes rollers, belts, etc., and incorporates a heat source, such as a halogen heater, inside the rollers. The toner on the paper with the transferred toner image is melted and fixed to the paper by heat and pressure. The inserter 108 inserts an insertion sheet. The inserter 108 can insert a sheet at any position in a group of sheets printed by the printing device 107 and transported. The inspection device 109 reads an image of the transported sheet and compares it with a pre-registered reference image to determine whether the printed image is normal. This inspection device 109 is not only used for inspection, but can also be used to read a chart image and perform correction processing on the information processing device 102 or the printing device 107 using the read data. The large-capacity stacker 110 can stack a large number of sheets. The finisher 111 performs post-processing such as binding, punching, and stapling on the transported sheets. The finisher 111 is capable of finishing such as stapling, punching, and saddle-stitching, and discharges the sheets to a paper output tray.

[0020] 1 is configured such that an information processing device 102 is connected to an image forming device 101, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. That is, the image forming device 101 may be connected to an external LAN 104, and print data that can be processed by the image forming device 101 may be sent from a client PC 103. In this case, data analysis and rasterization processing are performed in the image forming device 101, and print processing is executed.

[0021] 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating the system configuration of an image forming apparatus 101, an information processing apparatus 102, and a client PC 103 according to the embodiment.

[0022] First, the configuration of the printing device 107 of the image forming device 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 2B.

[0023] The printing device 107 has a communication I / F 217, a LAN I / F 218, a video I / F 220, an HDD 221, a CPU 222, a memory 223, a photographing unit 255, a job control unit 256, an engine control unit 257, an operation unit 224, and a display (display unit) 225. The printing device 107 also has a document exposure unit 226, a laser exposure unit 227, an image creation unit 228, a fixing unit 229, and a paper feed unit 230. These components are connected via a system bus 231. The job control unit 256 and the engine control unit 257 may be configured as hardware, or may be realized by the CPU 222 executing a program. The following embodiment will be described in the latter case.

[0024] The communication I / F 217 is connected to the inserter 108, the inspection device 109, the large-capacity stacker 110, and the finisher 111 via a communication cable 254, and communicates with each device to control them. The LAN I / F 218 is connected to the information processing device 102 via the internal LAN 105, and communicates print data and the like. The video I / F 220 is connected to the information processing device 102 via a video cable 106, and communicates image data and the like. The HDD 221 is a storage device that stores programs, data, and the like. The CPU 222 loads the programs stored in the HDD 221 into the memory 223 and executes the loaded programs to comprehensively control image processing and printing. The memory 223 stores programs and image data required for the CPU 222 to perform various processes, and operates as a work area.

[0025] A job control unit 256 manages and controls print jobs input from the LAN I / F 218 or operation unit 224. Based on instructions from the job control unit 256, an engine control unit 257 issues instructions to the document exposure unit 226, laser exposure unit 227, image creation unit 228, fixing unit 229, paper feed unit 230, and photographing unit 255. The operation unit 224 accepts input of various settings and operation instructions from the user. A display 225 displays setting information of the information processing device 102, the processing status of print jobs, etc.

[0026] The document exposure unit 226 reads documents when using the copy or scan functions. The document data is read by shining an exposure lamp on the paper placed by the user and capturing an image with a CCD camera. The laser exposure unit 227 is a device that performs primary charging and laser exposure to irradiate the photosensitive drum with laser light to transfer a toner image. The laser exposure unit 227 first performs primary charging, charging the surface of the photosensitive drum to a uniform negative potential. Next, a laser driver irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light while adjusting the reflection angle with a polygon mirror. This neutralizes the negative charge in the irradiated area, forming an electrostatic latent image. The image creation unit 228 transfers toner to paper. It includes a development unit, transfer unit, toner supply unit, etc., and transfers the toner on the photosensitive drum to paper. The development unit transfers negatively charged toner from a development cylinder to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum surface, creating a visible image. In the transfer unit, primary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the primary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the photosensitive drum surface to the transfer belt, and secondary transfer is performed by applying a positive potential to the secondary transfer roller to transfer the toner on the transfer belt to paper. The fixing unit 229 is a device that melts and fixes the toner on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure, and is composed of a heater, fixing belt, pressure belt, etc. The paper feed and transport unit 230 is a device that feeds paper, and the paper feed and transport operations are controlled by rollers and various sensors. The imaging unit 255 is installed on the transport path along which the paper is transported by the paper feed and transport unit 230, after it has passed the fixing unit 229, and takes images of the transported paper based on instructions from the CPU 222.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the inserter 108 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0028] The inserter 108 has a communication I / F 232, a CPU 233, a memory 234, and a paper feed control unit 235, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 236. The communication I / F 232 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 233 performs various controls necessary for paper feeding according to a control program stored in the memory 234. The memory 234 is a storage device in which the control program is saved. Based on instructions from the CPU 233, the paper feed control unit 225 controls the rollers and sensors, and controls the feeding and transport of paper sheets transported from the inserter's paper feed unit and the printing device 107.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 109 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0030] The inspection device 109 has a communication I / F 237, a CPU 238, a memory 239, a photographing unit 240, a display unit 241, and an operation unit 242, and each component is connected via a system bus 243. The communication I / F 238 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and performs communication necessary for control. The CPU 238 performs various controls necessary for inspection according to a control program stored in the memory 239. The memory 239 is a storage device that stores the control program and the like. The photographing unit 240 photographs the conveyed paper based on instructions from the CPU 238. If inspection is specified in the print instruction, the CPU 238 compares the image photographed by the photographing unit 240 with a reference image stored in the memory 239 and determines whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays inspection results, setting screens, and the like. The operation unit 242 is operated by the user and accepts instructions such as changing the settings of the inspection device 109 and registering a reference image. If chart printing is specified in the print instruction, the CPU 238 creates colorimetric data from the image captured by the image capturing unit 240 and transmits the created data to the printing device 107 via the communication I / F 237 .

[0031] Next, the configuration of the large-capacity stacker 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0032] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a communication I / F 244, a CPU 245, a memory 246, and a paper discharge control unit 247, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 248. The communication I / F 244 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication necessary for control is performed. The CPU 245 performs various controls necessary for paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 246. The memory 246 is a storage device that saves the control program and the like. The paper discharge control unit 247 controls the transport of transported paper to a stack tray, an escape tray, or the subsequent finisher 111 based on instructions from the CPU 245.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the finisher 111 of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described.

[0034] The finisher 111 has a communication I / F 249, a CPU 250, a memory 251, a paper discharge control unit 252, and a finishing processing unit 253, and each of these components is connected via a system bus 254. The communication I / F 249 is connected to the printing device 107 via a communication cable 254, and communication required for control is performed. The CPU 250 performs various controls required for finishing and paper discharge in accordance with a control program stored in the memory 251. The memory 251 is a storage device that stores the control program and the like. The paper discharge control unit 252 controls paper transport and paper discharge based on instructions from the CPU 251. The finishing processing unit 253 controls finishing processes such as stapling, punching, and saddle stitching based on instructions from the CPU 250.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A.

[0036] The information processing apparatus 102 includes a CPU 208, a memory 209, a HDD 210, a keyboard 211, a display 212, a LAN I / F 213, a LAN I / F 214, and a video I / F 215, all of which are connected via a system bus 216. The CPU 208 comprehensively executes processes such as receiving print data from the client PC 103, RIP processing, and transmitting print data to the image forming apparatus 101 based on programs and data stored in the HDD 210 and loaded in the memory 209. The memory 209 stores programs, data, etc. required for the CPU 208 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 210 stores programs and data required for operations such as printing. The keyboard 211 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the information processing apparatus 102. The display 212 displays information such as applications executed by the information processing apparatus 102 using video signals of still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 213 is connected to the client PC 103 via the external LAN 104, and performs communication such as printing instructions. The LAN I / F 214 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the internal LAN 105, and performs communication such as printing instructions. The video I / F 215 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video cable 106, and performs communication such as printing data.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the client PC 103 will be described.

[0038] The client PC 103 has a CPU 201, memory 202, HDD 203, keyboard 204, display 205, and LAN I / F 206, which are connected via a system bus 207. The CPU 201 creates print data and executes print instructions based on a document processing program stored in the HDD 203. The CPU 201 also comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus. The memory 202 stores programs and data required for the CPU 201 to perform various processes and operates as a work area. The HDD 203 stores programs and data required for operations such as print processing. The keyboard 204 is a device for inputting operation instructions for the PC 103. The display 205 displays information such as applications executed by the client PC 103 using video signals for still images and moving images. The LAN I / F 206 is connected to the external LAN 104, and is used for communication such as print instructions.

[0039] In the above description, the information processing apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 are connected via the internal LAN 1905 and the video cable 106, but any other configuration is acceptable as long as they can transmit and receive the data necessary for printing, and for example, a connection configuration using only a video cable is also acceptable. Furthermore, the memory 202, memory 209, memory 223, memory 234, memory 239, memory 246, and memory 251 may each be a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, they may be replaced with volatile RAM, non-volatile ROM, an internal HDD, an external HDD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0040] Fig. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 101 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 3, parts common to those in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The paper feed decks 301 and 302 can accommodate various types of sheets. Information about the paper stored in each paper feed deck (paper size, paper type) can be set using the operation unit 224 of the printing device 107. Each paper feed deck can separate only the top sheet from the stack and transport it to a sheet transport path 303. Reference numerals 304 to 307 denote developing stations, which form toner images using color toners Y, M, C, and K, respectively, to form a color image. The toner images formed here are primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer belt 308. The intermediate transfer belt 308 rotates clockwise in FIG. 3, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet transported from the sheet transport path 303 at a secondary transfer position 309. The display 225 displays information about the printing status and settings of the image forming apparatus 101. A fixing unit 311 fixes the toner image to the sheet. The fixing unit 311 includes a pressure roller and a heating roller. As the sheet passes between these rollers, the toner is melted and pressed onto the sheet, fixing the toner image to the sheet. After passing through the fixing unit 311, the sheet is transported to the transport path 315 via the sheet transport path 312. If further melting and pressing is required for fixing depending on the type of sheet, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 311 and is transported to the second fixing unit 313 via the upper sheet transport path. After undergoing additional melting and pressing, the sheet is transported to the transport path 315 via the sheet transport path 314. In the double-sided image formation mode, the sheet with the toner image fixed on one side is transported to the sheet inversion path 316, inverted by the inversion path 316, and then transported to the double-sided transport path 317. The image on the second side of the sheet is then transferred to the secondary transfer position 309. A camera 359 (corresponding to the photographing unit 255) is installed on the transport path between the sheet transport path 314 and the transport path 315, allowing it to capture images of the top surface of the paper as it travels along the transport path.

[0042] The inserter 108 includes an inserter tray 321, and merges sheets fed via a sheet transport path 322 into the transport path. This allows a sheet to be inserted at any position in a series of sheets transported from the printing device 107 and transported to a subsequent device.

[0043] The sheet that has passed through the inserter 108 in this way is transported to the inspection device 109. Cameras 331 and 332 are arranged facing each other inside the inspection device 109. Camera 331 is a camera for reading the upper surface of the sheet, and camera 332 is a camera for reading the lower surface of the sheet. When the sheet transported to the sheet transport path 333 reaches a predetermined position, the inspection device 109 reads the image of the sheet using cameras 331 and 332, and can determine whether the printed image is normal. The display unit 241 displays the inspection results performed by the inspection device 109, etc.

[0044] The large-capacity stacker 110 has a stack tray 341 as a tray for stacking sheets. A sheet that has passed through the inspection device 109 is input into the large-capacity stacker 110 through a sheet transport path 344. The sheet is then stacked on the stack tray 341 via a sheet transport path 345 from the sheet transport path 344. The stacker 110 also has an escape tray 346 as a sheet discharge tray. The escape tray 346 is a sheet discharge tray used to discharge sheets that have been determined to be defective by the inspection device 109. When outputting a sheet to the escape tray 346, the sheet is transported from the sheet transport path 344 to the escape tray 346 via a sheet transport path 347. When transporting a sheet to the finisher 111 downstream of the large-capacity stacker 110, the sheet is transported via a sheet transport path 348. The inverting unit 349 is a unit for inverting the sheet. This reversing unit 349 is used when stacking sheets on the stack tray 341. When stacking on the stack tray 341, the sheets are reversed once in the reversing unit 349 so that the orientation of the input sheets and the orientation of the sheets at the time of output are the same. When conveying the sheets to the escape tray 346 or the subsequent finisher 111, the sheets are discharged as is without being flipped when stacked, so the reversing operation in the reversing unit 349 is not performed.

[0045] The finisher 111 performs finishing processing on the conveyed sheets in accordance with a function specified by the user. Specifically, the finisher 111 has finishing functions such as stapling (one-point or two-point binding), punching (two-hole or three-hole), and saddle stitching. The finisher 111 has two paper output trays, paper output trays 351 and 352, and outputs sheets to the paper output tray 351 via a sheet transport path 353. However, finishing processing such as stapling cannot be performed via the sheet transport path 353. When finishing processing such as stapling is performed, the sheets are output to the paper output tray 352 via a sheet transport path 354 after the finishing function specified by the user is executed in a processing section 355. The paper output trays 351 and 352 can each be raised and lowered, and it is also possible to lower the paper output tray 351 and stack sheets that have been finished in the processing section 355 on the paper output tray 351. When saddle stitching is specified, the saddle stitching processing unit 356 staples the sheet in the center, folds the sheet in half, and outputs it to a saddle stitching tray 358 via a sheet transport path 357. The saddle stitching tray 358 is configured as a belt conveyor, and the saddle stitched bundle loaded on the saddle stitching tray 358 is transported to the left side.

[0046] 3(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of another image forming apparatus that provides the same functions as FIG. 3(A), but the installation position of camera 359 is different from that in FIG. 3(A). That is, in FIG. 3(B), camera 360 (corresponding to photographing unit 255) is installed on the sheet transport path after the sheet has passed through sheet inversion path 316. In this case, if it is desired to photograph with camera 360, it is necessary to control double-sided circulation in order to pass the sheet through sheet inversion path 316.

[0047] With the configuration shown in Figure 3(A), it is possible to read a chart printed on one side on the single-sided transport path. In contrast, with the configuration shown in Figure 3(B), even if the chart is printed on one side, double-sided circulation control is required. In this way, the camera installation position is determined by physical factors, and it may be necessary to change the paper transport control accordingly.

[0048] Next, the sensors installed in the cameras will be explained. The sensors installed in the cameras 331, 332, 359, and 360 described in FIG. 3 may be the same or different. These sensors vary, for example, in the number of sensors, the sensor reading method (e.g., whether a fixed sensor measures color while the paper is being conveyed or a movable sensor measures color after the paper is stopped), and color measurement accuracy. The appropriate sensor to use is determined based on the desired adjustment function, taking into account the differences in sensors described above. For example, if high-precision color measurement is desired, even if it takes a relatively long time, it is better to use a movable sensor with high accuracy. On the other hand, if the patch is a single color and does not require high accuracy, using a fixed sensor will shorten the processing time. When performing adjustment, these characteristics are taken into account and the correspondence between the chart to be read and the sensor to measure color is determined in advance for each model.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed on the display 212 for setting the adjustment function of the information processing apparatus 102 according to the embodiment.

[0050] This UI screen is displayed on the display 212 in response to an instruction from the CPU 208 of the information processing device 102, and the user can change settings related to the adjustment functions using the keyboard 211, a pointing device, etc. The CPU 208 receives an instruction from the user at any time, displays this UI screen, and accepts various setting changes.

[0051] The device name 401 specifies the device on which the sensor for which color measurement is to be performed is located. When area 402 is pressed, a list of device names that can be referenced for selection is displayed. Here, if a sensor (camera 359 in the case of FIG. 3A, camera 360 in the case of FIG. 3B) located on the printer engine of the image forming device 101 is to be used, the name of the image forming device 101 is selected.

[0052] On the other hand, when the cameras 331 and 332 arranged in the inspection device 109 are used as sensors for color measurement, the name of the inspection device 109 is selected.

[0053] In the adjustment function to be executed 402, the user specifies the adjustment function to be executed. Pressing the area 404 displays options for selecting an adjustment function, and the user selects the adjustment function to be executed from the displayed options. The chart image to be printed and measured is uniquely determined according to the selected adjustment function. A chart identifier is assigned to the chart image in advance, and the information processing apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 perform control to realize the adjustment function based on the identifier. Pressing the cancel button 405 cancels the settings on this screen and terminates the process. Pressing the print start button 406 causes the information processing apparatus 102 to generate a print job including the device specified in the device name 401, information about the chart identifier, and other setting items required for printing, and transmits the print job to the image forming processing 101 via the LAN I / F 214. Furthermore, print data for the chart image corresponding to the chart identifier is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video I / F 215 and the video cable 106.

[0054] 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when a print job including a colorimetry instruction is submitted from the information processing apparatus 102 according to the embodiment to the image forming apparatus 101. These processes are realized by the CPUs 208 and 222 of the information processing apparatus 102 and the image forming apparatus 101 loading programs stored in the HDDs 210 and 221 into the memories 209 and 223 and executing them.

[0055] In S501, when the print start button 406 is pressed on the screen in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 102 generates a print job as described above and transmits it to the image forming processing apparatus 101 via the LAN I / F 214. At this time, the print job settings include information on a setting that it is a chart print job, the sensor to be used for color measurement, and the chart identifier (identification information). Also included is information such as the paper to be used for printing, the paper discharge destination, the orientation of the paper when discharged (discharge side), and whether the print data for the chart image is single-sided data. There are multiple other setting items required for printing, but these will not be described here. The information processing apparatus 102 also transmits print data for the chart image corresponding to the chart identifier to the image forming apparatus 101 via the video I / F 215 and the video cable 106.

[0056] Next, in S502, the LAN I / F 218 of the image forming apparatus 101 notifies the job control unit 256 of the print settings and print data included in the print job received from the information processing apparatus 102, and instructs the start of a chart print job.

[0057] In S503, the job control unit 256 notifies the engine control unit 257 of the change in operation mode. This operation mode indicates whether it is a mode for normal printing or a chart printing mode for printing an adjustment chart. At this time, the engine control unit 257 is also notified of the identifier of the chart notified from the information processing apparatus 102.

[0058] Next, in S504, if the operating mode is a chart printing mode in which an adjustment chart is printed, the engine control unit 257 determines which sensor will be used to measure the color of the chart based on the chart identifier information. Then, it notifies a color measurement request to the photographing unit having that sensor (the photographing unit 255 of the printing device or the photographing unit 240 of the inspection device 109). It is assumed that the association between this chart identifier and the sensor that will perform color measurement is determined in advance between the information processing device 102 and the image forming device 101 for each model. Here, an example is described in which chart identifier information is used, but a color measurement request to the photographing unit may also be made using information about the sensor that will perform color measurement.

[0059] In S505, the job control unit 256 instructs the engine control unit 257 to start printing the chart. At this time, the job control unit 256 changes the necessary setting parameters based on the sensor settings of the print job submitted from the information processing apparatus 102 in S501, and notifies the engine control unit 257. Details of this will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0060] In this way, in S506, the engine control unit 257 feeds paper based on the instruction from the job control unit 256, and prints a chart image including a patch image on the paper to obtain a printed matter. If the instruction from the job control unit 256 is single-sided control, the engine control unit 257 prints the chart image on the front side of the paper and then conveys the paper to the sheet conveying paths 314 and 315.

[0061] On the other hand, if the instruction from the job control unit 256 is double-sided control, a chart image is printed on the front side of the paper, and then the paper is transported to the reverse path 316. At this time, double-sided paper transport is controlled, but since the print data is for one side, when the paper passes through the reverse path 316 and then passes through the secondary transfer position 309 again, a toner image is not formed on the intermediate transfer belt 308, and printing on the back side is not performed.

[0062] Then, in S507, the image capturing unit (255 or 240) for which colorimetry was requested in S504 reads the chart image when the paper on which the patch image is printed passes the position of the sensor, and performs colorimetry of the patch image.

[0063] Then, in S508, the photographing unit (255 or 240) notifies the engine control unit 257 of the colorimetry results of the patch image. In S509, the engine control unit 257 notifies the job control unit 256 of the colorimetry results of the patch image. Then, in S510, the job control unit 256 notifies the LAN I / F 218 of the colorimetry results of the patch image. Thus, in S511, the LAN I / F 218 notifies the information processing apparatus 102 that issued the instruction to print the chart via the LAN 105 of the colorimetry results of the patch image.

[0064] The image forming apparatus 101 repeats the processes from S505 to S511 for the number of pages instructed to be printed by the information processing apparatus 102 in S501. The information processing apparatus 102 instructs printing of a chart, acquires the colorimetry results of the patch images of the printed chart image, and performs calibration based on the acquired colorimetry results.

[0065] As described above, even if the configuration of the image forming device 101 requires different paper transport control depending on the camera placement position, the information processing device 102 does not need to consciously set either one or the other, and color measurement can be performed with the desired camera simply by setting the sensor to be used.

[0066] In the above explanation, an example is described in which the image forming device 101 determines one or both settings depending on the configuration shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), but if there is a possibility that other print settings, such as settings for the paper output destination or paper output side, may be inconsistent with the sensor being used, control is performed in the same way.

[0067] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of making print settings executed in S505 by the job control unit 256 of the printing device 107 according to the embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 222 of the printing device 101 executing a program loaded in the memory 223. In this flowchart, the process is realized by the CPU 222 functioning as the job control unit 256.

[0068] In S601, the CPU 222 checks the settings of the print job submitted from the information processing device 102 in S501 and acquires the settings of the sensor used for colorimetry. Next, the process proceeds to S602, where the CPU 222 determines whether the position of the sensor used for colorimetry is installed on the duplex conveying path. This information is pre-stored in the HDD 221 as device information. Here, if the CPU 222 determines that the sensor is installed on the duplex conveying path, the process proceeds to S603, where the paper conveying control setting is set to duplex control, and this process ends. The case where the sensor is installed on the duplex conveying path is the case where the setting is to use the camera 360 of the printing device 107 in FIG. 3(B).

[0069] On the other hand, if the CPU 222 determines in S602 that the sensor is not installed on the double-sided conveyance path, the process proceeds to S604, where the paper conveyance control setting is set to single-sided control, and this process ends. The case where the sensor is not installed on the double-sided conveyance path is when the setting is to use the camera 359 of the printing device 107 and the cameras 331 and 332 of the inspection device 109 in Figure 3(A).

[0070] Therefore, for example, when the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is as shown in Figure 3(A), the camera 359 of the printing apparatus 107 and the cameras 331 and 332 of the inspection apparatus 109 are not installed on the duplex transport path, so the paper transport control setting is single-sided control. On the other hand, when the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 is as shown in Figure 3(B), the camera 360 of the printing apparatus 107 is installed on the duplex transport path, so the paper transport control setting is double-sided control. The cameras 331 and 332 of the inspection apparatus 109 are not installed on the duplex transport path, so the paper transport control setting is single-sided control.

[0071] As described above, according to the embodiment, even if the configuration of the image forming device requires different paper transport control depending on the camera placement position, the information processing device does not need to consciously set single / double sided printing; color measurement can be performed with the desired camera simply by setting the sensor to be used in the print job.

[0072] (Other embodiments) 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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 101...image forming apparatus, 102...information processing apparatus, 109...inspection apparatus, 256...job control unit, 257...engine control unit, 255...photographing unit of printing apparatus, 240...photographing unit of inspection apparatus, 331, 332, 359, 360...camera

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that receives and executes a print job from an information processing apparatus, a plurality of reading means for reading and measuring the color of an image on a printed material; a printing means for printing a chart based on a print job received from the information processing device when the print job is for printing an adjustment chart; a determining unit that determines, based on the chart, which of the plurality of reading units to use to measure the color of a printed matter on which the chart is printed by the printing unit; a change unit that changes a transport path of the printed material so that the reading unit determined by the determination unit is used for color measurement of the printed material; a notification unit that notifies the information processing device of the color measurement result obtained by the reading unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chart includes information specifying a reading means to be used for color measurement.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job includes identification information of the chart, and the determining unit determines the reading unit to be used for color measurement based on the identification information.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the correspondence between the identification information of the chart and the reading means is determined in advance between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the chart identification information includes information on the paper used for the printed matter, the paper discharge destination, the paper discharge side, and whether the print data of the chart is single-sided data.

6. further comprising a storage means for storing information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of reading means; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change unit changes the transport path of the printed material based on information indicating the determined arrangement of the reading unit stored in the storage unit.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the change unit further changes the transport path of the printed matter based on a setting of a destination or a surface of the printed matter to be discharged.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of reading units is installed on a double-sided conveying path.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, when the determined reading means is installed on the double-sided conveying path, the change means changes the conveying path so that the printed material is conveyed to the double-sided conveying path.

10. A printing system including the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an information processing apparatus, The information processing device includes: a first designation means for designating a reading means for performing color measurement on a printed matter printed based on a print job for printing the adjustment chart; a second designation means for designating an adjustment function to be executed based on the result of color measurement by the reading means; A printing system, wherein the print job includes information specified by the first specifying means and the second specifying means.

11. 11. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the information designated by the first designation unit and the second designation unit is included in the identification information of the chart.

12. A control method for controlling an image forming apparatus that has a plurality of reading units that read and measure colors of an image on a printed sheet, and receives and executes a print job from an information processing apparatus, comprising: a printing step of printing a chart based on the print job received from the information processing device when the print job is for printing an adjustment chart; a determination step of determining, based on the chart, which of the plurality of reading means should be used to measure the color of the printed matter on which the chart is printed in the printing step; a changing step of changing a transport path of the printed material so that the reading means determined in the determining step is used for color measurement of the printed material; a notification step of notifying the information processing device of the color measurement result obtained by the reading means; A control method comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 12.

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