Image forming apparatus, printing method of image forming apparatus, program, and image forming system

Abstract

To continuously and collectively perform final printing after adjustment printing by collectively executing the adjustment printing of a plurality of print jobs in advance.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 3 includes the adjusted printing section 37 configured to execute the adjusted printing of at least one of the position and the color of the print job, the final printing section 38 configured to execute the final printing based on the print job, and the control unit 6 configured to, upon receipt of a plurality of print jobs, cause the adjusted printing section 37 to execute the adjusted printing collectively for the plurality of print jobs, and then cause the final printing section 38 to execute the final printing collectively for the plurality of print jobs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When printing a large number of sheets, such as for commercial printing, job settings and test prints are repeated to adjust colors and positions before the actual printing. When multiple print jobs are executed consecutively, there is a technique for interrupting the test print of a subsequent print job while the preceding print job is being executed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the actual printing of a preceding print job and the trial printing of a subsequent print job are discharged from different paper outlets, thereby reducing the non-printing time until the actual printing of the preceding print job is completed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The abstract of Patent Document 1 discloses that "the above problem is solved by having an image forming apparatus that executes printing of jobs in accordance with settings, comprising: an acceptance means that accepts requests to execute final printing or trial printing of a plurality of jobs, each with specified settings; a printing means that executes the final printing or trial printing of the job for which the execution request has been accepted in accordance with the settings; a print control means that, when the acceptance means accepts a request to execute trial printing of a job different from the first job while the printing means is executing the final printing of one job, causes the printing means to interrupt the final printing of the one job and execute the trial printing of the other job; and a paper discharge control means that controls the recording medium on which the final printing of one job and the recording medium on which the trial printing of the other job are executed to be discharged from different paper discharge outlets" (see the abstract of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171830 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 simply inserts the test print of a subsequent print job into the actual printing of a preceding print job. Therefore, if color or position adjustments are required for each of multiple print jobs, it is necessary to wait until the actual printing of the preceding print job is completed.

[0007] In other words, if the color or position of a subsequent print job needs to be adjusted, the color or position of the subsequent print job cannot be adjusted until the actual printing of the preceding print job is completed. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not allow multiple print jobs to be run continuously, and the operator must always be on standby.

[0008] Furthermore, when printing on continuous paper such as roll paper, the adjustment area and the actual printing area will be mixed together in the delivered product, making it difficult to tell the difference between the adjustment area and the actual printing area when looking at the outputted delivered product.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to print only the actual printing area on continuous paper such as roll paper, the continuous paper must be cut each time a print job is completed, which increases the amount of roll replacement work required in subsequent processes.

[0010] In response to such a problem, the present invention aims to execute adjustment printing of a plurality of print jobs together in advance, so that production printing after adjustment printing can be carried out continuously and together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] That is, the above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following configuration. (1) an adjustment printing unit that performs position and / or color adjustment printing of a print job; a production printing unit that performs production printing based on a print job; a control unit that, upon receiving a plurality of print jobs, causes the adjustment printing unit to collectively execute adjustment printing of the plurality of print jobs, and then causes the production printing unit to collectively execute production printing of the plurality of print jobs; An image forming apparatus comprising: (2) The control unit the adjustment printing unit accepts a selection as to whether or not adjustment printing is to be performed for each of the print jobs; The image forming apparatus according to (1). (3) The control unit receiving a selection of pages to be adjusted and printed for the print job to be adjusted and printed by the adjustment printing unit; The image forming apparatus according to (2). (4) The control unit accepts a selection as to whether the adjustment printing unit adjusts a plurality of print jobs before the production printing unit executes production printing of the plurality of print jobs, or whether the adjustment printing unit adjusts and prints each print job before the production printing unit executes production printing of the print job; The image forming apparatus according to (1). (5) The control unit When performing adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit, the adjustment content made in the preceding print job is applied to the subsequent print job. (4) An image forming apparatus according to (4). (6) The control unit accepting a cancellation job to cancel the production printing at the start of the adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit or the production printing in the production printing unit; (5) An image forming apparatus according to (5). (7) A color misalignment detection unit is further provided, either integrally or separately, to check the degree of color misalignment between the set color and the printed color; The control unit When the color adjustment is performed by the adjustment printing unit, the color shift detection unit checks the color shift adjusted in the preceding print job, and accepts a selection as to whether or not to perform color adjustment again for the subsequent print job. (5) An image forming apparatus according to (5). (8) The control unit and accepting a selection as to whether or not to perform adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit again when the production printing unit resumes the production printing after accepting a temporary stop while the production printing unit is executing the production printing. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (9) The control unit When the production printing unit runs out of paper while executing a plurality of production printings, the unit receives a selection as to whether or not to perform the adjustment printing again by the adjustment printing unit after replenishing the paper that has run out. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (10) The control unit If a paper jam occurs while the production printing unit is executing a plurality of production printings, after the paper jam is cleared, a selection is accepted as to whether or not the adjustment printing unit should perform adjustment printing again. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (11) The control unit When printing on continuous paper, information is printed to notify the switching of machines used in the subsequent process. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (12) The control unit When printing using continuous paper, when the production printing unit starts production printing, a partition line separating the adjustment area and the production printing area is printed. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (13) The control unit When printing using continuous paper, the production printing unit is temporarily stopped when starting production printing to cut the adjustment area. (12) The image forming apparatus according to (12). (14) The control unit When printing using continuous paper, when the production printing unit starts production printing, a blank space is inserted to separate the adjustment area and the production printing area. The image forming apparatus according to (1). (15) a step in which the control unit accepts a plurality of print jobs; an adjustment printing unit performing position and / or color adjustment printing for the plurality of print jobs together; a production printing unit executing production printing of the plurality of print jobs together; A printing method for an image forming apparatus comprising: (16) an adjustment printing unit that performs position and / or color adjustment printing of a print job; a production printing unit that executes production printing based on a print job, Steps for accepting multiple print jobs; a step of performing adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit collectively on the plurality of print jobs; a step of performing final printing of the plurality of print jobs together by the final printing unit; A program to execute. (17) an adjustment printing unit for performing position and / or color adjustment of a print job; a production printing unit that performs production printing based on a print job; a control unit that, upon receiving a plurality of print jobs, causes the adjustment printing unit to collectively execute adjustment printing of the plurality of print jobs, and then causes the production printing unit to collectively execute production printing of the plurality of print jobs; An image forming system comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, by executing the adjustment printing of a plurality of print jobs together in advance, it is possible to perform the production printing after the adjustment printing in a continuous and collective manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of collectively adjusting the printing of a plurality of consecutive jobs. [Figure 1B] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing roll paper on which adjustments for roll paper printing of multiple consecutive jobs have been performed collectively and then production printing has been performed. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus in the image forming system. [Figure 4A] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the procedure of an image forming operation executed by an image forming apparatus of an image forming system. [Figure 4B] 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the procedure of the image forming operation executed by the image forming apparatus of the image forming system. [Figure 5] 10 is a display screen showing whether adjustment printing is performed for a print job and the selection of pages for which adjustment printing is performed. [Figure 6] 10 is a display screen showing a selection of whether adjustments are made collectively or for each print job. [Figure 7] 10 is a display screen showing a selection of whether or not the adjustment contents of adjustment printing are to be reflected (applied) to a subsequent job. [Figure 8] 10 is a display screen showing a selection of a production printing job. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a display screen showing a selection as to whether or not to carry out color adjustment again in response to detection of color misregistration. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an image forming system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a display screen that shows the option of whether or not to carry out readjustment again when restarting production printing. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing information on switching between machines used in a subsequent process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a partition line separating an adjustment area from a production printing area is printed on roll paper when the production printing unit starts production printing. [Figure 15] This is a display screen showing the option of whether or not to pause the production printing department and cut (sever) the adjustment area when starting production printing. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a blank area separating an adjustment area from a production printing area is printed on roll paper when the production printing unit starts production printing. FIG. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of performing adjustments in three consecutive job printings. [Figure 17B] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the roll paper on which the adjustment of roll paper printing for two consecutive jobs and production printing have been performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present invention. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, identical components are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] <Description of the Prior Art> First, the prior art will be described as a comparative example. Fig. 17A is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of performing adjustments in the printing of three consecutive jobs, and Fig. 17A shows the case of three consecutive print jobs as an example.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 17A, a first job 11 includes a first job adjustment 12 and a first job production run 13. A second job 14 includes a second job adjustment 15 and a second job production run 16. A third job 17 includes a third job adjustment 18 and a third job production run 19. The first job 11, the second job 14, and the third job 17 each represent a print job.

[0017] In the comparative example of Patent Document 1, the test print of a subsequent print job (hereinafter also referred to as a subsequent job) is inserted during the actual printing of a preceding print job (hereinafter also referred to as a preceding job). Therefore, if color or position adjustments are required for each of multiple print jobs, they must wait until the actual printing of the preceding job is completed. For example, second job 14 cannot make second job adjustment 15 until the actual printing of first job 11, the preceding job, is completed.

[0018] Therefore, after the first job production run 13 is completed, the operator will perform the second job adjustment 15. In this case, the first job 11, the second job 14, and the third job 17 cannot be run continuously, and the operator must always be on standby to perform the second job adjustment 15 and the third job adjustment 18.

[0019] Furthermore, when printing on continuous paper such as roll paper, the adjustment area and the final printing area end up being mixed together in the output, making it difficult for users to distinguish between the adjustment area and the final printing area when looking at the output.

[0020] 17B is a conceptual diagram showing the roll paper on which the adjustment and production printing of two consecutive print jobs has been performed. This roll paper is printed in order from left to right.

[0021] The first job area 21 and the second job area 25 indicate the areas to be printed by each print job. The first job area 21 has an adjustment area 22 and a final printing area 23. The second job area 25 has an adjustment area 26 and a final printing area 27.

[0022] In the adjustment area 22, the label is printed with its position shifted in the sub-scanning direction. The operator may try and shift the label printing position, for example, in the direction of the arrow, through trial and error. In the actual printing area 23, the label is printed with its position fixed at a predetermined value.

[0023] In the adjustment area 26, the label is printed with its position shifted in the sub-scanning direction. In the actual printing area 27, the label is printed with its position fixed at a predetermined value.

[0024] In FIG. 17B, the adjustment area 22 and the final printing area 23 are mixed in the delivery item 24. Also, the adjustment area 26 and the final printing area 27 are mixed in the delivery item 28. Therefore, for example, when a user looks at the output delivery item 24, it is difficult for the user to tell which is the adjustment area 22 and which is the final printing area 23. Similarly, when a user looks at the output delivery item 28, it is difficult for the user to tell which is the adjustment area 26 and which is the final printing area 27.

[0025] Furthermore, in order to print only the production printing area on continuous paper such as roll paper 29, the continuous paper must be cut every time a print job is completed, which increases the amount of roll replacement work required in subsequent processes.

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment, adjustments for a plurality of print jobs are performed collectively in advance, so that production printing can be performed continuously and collectively after adjustments are completed.

[0027] FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of collectively executing adjustments for the printing of multiple consecutive jobs. In FIG. 1A, the flow of time is shown from left to right. The arrows indicate execution over a predetermined period of time. As shown in FIG. 1A, the operator collectively executes first job adjustment 12, second job adjustment 15, and third job adjustment 18 in advance. This allows the operator to collectively execute first job final printing 13, second job final printing 16, and third job final printing 19 in succession as the final printing after the adjustments are completed. This allows the operator to reduce the waiting time that occurred in FIG. 17A.

[0028] In addition, when printing on continuous paper such as roll paper, the final printing areas of multiple jobs can be combined into one delivery item.

[0029] FIG. 1B is a conceptual diagram showing roll paper on which adjustments for roll paper printing of multiple consecutive jobs have been performed collectively and then production printing has been performed.

[0030] 1B, roll paper 29 can be divided into adjustment area 22 for the print job for label A, adjustment area 26 for the print job for label B, production area 23 for the print job for label A, and production area 27 for the print job for label B. Furthermore, by cutting between adjustment areas 22, 26 and production areas 23, 27, roll paper 241 can be delivered as a single product with only production areas 23, 27 combined.

[0031] <Present Embodiment> [Overall Schematic Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming system 100 is a system that uses roll paper 9 as a recording medium and forms an image on this roll paper 9. Note that roll paper 9 is an example of a recording medium and an example of continuous paper, but is not limited to roll paper.

[0032] 2, image forming system 100 is configured by connecting, from upstream, a paper feeder 1, an image forming device 3, a color shift inspection unit 4, and a winding device 5 along the transport direction of roll paper 9. Note that image forming device 3 is configured as a roll paper image forming device.

[0033] The paper feeder 1 is equipped with a paper feed adjustment unit 2. The paper feeder 1 feeds roll paper 9 to the image forming device 3 via the paper feed adjustment unit 2. Inside the housing of the paper feeder 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper 9 formed in a roll shape is wound around a support shaft 10 and held rotatably. In the paper feeder 1, the roll paper 9 wound around the support shaft 10 is transported to the paper feed adjustment unit 2 at a constant speed via multiple rollers.

[0034] The roll paper 9 does not necessarily have to be held in a roll shape, but may be continuous paper that is held folded.

[0035] The paper feed adjustment unit 2 transports the roll paper 9 transported from the support shaft 10 of the paper feed device 1 to the image forming device 3. To absorb the speed difference between the transport speed of the roll paper 9 from the paper feed device 1 and the transport speed of the roll paper 9 in the image forming device 3, the paper feed adjustment unit 2 holds the roll paper 9 with slack, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The image forming device 3 has a function of forming an image on the roll paper 9. The image forming device 3 is installed downstream of the paper feeder 1 and upstream of the winding device 5 in the transport direction of the roll paper 9.

[0037] The roll paper 9 is discharged from the discharge port 39 of the image forming device 3 and carried into the color shift inspection unit 4. Then, the roll paper 92 is transported with its underside supported by a support plate 42 provided in the color shift inspection unit 4, and is carried into the color shift inspection unit 4 through the inlet 41 provided in the color shift inspection unit 4.

[0038] The color misregistration inspection unit 4 transports the roll paper 92 transported from the image forming device 3 to the winding device 5. The color misregistration inspection unit 4 also absorbs the speed difference between the transport speed of the roll paper 92 from the image forming device 3 and the transport speed of the roll paper 91 in the winding device 5.

[0039] The color misregistration inspection unit 4 is configured to include a color misregistration detection unit 43. The color misregistration detection unit 43 checks the degree of color misregistration between the set color and the printed color. In this embodiment, the color misregistration detection unit 43 is provided in the color misregistration inspection unit 4, but it may also be provided integrally with the image forming apparatus 3.

[0040] The winding device 5 winds up the roll paper 91 that has been conveyed from the image forming device 3 via the color shift inspection unit 4. The winding device 5 corresponds to a machine used in a post-process.

[0041] The winding device 5 has a cutting section 51 provided on the top surface of the winding device 5. The cutting section 51 has, for example, a cutting blade that is long in the width direction of the roll paper 91, and cuts the roll paper 91 at a predetermined position.

[0042] 2, inside the housing of the winding device 5, the roll paper 91 is wound around the support shaft 50 and held in a roll shape. In the winding device 5, the roll paper 91 transported from the color shift inspection unit 4 is exposed on the top surface of the winding device 5 and cut by the cutting section 51, and then enters the interior of the winding device 5 again and is wound around the support shaft 50 at a constant speed.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 in the image forming system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0044] 3, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a paper transport unit 31, an image forming unit 32, a fixing unit 33, a control unit 6, a display unit 61, an operation unit 62, and a storage unit 63. The image forming apparatus 3 also includes cutting units 34, 341, cutting detection units 35, 351, a paper sensor 36, an adjustment printing unit 37, and a production printing unit 38.

[0045] The paper transport unit 31 transports the roll paper 9 set in the transport path of the image forming device 3. The paper transport unit 31 transports the roll paper 9 transported from the paper feed adjustment unit 2 to the image forming unit 32, for example, by multiple rollers, and also transports the roll paper 92 that has passed through the image forming unit 32 and the fixing unit 33 to the color misregistration inspection unit 4.

[0046] Image forming unit 32 forms a toner image on roll paper 9. Image forming unit 32 forms a toner image by an electrophotographic process and transfers it to roll paper 9, forming a toner image (color image) in which layers of each color are superimposed. Note that in this embodiment, it is sufficient if an image can be transferred to roll paper 9, and the method is not particularly limited to an electrophotographic process.

[0047] The fixing unit 33 is configured with a heating roller 331 and a pressure roller 332. The heating roller 331 and the pressure roller 332 form a pair of rollers. The fixing unit 33 heats the roll paper 9 with the heating roller 331 to fix the toner image. In this way, the fixing unit 33 fixes the toner image transferred onto the roll paper 9.

[0048] The heating roller 331 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a fixing heater as a heat source. The pressure roller 332 is pressed against or separated from the heating roller 331 at predetermined timing under the control of the control unit 6.

[0049] The roll paper 9 onto which the toner image has been transferred passes through the nip between the heating roller 331 and the pressure roller 332, where heat and pressure are applied, melting and fixing the toner image. A temperature sensor is provided near the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roller 332. The temperature sensor measures the temperature near the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roller 332 as the temperature of the fixing unit 33.

[0050] The adjustment printing unit 37 performs position and / or color adjustment printing of a print job. The production printing unit 38 executes production printing based on the print job.

[0051] The control unit 6 is configured with, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown), a random access memory (RAM) (not shown), etc. The CPU of the control unit 6 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 63, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the loaded programs. The control unit 6 controls, for example, each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 3, causing the adjustment printing unit 37 to perform adjustment printing and the production printing unit 38 to perform production printing.

[0052] When the control unit 6 receives multiple print jobs, it causes the adjustment printing unit 37 to perform adjustment printing of the multiple print jobs together, and then causes the production printing unit 38 to perform production printing of the multiple print jobs together. The control unit 6 also receives a selection of whether the adjustment printing unit 37 will perform adjustment printing for each print job. The control unit 6 may also receive a selection of pages to be adjustment-printed for a print job that the adjustment printing unit 37 will perform adjustment printing for. The control unit 6 may also receive a selection of whether the adjustment printing unit 37 will adjust the multiple print jobs before the production printing unit 38 performs production printing of the multiple print jobs, or whether the adjustment printing unit 37 will adjust and print each print job before the production printing unit 38 performs production printing of the print job.

[0053] Furthermore, when adjustment printing is performed by the adjustment printing unit 37, the control unit 6 may apply the adjustments made in the preceding print job to the subsequent print job. The control unit 6 may also accept a cancel job to cancel the final printing at the start of adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit 37 or final printing by the final printing unit 38.

[0054] Furthermore, when the production printing unit 38 accepts a pause while executing multiple production print jobs and then resumes the multiple production print jobs, the control unit 6 may accept a selection of whether or not to perform adjustment printing again by the adjustment printing unit 37. Furthermore, when the production printing unit 38 runs out of paper while executing multiple production print jobs, the control unit 6 may accept a selection of whether or not to perform adjustment printing again by the adjustment printing unit 37 after replenishing the paper that has run out. Furthermore, when a paper jam occurs while the production printing unit 38 is executing multiple production print jobs, the control unit 6 may accept a selection of whether or not to perform adjustment printing again by the adjustment printing unit 37 after clearing the paper jam.

[0055] Furthermore, when printing using roll paper 9, the control unit 6 may print information to notify switching of the machine to be used in the subsequent process. Furthermore, when printing using roll paper 9, the control unit 6 may print a partition line separating the adjustment area from the actual printing area when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing. Furthermore, when printing using roll paper 9, the control unit 6 may pause the production printing unit 38 when starting production printing and cut off the adjustment area. Furthermore, when printing using roll paper 9, the control unit 6 may insert a blank space (blank area) separating the adjustment area from the actual printing area when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing.

[0056] In addition, when color adjustment is performed by the adjustment printing unit 37, the control unit 6 may check the color shift adjusted in the preceding print job using the color shift detection unit 43, and accept the option of whether to perform color adjustment again for the subsequent print job.

[0057] The storage unit 63 is configured, for example, by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor non-volatile memory. The storage unit 63 stores various programs, including system programs and processing programs, executed by the control unit 6, as well as data required to execute these programs. For example, the storage unit 63 stores setting information required to execute adjustment printing and final printing. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 63 stores setting information for adjustment printing and final printing that the user sets using the setting screen of the display unit 61.

[0058] The display unit 61 has a display screen as a setting unit and displays various information on the screen. The operation unit 62 accepts various instructions input by the user. As a setting unit, the operation unit 62 accepts input when changing setting information for adjustment printing or final printing, for example.

[0059] The cutting units 34, 341 cut the roll paper 9. The cutting detection units 35, 351 detect when the roll paper 9 has been cut.

[0060] A paper sensor (paper detection unit) 36 detects the roll paper 9 on the transport path.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control unit 6 controls the entire image forming system 100 as shown in FIG. 3, but each of the paper feed device 1 and the winding device 5 may be configured to have its own control unit.

[0062] Furthermore, the image forming device 3 may be, for example, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) that has a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to an image forming function.

[0063] First Embodiment [Outline of operation of image forming device] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 3 in the image forming system 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0064] 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the procedure of adjustment printing executed by the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100. FIG.

[0065] First, the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 3 accepts a print job and submits the print job to the image forming apparatus 3 (step S01).

[0066] Next, the control unit 6 accepts the selection of a print job (step S03), and then accepts the selection of an adjustment job (step S05).

[0067] 5 is a display screen 70 showing whether adjustment printing is performed for a print job and the selection of pages to be subjected to adjustment printing. For example, the display screen 70 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0068] The display screen 70 displays jobs A to E indicating print jobs, check boxes 7011 to 7015 indicating whether or not adjustment printing is performed for the corresponding print job, text boxes 7021 to 7025 for inputting the pages when adjustment printing is performed, and an OK button 703.

[0069] Job A, which indicates a print job, is checked in checkbox 7011, so adjustment printing is performed. As for the adjustment page, "1" is entered in text box 7021, so it is specified that it is one page. Job B, which indicates a print job, is checked in check box 7012, so adjustment printing is performed. The adjustment pages are pages 1-3 and 5, as "1-3,5" is entered in text box 7022.

[0070] Job C, which indicates a print job, is checked in check box 7013, so adjustment printing is performed. The adjustment pages are page 2 and pages 4-5, as "2, 4-5" is entered in text box 7023. Job D, which indicates a print job, has check box 7014 unchecked, so adjustment printing is not performed.

[0071] Job E, which indicates a print job, is subjected to adjustment printing because check box 7015 is checked. The number of adjustment pages is set to two pages because "2" has been entered in text box 7025.

[0072] By tapping the OK button 703, the contents entered in the check boxes 7011 to 7015 and the text boxes 7021 to 7025 are reflected in the adjustment printing of jobs A to E.

[0073] The control unit 6 accepts, via the display screen 70 of the display unit 61, a selection as to whether or not the adjustment printing unit 37 will perform adjustment printing for each print job, and also accepts a selection of pages to be adjustment printed for the print job to be adjustment printed by the adjustment printing unit 37.

[0074] 6 shows a display screen 71 that allows the user to select whether to perform the adjustments all at once or for each print job. For example, the display screen 71 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0075] Display screen 71 displays a "Perform all at once" button 711 for selecting the timing to perform adjustment printing all at once, and a "Perform for each job" button 712 for selecting the timing to perform adjustment printing for each job. Using display screen 71 of display unit 61, control unit 6 accepts a selection of whether adjustment printing unit 37 will adjust multiple print jobs, or whether adjustment printing unit 37 will adjust and print each print job before production printing unit 38 performs production printing of that print job.

[0076] 7 shows a display screen 72 that indicates whether or not to reflect (apply) the adjustment contents of the adjustment print to a subsequent job. For example, the display screen 72 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0077] On the display screen 72, a "Yes" button 721 or a "No" button 722 is used to select whether or not to reflect the adjustment content of the adjustment printing in the subsequent job. If the "Yes" button 721 is selected, the control unit 6 can apply the adjustment content made in the preceding print job to the subsequent print job when performing adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit 37, via the display screen 72 of the display unit 61. Specifically, this applies to color and position, and adjustments to the degree of color and position. Note that if the "No" button 722 is selected, the control unit 6 will not reflect the adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit 37 in the subsequent print job.

[0078] 8 shows a display screen 73 that displays the selection of a production printing job. On the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, a display screen 73 as shown in FIG.

[0079] Display screen 73 displays check boxes 731 to 735 indicating that jobs A to E, which indicate print jobs, are to be printed as final printing, and an OK button 736. For example, display screen 73 has check boxes 731 to 733 and 735 checked, and jobs A, B, C, and E are selected as final printing. In other words, display screen 73 provides an opportunity to cancel final printing.

[0080] Here, if the OK button 736 is tapped, the final printing of jobs A, B, C, and E is executed.

[0081] In this way, the control unit 6 can accept a cancellation job to cancel the production printing at the start of adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit 37 or production printing in the production printing unit 38 via the display screen 73 of the display unit 61.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation continues. When the selections of FIGS. 5 to 8 are accepted as the selection of the adjustment job (step S05), the control unit 6 starts adjustment printing (step S07).

[0083] When the adjustment printing is completed (step S09), the control unit 6 determines whether all jobs are completed (step S011). If there is a job for which adjustment printing has not been completed (No in step S11), the control unit 6 returns to step S07 and continues the adjustment printing.

[0084] If the adjustment printing is completed (Yes in step S11), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S13, and selects a production printing job (step S13).

[0085] The control unit 6 starts the final printing (step S15). When the final printing is completed (step S17), the control unit 6 determines whether all jobs are completed (step S19). If there is a job for which adjustment printing has not been completed (No in step S19), the control unit 6 returns to step S15 and continues the final printing.

[0086] On the other hand, if the final printing is completed (Yes in step S19), the control unit 6 ends the processing of the flowcharts in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0087] As described above, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment is configured to include the adjustment printing unit 37, the production printing unit 38, and the control unit 6. The adjustment printing unit 37 performs adjustment printing of the position and / or color of the print job. The production printing unit 38 performs production printing based on the print job. When the control unit 6 receives multiple print jobs, it causes the adjustment printing unit 37 to collectively perform adjustment printing of the multiple print jobs, and then causes the production printing unit 38 to collectively perform production printing of the multiple print jobs.

[0088] As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment can collectively execute the adjustment printing of a plurality of print jobs in advance, thereby continuously and collectively executing the production printing after the adjustment printing.

[0089] The control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the first embodiment may also receive a selection of whether or not the adjustment printing unit 37 performs adjustment printing for each print job. The control unit 6 may also receive a selection of pages to be adjustment printed for a print job that the adjustment printing unit 37 performs adjustment printing for.

[0090] The control unit 6 may also accept a selection of whether the adjustment printing unit 37 adjusts multiple print jobs before the production printing unit 38 executes production printing of the multiple print jobs, or whether the adjustment printing unit 37 adjusts and prints each print job before production printing of the print job. In this case, the control unit 6 may apply the adjustments made to the preceding print job to the subsequent print job when the adjustment printing unit 37 executes production printing. The control unit 6 may also accept a cancel job to cancel production printing at the start of adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit 37 or production printing by the production printing unit 38.

[0091] Second Embodiment The image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment includes a color shift inspection unit 4. The color shift inspection unit 4 includes a color shift detection section 43.

[0092] The color shift detection unit 43 checks the degree of color shift between the set color and the printed color. As a result, when the adjustment printing unit 37 adjusts the color, the control unit 6 can check the color shift adjusted in the preceding print job with the color shift detection unit 43 and accept the selection of whether to adjust the color of the subsequent print job again.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0094] In the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 starts production printing (step S101).

[0095] When the adjustment printing is completed (step S103), the control unit 6 determines whether or not color misregistration has been detected by the color misregistration detection unit 43 (step S105). If color misregistration has not been detected (No in step S105), the control unit 6 ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0096] On the other hand, if the color shift detection unit 43 detects color shift (Yes in step S105), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S109 and determines whether or not to perform color adjustment (step S109).

[0097] 10 shows a display screen 74 that displays a selection as to whether or not to perform new color adjustments based on the detection of color misregistration. For example, the display screen 74 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0098] On the display screen 74, the user selects whether or not to perform color adjustment by using a "Yes" button 741 or a "No" button 742. If the "Yes" button 741 is selected, the control unit 6 causes the adjustment printing unit 37 to perform adjustment printing using the display screen 74 of the display unit 61. Note that if the "No" button 742 is selected, the control unit 6 does not perform color adjustment.

[0099] Returning to FIG. 9, the explanation will continue. If color adjustment is not to be performed in step S109 (No in step S109), the process of the flowchart in FIG. 9 ends, as described above.

[0100] On the other hand, if color adjustment is to be performed in step S109 (Yes in step S109), the control unit 6 starts adjustment printing in accordance with the image quality adjustment of Fig. 10B (step S111). Then, when the adjustment printing is completed (step S113), the control unit 6 returns to step S101, starts production printing, and continues the processing of the flowchart in Fig. 9.

[0101] As described above, the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to include a color shift detection unit 43. The color shift detection unit 43 checks the degree of color shift between the set color and the printed color. When color adjustment is performed by the adjustment printing unit 37, the control unit 6 checks the color shift adjusted in the preceding print job using the color shift detection unit 43, and accepts a selection as to whether or not to adjust the color of the subsequent print job again.

[0102] In this way, when color adjustment is performed, the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment can check the specific color misregistration using the color misregistration detection unit 43. This allows the image forming system 100 according to the second embodiment to maintain the quality of the final printing performed by the final printing unit 38.

[0103] Third Embodiment In a predetermined case, the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100 accepts a selection as to whether or not adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit 37 is to be performed again.

[0104] Here, three predetermined cases are assumed. The first is when the production printing unit 38 accepts a pause while executing multiple production print jobs and then resumes the multiple production print jobs. The second is when the production printing unit 38 runs out of paper while executing multiple production print jobs and after replenishing the paper that has run out. The third is when a paper jam occurs while the production printing unit 38 is executing multiple production print jobs and after clearing the paper jam.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0106] In the image forming system 100 according to the third embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 starts production printing (step S201).

[0107] In the three cases described above, the control unit 6 of the image forming system 100 temporarily suspends the production printing by the production printing unit 38 (step S203).

[0108] Then, when the production printing is resumed, the control unit 6 determines whether or not readjustment of the adjustment printing unit 37 is necessary (step S205).

[0109] 12 shows a display screen 76 that indicates whether or not to perform readjustment again when restarting production printing. For example, the display screen 76 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0110] On the display screen 76, whether or not to perform readjustment is selected by pressing a "Yes" button 761 or a "No" button 762. If the "Yes" button 761 is selected, the control unit 6 performs adjustment printing using the adjustment printing unit 37 via the display screen 76 of the display unit 61. Note that if the "No" button 762 is selected, the control unit 6 does not perform readjustment.

[0111] Returning to FIG. 11, the explanation will be continued. If readjustment is not to be performed in step S205 (No in step S205), the control unit 6 resumes production printing (step S207).

[0112] On the other hand, if readjustment is to be performed (Yes in step S205), the control unit 6 starts adjustment printing (step S209). Then, when the adjustment printing is completed (step S211), the control unit 6 proceeds to step S207.

[0113] In step S207, the control unit 6 resumes the production printing (step S207), and when the production printing is completed, ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0114] As described above, the image forming system 100 according to the third embodiment accepts a selection as to whether or not adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit 37 should be performed again in certain cases.

[0115] There are three possible cases for example that can be considered as "predetermined cases." The first is when the production printing unit 38 accepts a pause while executing multiple production print jobs and then resumes the multiple production print jobs. The second is when the production printing unit 38 runs out of paper while executing multiple production print jobs and after replenishing the paper that has run out. The third is when a paper jam occurs while the production printing unit 38 is executing multiple production print jobs and after clearing the paper jam.

[0116] As a result, the image forming system 100 according to the third embodiment can perform adjustment printing again in the adjustment printing unit 37, and therefore can maintain the quality when performing production printing in the production printing unit .

[0117] <Fourth embodiment> When printing using roll paper 29, the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 3 of the image forming system 100 according to the fourth embodiment causes information to be printed to notify switching of the machine to be used in the subsequent process.

[0118] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of printing information on switching between machines used in subsequent processes. As shown in FIG. 13, the roll paper 29 has machine switching information 81 and 82 printed thereon for use in subsequent processes.

[0119] For example, when printing on continuous paper such as roll paper 29, different post-process units may be used depending on the print job. In such a case, when configuring a system that automatically switches post-process units depending on the print job, the control unit 6 adds post-process unit switching information 81, 82 required for each job to each production printing area. The switching information 81, 82 is, for example, a two-dimensional barcode, but may also be a one-dimensional barcode, any mark, a character string, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0120] The switching information 81 and 82 shown in FIG. 13 includes size information for cutting and information on the machine to be used for cutting according to the sticker.

[0121] As a result, the image forming system 100 according to the fourth embodiment can provide the switching information 81 and 82 to the roll paper 29 to notify the switching of the machine to be used in the subsequent process.

[0122] Fifth Embodiment When printing using roll paper 29, the control unit 6 of the image forming device 3 of the image forming system 100 according to the fifth embodiment causes the production printing unit 38 to print a partition line 85 separating the adjustment area from the production printing area when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing.

[0123] 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which, when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing, a partition line 85 that separates the adjustment areas 22, 26 from the production printing areas 23, 27 is printed on the roll paper 29. As shown in FIG. 14, the partition line 85 that separates the adjustment areas 22, 26 from the production printing areas 23, 27 is printed on the roll paper 29.

[0124] For example, by printing a dividing line 85 on the roll paper 29, the adjustment areas 22, 26 and the actual printing areas 23, 27 can be easily seen.

[0125] In this case, the control unit 6 can also temporarily halt the adjustment area and cut it off.

[0126] 15 shows a display screen 77 that displays a selection of whether or not to pause the production printing unit 38 when starting production printing and cut out the adjustment areas 22, 26. For example, the display screen 77 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0127] On the display screen 77, whether or not to cut the adjustment areas 22, 26 can be selected using a "Yes" button 771 or a "No" button 772. If the "Yes" button 771 is selected, the control unit 6 will cut using the cutting unit 341 or cutting unit 51 according to the display screen 77 of the display unit 61. If the "No" button 772 is selected, the control unit 6 will not cut.

[0128] In this way, when printing using roll paper 29, the control unit 6 can temporarily stop the production printing unit 38 and cut off the adjustment regions 22, 26 when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing.

[0129] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, when printing using roll paper 29, the control unit 6 may insert a blank area separating the adjustment areas 22, 26 and the actual printing areas 23, 27 when the actual printing printing unit 38 starts actual printing.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing roll paper on which adjustment areas 22 and 26 and production areas 23 and 27 are printed and a blank area 89 is provided to separate them when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing. As shown in FIG. 16, the roll paper 29 has a blank area 89 that separates the adjustment areas 22 and 26 from the actual printing areas 23 and 27.

[0131] For example, by providing a blank area 89 on the roll paper 29, the adjustment areas 22, 26 and the production printing areas 23, 27 can be easily seen when the production printing unit 38 starts production printing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 Paper feeder 2 Paper feed adjustment section 3. Image forming device 4 Color shift inspection unit 5 Winding device 9,91 roll paper 10 Support shaft 34,341 cutting section 35,351 Disconnection detection unit 37 Adjustment printing section 38 Production Printing Department 43 Color misregistration detection unit 51 Cut section 50 Support shaft 42 Support plate 61 Display section 62 Operation section 100 Image forming system

Claims

1. an adjustment printing unit that performs position and / or color adjustment printing of a print job; a production printing unit that performs production printing based on a print job; a control unit that, upon receiving a plurality of print jobs, causes the adjustment printing unit to collectively execute adjustment printing of the plurality of print jobs, and then causes the production printing unit to collectively execute production printing of the plurality of print jobs; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The control unit the adjustment printing unit accepts a selection as to whether or not adjustment printing is to be performed for each of the print jobs; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit receiving a selection of pages to be adjusted and printed for the print job to be adjusted and printed by the adjustment printing unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit accepts a selection as to whether the adjustment printing unit adjusts a plurality of print jobs before the production printing unit executes production printing of the plurality of print jobs, or whether the adjustment printing unit adjusts and prints each print job before the production printing unit executes production printing of the print job; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit When performing adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit, the adjustment content made in the preceding print job is applied to the subsequent print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The control unit accepting a cancellation job to cancel the production printing at the start of the adjustment printing in the adjustment printing unit or the production printing in the production printing unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. The printer further includes a color misalignment detector, either integrally or separately, for checking the degree of color misalignment between the set color and the printed color. The control unit When the color adjustment is performed by the adjustment printing unit, the color shift detection unit checks the color shift adjusted in the preceding print job, and accepts a selection as to whether or not to perform color adjustment again for the subsequent print job. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

8. The control unit and accepting a selection as to whether or not to perform adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit again when the production printing unit resumes the production printing after accepting a temporary stop while the production printing unit is executing the production printing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit When the production printing unit runs out of paper while executing a plurality of production printings, the unit receives a selection as to whether or not to perform the adjustment printing again by the adjustment printing unit after replenishing the paper that has run out. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. The control unit If a paper jam occurs while the production printing unit is executing a plurality of production printings, after the paper jam is cleared, a selection is accepted as to whether or not the adjustment printing unit should perform adjustment printing again. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. The control unit When printing on continuous paper, information is printed to notify the switching of machines used in the subsequent process. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. The control unit When printing using continuous paper, when the production printing unit starts production printing, a partition line separating the adjustment area and the production printing area is printed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

13. The control unit When printing using continuous paper, the production printing unit is temporarily stopped when starting production printing to cut the adjustment area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The control unit When printing using continuous paper, when the production printing unit starts production printing, a blank space is inserted to separate the adjustment area and the production printing area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

15. a step in which a control unit receives a plurality of print jobs; an adjustment printing unit performing position and / or color adjustment printing for the plurality of print jobs together; a production printing unit executing production printing of the plurality of print jobs together; A printing method for an image forming apparatus comprising:

16. an adjustment printing unit that performs position and / or color adjustment printing of a print job; a production printing unit that executes production printing based on a print job, Steps for accepting multiple print jobs; a step of performing adjustment printing by the adjustment printing unit collectively on the plurality of print jobs; a step of performing final printing of the plurality of print jobs together by the final printing unit; A program to run

17. an adjustment printing unit for performing position and / or color adjustments on the print job; a production printing unit that performs production printing based on a print job; a control unit that, upon receiving a plurality of print jobs, causes the adjustment printing unit to collectively execute adjustment printing of the plurality of print jobs, and then causes the production printing unit to collectively execute production printing of the plurality of print jobs; An image forming system comprising:

Images