Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and non-transitory computer

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program capable of forming a high-quality image that is not affected by the ground color of a recording medium.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus that forms a first image of a first color on a recording medium and then forms a second image of a second color on the first image, the image forming apparatus comprising: An acquisition section that acquires first measurement information on a ground color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information on a color of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium, a calculation section that calculates an amount of a first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information, and an output section that outputs the calculated amount of the first color, the color adjustment patch image includes a first patch image formed in the first color and a second patch image formed in the second color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In modern printing, recording media with a variety of background colors are used. To produce high-quality images that are not affected by the various background colors, a technique has been disclosed in which a base color such as white is applied to the recording medium and then a color image such as a process color is formed. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned "base color such as white" will be referred to as the "first color," and the "color such as a process color" will be referred to as the "second color."

[0003] In the above-described technique, a method is used in which a first image is first formed in a first color on a recording medium, and then a second image is formed in a second color on the first image.

[0004] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 forms a first image on a recording medium with a desired white background color by depositing white ink over the entire image-formable area of ​​the recording medium or by depositing white ink only on a pre-detected image-formable area of ​​the recording medium. A second image in a second color is then formed on the first image, resulting in a high-quality image.

[0005] In the above technology, a white ink ejection pattern is determined in advance for each of the recording media having various background color information, and a first image is formed using the above pattern depending on the background color information of the recording medium used during image formation.A high-quality image is then formed by forming a second image in a second color on the first image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-038063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with the above technology, the pattern of the first color applied to the background color information of the recording medium is fixed in advance, making it impossible to flexibly accommodate the background color information of various recording media.Furthermore, there is no description of how to determine the amount of the first color applied, so there is still room for improvement.

[0008] If the amount of ink applied to the first color is not appropriate, it will be impossible to form an image using the second color after optimizing the background color of the recording medium, and high-quality images will not be guaranteed.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems and circumstances, and its problem to be solved is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program that can form high-quality images that are not affected by the background color of the recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention can be solved by the following means.

[0011] 1. An image forming apparatus that forms a first image in a first color on a recording medium and then forms a second image in a second color on the first image, an acquisition unit that acquires first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information related to the color of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium; a calculation unit that calculates an amount of a first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information; an output unit that outputs the calculated amount of the first color; an image forming apparatus in which the color adjustment patch image is composed of a first patch image formed in the first color and a second patch image formed in the second color;

[0012] 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the first color used to form the first patch image is preset.

[0013] 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color based on the first measurement information.

[0014] 4. A selection unit is provided that compares a plurality of measurement values ​​in the second measurement information of a plurality of the color adjustment patch images with a predetermined target value and selects the measurement value that is closest to the target value, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color for forming the first image from the selected measurement values.

[0015] 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the measurement value in the second measurement information and the target value are both color values.

[0016] 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the target value is a value that represents a specific color.

[0017] 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the value representing the specific color is the value of the second measurement information.

[0018] 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the target value is set for each of a plurality of different modes.

[0019] 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information relating to the background color of the recording medium is the whiteness of the recording medium.

[0020] 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information relating to the background color of the recording medium is the basis weight of the recording medium.

[0021] 11. The acquisition unit acquires the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information at a predetermined timing; The image forming apparatus described in item 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color to form the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the second measurement information by changing it at a predetermined timing.

[0022] 12. A profile creation unit that creates an image formation profile including combination information of the type of recording medium and the amount of a first color used to form the first image from the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a profile execution unit that executes the image forming profile on the same recording medium as a recording medium that has been used in the past.

[0023] 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 and a server are connected via a communication network; the server stores the imaging profile; The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that acquires the image forming profile stored in the server.

[0024] 14. A program for causing a control unit in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 to function, the control unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information related to the color of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium; a calculation unit that calculates the amount of a first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information; A program that functions as an output unit for outputting the calculated amount of the first color. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The above-described means of the present invention can provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a program that can form high-quality images that are not affected by the background color of the recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional schematic diagram of an image forming system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] An example of a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 4] An example of an image formation flowchart according to the present invention [Figure 5] An example of a color candidate table for the first color [Figure 6] A correspondence table between color candidates for a first color and toner amount candidates for the first color [Figure 7] Toner amount table for first color pattern candidate [Figure 8] A combination table of pattern candidates for the first and second colors in a patch image for color adjustment [Figure 9] An example of a simplified schematic diagram showing a state in which a color adjustment patch image is formed on the surface of an image forming surface. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a color adjustment patch image including a back-side first patch image is formed on a recording medium. [Figure 11] Target value table for second patch image in color adjustment patch image [Figure 12] A difference table between the target value and the measured value of the second patch image in the color adjustment patch image [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image formation based on a profile including combination information of the type of recording medium and the amount of the first color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention, its components, and modes and aspects for carrying out the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, components having the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0028] Additionally, advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the invention.

[0029] 1. Image forming system In an image forming system 500 according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus 100 and a server 300 are connected via a communication network.

[0030] Then, the control unit 11 in the above-mentioned image forming system 500 creates and stores an image forming profile from the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information, the image forming profile including combination information of the type of recording medium and the amount of the first color to form the first image.

[0031] Furthermore, the image forming system 500 described above stores the image forming profile in a server, making it available to other image forming apparatuses on the communication network.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.

[0033] It should be noted that a user terminal such as a PC or a mobile terminal may be connected to the image forming system, and the function of adjusting the amount of the first color forming the first image may be confirmed and executed from the user terminal.

[0034] When a user checks and executes the above functions from a user terminal, the user may connect directly to the image forming apparatus 100 or may connect to job management software on a server that manages multiple image forming apparatuses.

[0035] 2. Image forming equipment 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention is composed of an image forming section 10, a first measuring section 50, a second measuring section 20, and other sections.

[0036] 2 is an electrophotographic image forming method, but the present invention is not limited to this and other image forming methods may be used. Hereinafter, "forming an image" may also be simply referred to as "printing."

[0037] Furthermore, although the present embodiment illustrates an image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt, the image forming apparatus may be a direct transfer type that transfers directly from the photosensitive member to the recording medium P without using the intermediate transfer belt 6. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may be a multi-transfer type. In the image forming apparatus, a plurality of photosensitive members are arranged in the transport direction together with a corresponding plurality of transfer rollers. Then, the toner images of each color formed on each photosensitive member are sequentially transferred onto the recording medium P in a superimposed manner, thereby forming a full-color toner image.

[0038] 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The functions of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention are comprised of the functions of an image forming unit 10, a second measurement unit 20, a first measurement unit 50, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15. These are connected via a bus.

[0039] In the following description, toner for developing electrostatic images is used as the printing material for forming images, but the printing material may be ink or other printing materials. Hereinafter, "toner for developing electrostatic images" will also be referred to as "toner."

[0040] In the following description, "image" and "color adjustment patch image" refer to the toner image in the state after it has been fixed to the recording medium by the fixing unit 8. However, for the sake of convenience, the state before fixing will also be referred to as "image" and "color adjustment patch image" in the following description.

[0041] In the following description, the terms "first image" and "second image" refer to the toner image after it has been fixed to the recording medium by the fixing unit 8. However, for convenience, the terms "first image" and "second image" will also be used to refer to the state before fixing.

[0042] In the following description, the terms "first patch image" and "second patch image" refer, to be precise, toner images in a state after they have been fixed to a recording medium by the fixing unit 8. However, for convenience, the terms "first patch image" and "second patch image" will also be used to refer to the state before fixing.

[0043] The "color adjustment patch image" according to the present invention is formed of a first patch image and a second patch image, and the first patch image may be formed not only on the front surface of the image forming surface of the recording medium, but also on the back surface.

[0044] In this case, the first patch image formed on the back side is also referred to as the "back side first patch image," and the color adjustment patch image according to the present invention includes this back side first patch image. Note that in the above case, the first patch image formed on the front side of the image forming surface of the recording medium is also referred to as the "front side first patch image."

[0045] In this specification, when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, the above-mentioned first back-side patch image may also be referred to as a color adjustment patch image.

[0046] (2.1) Image forming section The image forming unit 10 is made up of a primary transfer unit 10A, a secondary transfer unit 10B, a fixing unit 8, and a paper feed unit 9.

[0047] The primary transfer unit 10A is composed of photosensitive drums corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W), a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a primary transfer roller, and part of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0048] In the image formation of the present invention, multiple colors are assumed to be white. Therefore, in practice, a method of installing multiple photosensitive drums corresponding to white, or a multi-pass configuration in which a first patch image is printed with a first color consisting of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W), and then a second color is printed may be used. In the following explanation, it is assumed that there is one photosensitive drum corresponding to white (W).

[0049] The secondary transfer unit 10B is composed of a part of the intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7, and the like.

[0050] The printing material used for image formation is not particularly limited, and toner, ink, and other printing materials can be used.

[0051] For example, when a toner is used as a printing material, the toner contains at least a colorant and a binder resin. The toner may further contain other additives such as a release agent and external additives as necessary. Note that various known colorants, binder resins, release agents, and other additives and external additives can be used.

[0052] (Image formation) The image according to the present invention is obtained by forming a first image in a first color on a recording medium P, and then forming a second image in a second color on the first image.

[0053] In the following description, an image formed on the front side of the recording medium P will be referred to as a "front side image," and an image formed on the back side of the recording medium P will be referred to as a "back side image."

[0054] Additionally, the image in the first color formed on the front surface of the recording medium P is also referred to as the "front surface first image," and the image in the second color formed on the front surface first image is also referred to as the "front surface second image." Additionally, the image in the first color formed on the back surface of the recording medium P is also referred to as the "rear surface first image," and the image in the second color formed on the rear surface first image is also referred to as the "rear surface second image."

[0055] In this case, the background color may differ between the front and back sides of the recording medium P that is actually used. Therefore, the amount of the first color forming the first image on the front side is not necessarily the same as the amount of the first color forming the first image on the back side.

[0056] The method of determining the quantity candidate of the first color for forming the first patch image in the color adjustment patch image, which will be described later, may also differ between the front and back surfaces of the recording medium P.

[0057] When the image forming apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3 is used, the image according to the present invention is first primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6, then secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P, and then subjected to a fixing process.

[0058] The primary transfer when forming an image according to the present invention is performed by transferring a toner image laminate, in which an image layer of white toner (first image in the first color) and an image layer of colored toner (second image in the second color) are superimposed on a recording medium P, to an intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0059] The toner image stack may also be configured to have multiple photosensitive drums corresponding to so-called white. Alternatively, a multi-pass configuration may be used in which a first patch image is printed in a first color consisting of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W), and then a second color is printed. It is preferable to simultaneously perform primary transfer of a first image in the first color and a second image in the second color onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 as a stack.

[0060] (Formation of patch images for color adjustment) The patch image for color adjustment is formed separately from the image according to the present invention and is a patch image formed on the recording medium P for the purpose of color adjustment. The patch image for color adjustment is made up of a first patch image and a second patch image.

[0061] The "first patch image" refers to a background patch image of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium P in a first color when the color adjustment patch image is formed by the image forming unit 10. Note that the first patch image may also be formed on the back surface of the recording medium P as a back surface first patch image.

[0062] As the first color when forming the first patch image, a color that is a candidate for the first color for forming the image according to the present invention is used.

[0063] When the first patch image is primarily transferred to the front or back surface of the recording medium P, the control unit 11 primarily transfers the first patch image or back surface first patch image in the first color onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 based on the color adjustment patch data.

[0064] When the first patch image and the second patch image are formed on the surface of the recording medium P, the first patch image and the second patch image are first primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6, then secondarily transferred to the recording medium P, and then subjected to a fixing process.

[0065] The "second patch image" refers to a patch image in a second color that is formed on top of a base patch image in a first color when a color adjustment patch is formed on the surface of the recording medium P by the image forming unit 10. As the second color when forming the second patch image, a color such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), or black (K) that is used in actual image formation is used.

[0066] When the second patch image is primarily transferred, the control unit 11 primarily transfers the second patch image in the second color onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 based on the color adjustment patch data. At this time, it is preferable that the second patch image in the second color is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 simultaneously with the first patch image in the first color.

[0067] (2.1.1) Primary Transfer Unit When forming an image on the front or back surface of the recording medium P, the primary transfer unit 10A primarily transfers a first image in a first color and a second image in a second color onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 as necessary.

[0068] (First transfer of the first and second images) When the first image is primarily transferred, the control unit 11 primarily transfers the first image onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 based on the image data. At this time, for example, white (W) toner is used as the first color for forming the first image.

[0069] When the second image is primarily transferred, the control unit 11 primarily transfers the second image onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 based on the image data. At this time, color toners such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are used as the second color to form the second image. Color toners such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B) may also be used as needed.

[0070] When performing double-sided printing, an image must also be formed on the back side of the recording medium P. Therefore, when forming an image on the back side of the recording medium P, the control unit 11 reverses the recording medium P on the conveyance path R1 after forming an image on the front side of the recording medium P. Then, the control unit 11 completes the primary transfer of the first and second images onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 before the recording medium P passes through the nip portion N where the secondary transfer takes place.

[0071] (Primary transfer of color adjustment patch image) When forming a color adjustment patch image on the surface of the image forming surface, primary transfer unit 10A primarily transfers a first patch image in a first color and a second patch image in a second color onto intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0072] When forming color adjustment patch images on the image forming surface, the first patch image and the second patch image may be simultaneously formed by installing multiple photosensitive drums corresponding to so-called white. Alternatively, a multi-pass configuration may be used in which the first patch image is printed in a first color consisting of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W), and then the second color is printed. It is preferable that the patch images are formed in one pass. It is preferable that the first patch image in the first color and the second patch image in the second color are simultaneously primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 as a laminate.

[0073] When forming the back-side first patch image, primary transfer unit 10A first forms the front-side first patch image and the second patch image on recording medium P. Then, primary transfer unit 10A primarily transfers the back-side first patch image onto intermediate transfer belt 6 before recording medium P is turned over and passes through nip portion N on conveyance path R1.

[0074] (Configuration of the primary transfer unit) The primary transfer of the first image and the first patch image, i.e., the primary transfer of the first color, is performed by the photosensitive drum 1W, charging unit 2W, exposure unit 3W, developing unit 4W, and primary transfer roller 5W. The primary transfer of the first color is also performed by a part of the intermediate transfer belt 6. When multiple colors are used as white (W) toner, multiple photosensitive drums corresponding to the white color may be installed accordingly. Alternatively, a multi-pass configuration may be used in which the first patch image is printed in a first color consisting of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and white (W), and then the second color is printed.

[0075] A first image and a first patch image in a first color are formed on the photoreceptor drum 1W. The charging unit 2W uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 1W. The exposure unit 3W scans and exposes the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1W with a laser beam based on the first image data and first patch image data in the first color to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 4W deposits toner of the first color onto the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 1W to develop it. Note that when multiple colors of white toner are used, the white toner supplied by the developing unit 4W may be multiple colors.

[0076] The first image and the first patch image in the first color formed on the photosensitive drum 1W are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 by the primary transfer roller 5W. That is, the first image and the first patch image in the first color are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0077] The primary transfer of the second color image and the second patch image is performed by the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, the charging units 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2K, the exposure units 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, the developing units 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, and the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. The primary transfer of the second color is also performed by a part of the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0078] A second image and a second patch image in yellow are formed on the photoreceptor drum 1Y. The charging unit 2Y uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 1Y. The exposure unit 3Y scans and exposes the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y with a laser beam based on the second image data and the second patch image in yellow to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 4Y develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 1Y by attaching yellow toner to it. The same is true for magenta, cyan, and black.

[0079] The second image and second patch image of colors such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) formed on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 by the primary transfer rollers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. That is, a color toner image in which the four color toner images are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 6.

[0080] (2.1.2) Intermediate Transfer Belt The intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched over a plurality of rollers, including an opposing roller, etc. The transfer roller is biased with a predetermined pressure toward the opposing roller with the intermediate transfer belt 6 sandwiched therebetween.

[0081] The first image in the first color and the second image in the second color that have been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 in an overlapping manner are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P by the secondary transfer roller 7 .

[0082] At this time, a first image in a first color is formed on the recording medium P as a base layer, and a second image in a second color is formed on the first image.

[0083] The first patch image in the first color and the second patch image in the second color that have been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 in an overlapping state are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P by the secondary transfer roller 7. When the first patch image and the second patch image are formed on the surface of the recording medium P, the first patch image in the first color is formed as a base layer on the recording medium, and the second patch image in the second color is formed on the first patch image.

[0084] When a first patch image on the back surface of the recording medium P is formed, after the first patch image and the second patch image are formed on the front surface of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is inverted on the conveying path R1, and while being conveyed, the first patch image on the back surface is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt.

[0085] (2.1.3) Secondary Transfer Unit The secondary transfer unit 10B is composed of an intermediate transfer belt 6, a secondary transfer roller 7, and the like.

[0086] In the transport path R1, the recording medium P is transported by the rotation of a transport roller or the like.

[0087] The secondary transfer of the first and second images onto the recording medium P is performed at a nip N formed by the secondary transfer roller 7 and the intermediate transfer belt 6 on the conveyance path R1.

[0088] The first image in the first color and the second image in the second color that are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 in a superimposed manner are then secondarily transferred onto one side of the recording medium P supplied from the paper feeder 9 by the secondary transfer roller 7.

[0089] The second transfer of the first patch image and the second patch image onto the surface of the recording medium P is also performed in the same manner as the first image and the second image described above.

[0090] Thereafter, the image composed of the first image and the second image and the first patch image and the second patch image are secondarily transferred onto the recording medium P, and then fixed by the fixing unit 8.

[0091] When the first patch image is formed on the back surface of the recording medium P in addition to the front surface, after the fixing is performed, the recording medium P is transported on the transport path R1, turned over, and then transported again to the secondary transfer roller 7. Then, while the recording medium P is being transported, the primary transfer of the back surface first patch image onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 at the primary transfer unit 10A is completed, and the secondary transfer of the back surface first patch image onto the back surface of the recording medium P at the nip portion N is performed.

[0092] (2.1.4) Anchoring section The fixing unit 8 includes a heating roller that heats the recording medium P onto which the toner image has been transferred, and a pressure roller that applies pressure to the recording medium P, and fixes the color toner image to the recording medium P by applying heat and pressure. In the fixing unit 8, the stack of the first image and the second image formed on the recording medium P is simultaneously fixed. The same applies to the first patch image and the second patch image.

[0093] Furthermore, the fixing unit 8 fixes the first back-side patch image formed on the back side of the recording medium P.

[0094] (2.1.5) Paper feed section The paper feed unit 9 stores and holds the recording medium P and feeds out the recording medium P when an image is formed. As the recording medium P, for example, plain paper can be used, or a film-based material made of a resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate can also be used. Coated paper, which is plain paper coated with a resin, can also be used.

[0095] (2.2) 1st measurement section The first measurement unit 50 measures first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium P. The first measurement information may be whiteness, color value, glossiness, etc. measured by a colorimeter 30 or the like. Furthermore, the information related to the background color is not limited to such values, and may be information related to the basis weight, thickness, grammage, etc. of the recording medium P measured by a device 40 other than the colorimeter 30, for example.

[0096] The location where the first measurement unit 50 is installed is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to install it in a portion before the nip portion N on the conveyance path R1 or in the paper feed unit 9, as shown in FIG.

[0097] This allows the first measurement information to be read more accurately, and by feeding back the first measurement information, the control unit 11 can more appropriately calculate and output the amount of the first color.

[0098] (2.3) Second measuring section The second measurement unit 20 is disposed opposite the recording medium P being transported along the transport path R1. The second measurement unit 20 measures and reads second measurement information relating to the colors of the color adjustment patch images formed on the recording medium P by a reading device such as a colorimeter 30.

[0099] The colorimeters 30 are provided adjacent to each other on the paper transport path downstream of the fixing unit 8 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The colorimeters 30 read the colors of the color adjustment patch images formed on the recording medium P inline (on the transport path within the device).

[0100] The colorimeter 30 is a device that performs spectral analysis of light reflected or transmitted by an object to quantify the color of the object, and is a spectrophotometer that detects the spectral reflectance of an image formed on a recording medium P for each wavelength and measures the color of the image.

[0101] The colorimeter 30 is L * a * b * The value is output to the control unit 11.

[0102] The colorimeter 30 can read only a partial area in the paper width direction. The "paper width direction" is a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P and parallel to the paper surface.

[0103] (2.4) Control Unit The control unit 11 may be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 11 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 100 and performs various arithmetic processing according to a program. That is, the control unit 11 performs overall control and processing related to image formation while coordinating with each component of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0104] When the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to an external device and / or external equipment, the control unit 11 communicates with the device and / or equipment through the communication unit 15 to acquire information.

[0105] The control unit 11 converts the color of the image data using a color conversion table, thereby ensuring color reproducibility of the image of the print data included in the print job in the image formed by the image forming unit 10. To this end, the color conversion table is corrected based on the colorimetric values ​​of a color adjustment patch image or the like measured by the colorimeter 30. The color conversion table is, for example, an ICC profile.

[0106] The control program in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention causes the control unit 11 to function as an acquisition unit that acquires first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information related to the color of the color adjustment patch image.

[0107] The control program also causes the control unit 11 to function as a calculation unit that calculates the amount of the first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or second measurement information.

[0108] The control program also causes the control unit 11 to function as an output unit that outputs the calculated amount of the first color.

[0109] The control unit 11 forms an image and a color adjustment patch image on the recording medium P by controlling the image forming unit 10 based on first measurement information regarding the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information regarding the color of the color adjustment patch image.

[0110] The control unit 11 measures the color of the recording medium P and the color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium P using the colorimeter 30.

[0111] The control unit 11 corrects the amount of the first color forming the first image based on the recording medium P and the color measurement results of the colorimeter 30 on the color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium P.

[0112] The control unit 11 functions as a selection unit that sets target values ​​in advance for each measurement value in the second measurement information and stores them in the memory unit 12, compares each measurement value with the target value, and selects the measurement value that is closest to the target value from among the individual measurement values. The control unit 11 calculates the amount of the first color for forming the first image from the selected measurement values.

[0113] (2.5) Storage section The storage unit 20 can be configured with a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0114] The RAM temporarily stores programs and data as a working area for the control unit 11. The ROM stores various programs and data in advance.

[0115] The HDD stores programs for the CPU to control each unit, information about the processing functions of the device itself, and job information received from the first measurement unit 50, the second measurement unit 20, and the communication unit 15. These programs, information, and job information are read out by the CPU as needed and executed.

[0116] Here, the term "print job" is a general term for a print command to the image forming apparatus 100. This includes print data and print settings.

[0117] "Print data" refers to document data to be printed. This may include various types of data, such as image data, vector data, and text data. Specifically, it may be PDL (Page Description Language) data, PDF (Portable Document Format) data, or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data.

[0118] "Print settings" are settings related to image formation on the recording medium P. These include, for example, the number of pages, page layout, number of copies to be printed, type, thickness, and basis weight of the recording medium P. They may also include various settings such as the conveyance speed of the recording medium P. Note that the print settings can also be set from the operation unit 13.

[0119] (2.6)Operation unit The operation unit 13 comprises a touch panel for various settings, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing the start of an operation, a stop key for instructing the stop of an operation, and various fixed keys such as a reset key for initializing various setting conditions.

[0120] (2.7)Display section The display unit 14 is composed of a touch panel that displays various information and allows various setting inputs, indicator lamps, etc. Note that functions that overlap between the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be provided by either the operation unit 13 or the display unit 14.

[0121] (2.8) Communications Department The communication unit 15 is an interface for communicating between the image forming apparatus 100 and an external device. A network interface conforming to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), SATA, PCI Express, USB, or IEEE1394 may be used as the communication unit 15. Alternatively, various local connection interfaces such as wireless communication interfaces such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.11 may also be used as the communication unit 15.

[0122] 3. Control Flow In general image formation, when forming an image on a recording medium P whose image forming surface is white, for example, when forming an image on white paper, four process colors, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, are used.

[0123] On the other hand, when forming an image on a recording medium P whose image forming surface is not white, for example, when forming an image on colored paper, not only white but also a process color may be used as the first color.

[0124] In order to improve the visibility of an image (top layer color) formed using process colors, a base treatment is performed on the recording medium using white toner or the like as the first color (base color), and then an image is formed on top of that using the second color (top layer color) using process colors.

[0125] The following is an embodiment for determining the optimum toner amount of the first color (undercoat color) for the recording medium P in such image formation.

[0126] The image forming apparatus 100 of the present invention forms an image by forming a first image in a first color on a recording medium P and then forming a second image in a second color on the first image. As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 has a function of adjusting the amount of the first color forming the first image from the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information.

[0127] [Control Flow 1] FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart of image formation according to the present invention.

[0128] [1-1] Measurement of recording media In step S1, after a print job is input, the control unit 11 measures the recording medium P using the first measurement unit 50, and acquires and analyzes first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium P. The first measurement information may be whiteness, or may be the thickness or basis weight of the recording medium P. In the present invention, if information about the recording medium is registered in the image forming device, that information can be used, and therefore acquiring the first measurement information in step S1 can be omitted.

[0129] [1-2] Adjusting the amount of the first color In step S2, if the control unit 11 determines that the amount of the first color is not required based on the analysis of the first measurement information (step S2: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 without adjusting the amount of toner of the first color, and performs image formation. The amount of the first color is determined to be not required when the background color of the recording medium is suitable for image formation.

[0130] For example, when the first measurement information is the whiteness of the recording medium P, the control unit 11 sets a threshold value for the whiteness. Then, when the whiteness in the first measurement information is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 11 determines that adjustment of the amount of the first color is not necessary.

[0131] In addition, if there is no need to improve the visibility of the upper color (second color) formed with color, that is, if the intention is to form an image with the effect of making the printed image faintly visible on the recording medium, it is also determined that adjustment of the amount of the first color is unnecessary. Note that "color" includes colors such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), red (R), green (G), and blue (B).

[0132] In step S2, if the control unit 11 determines that the amount of the first color needs to be adjusted based on the analysis of the first measurement information (step S2: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S3 and prepares a pattern candidate table for the first color. The amount of the first color needs to be adjusted when the background color of the recording medium is not suitable for image formation.

[0133] [1-3] Creating a color candidate table for the first color In step S3, the control unit 11 creates a color candidate table for the first color.

[0134] Fig. 5 is an example of a color candidate table for the first color, which is a color candidate table for recording media with different whiteness and basis weight. In Fig. 5, an ID is associated with each recording medium with different whiteness and basis weight. In addition, a color candidate ID for the first color is assigned to each recording medium.

[0135] Although the above-described color candidate table is created based on the first measurement information, namely the whiteness and basis weight of the recording medium P, the color candidate table for the first color does not have to be created based on the first measurement information. In other words, a color candidate table for the first color may be created in advance, and the color candidate table for the first color does not have to be created based on the first measurement information.

[0136] [1-4] Creating a pattern candidate table for the first color In step S4, the control unit 11 lists multiple toner amount candidates for the first color for each color candidate for the first color (see FIG. 6). FIG. 6 is a correspondence table between color candidates for the first color and toner amount candidates for the first color. In FIG. 6, multiple toner amount candidates for the first color are listed for each color candidate ID for the first color, such as candidate A, candidate B, candidate C, and candidate D. Also, in FIG. 7, IDs are assigned to pattern candidates for the first color obtained by combining the color candidates for the first color and the toner amount candidates for the first color.

[0137] FIG. 7 is a toner amount table for the first color pattern candidate obtained from FIG.

[0138] The above-mentioned pattern candidates for the first color are used not only for adjusting the toner amount for the front side first image but also for adjusting the toner amount for the back side first image.

[0139] The above-described first color pattern candidates can be used as candidates for the front first patch image and the back first patch image in the color adjustment patch image.

[0140] [1-5] Creating a patch image table for color adjustment In step S5, the control unit 11 creates a color adjustment patch image table. Fig. 8 is a table of combinations of pattern candidates for the first color and the second color in the color adjustment patch image. In Fig. 8, an ID is associated with each color adjustment patch image.

[0141] In Figure 8, color adjustment patch image IDs S-00x, such as S-001, S-002, S-003, etc., are color adjustment patch image IDs when the first patch image is formed only on the surface of the image forming surface of the recording medium P.

[0142] In Figure 8, color adjustment patch image IDs S-10x, such as S-101, S-102, etc., are color adjustment patch image IDs when the first patch image is formed on the front surface of the image forming surface of the recording medium P and also on the back surface.

[0143] In Figure 8, only one pattern candidate ID for the second color, C-001, is listed, but since there are no particular restrictions on the pattern candidates for the second color in this invention and any candidate can be used, for convenience, C-001 is used.

[0144] [1-6] Formation of patch images for color adjustment In step S6, control unit 11 causes image forming unit 10 to form a first patch image in the first color and a second patch image in the second color in superimposed relation on recording medium P. Note that the primary transfer, secondary transfer, and fixing processes performed in image forming unit 10 have been described above and will not be described here.

[0145] Fig. 9 is an example of a simplified schematic diagram showing how color adjustment patch images are formed on the surface of the image forming surface. In Fig. 9, S-001, S-002, and S-003 are selected as color adjustment patch image IDs (see Figs. 8 and 9).

[0146] 9, T-001-A, T-001-B, and T-001-C represent first patch images formed by control unit 11 using the pattern candidates for the first color in Fig. 8. Also, C-001 represents a second patch image formed by control unit 11 using the pattern candidates for the second color in Fig. 8.

[0147] When it is desired to form a first patch image on the back surface of the recording medium P, the first patch image and the second patch image are formed on top of each other on the front surface of the recording medium P, and then the recording medium P is transported along the transport path R1, inverted, and the first patch image on the back surface is again formed in the image forming unit 10.

[0148] Fig. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example of color adjustment patch images including the back-side first patch image formed on a recording medium. In Fig. 10, S-001, S-002, S-003, ..., S-101, S-102, and S-103 are selected as color adjustment patch image IDs (see Figs. 8 and 10).

[0149] 10, T-001-A, T-001-B, and T-001-C represent first patch images formed by control unit 11 using the pattern candidates for the first color in Fig. 8. Also, C-001 represents a second patch image formed by control unit 11 using the pattern candidates for the second color in Fig. 8.

[0150] [1-7] Measurement of patch images for color adjustment In step S7, the control unit 11 measures the color adjustment patch image with the second measurement unit 20, and acquires and analyzes second measurement information related to the color of the color adjustment patch image. The control unit 11 also associates each acquired piece of second measurement information with an ID that makes it possible to uniquely identify the measurement result, and stores and manages the information in the storage unit 12.

[0151] The values ​​actually measured by second measuring unit 20 are values ​​obtained by measuring the second patch image formed on the surface of recording medium P.

[0152] (Setting target values) If a target value is set in advance for each measurement value in the second measurement information, the control unit 11 compares each measurement value with the target value in a selection unit (not shown) and selects the measurement value that is closest to the target value from among the individual measurement values.

[0153] The target value may be a value representing a specific color such as a spot color. After forming an image in the spot color on another recording medium such as paper having a white image forming surface, the measured value for the color of the image formed with the spot color may be used as the target value.

[0154] Fig. 11 is a target value table for the second patch image in the color adjustment patch image, and Fig. 12 is a difference table between the target values ​​and measured values ​​for the second patch image in the color adjustment patch image.

[0155] 11 and 12, the target value and the measurement value of the second patch image in the patch image for color adjustment are L * a * b * However, these values ​​may be any color values ​​defined in a device-independent color space. For example, XYZ values ​​may be used as these values.

[0156] "L * a * b * "Value" means L * a * b * It is a numerical value of color according to the color system. * The axis direction indicates brightness, and a * The axis indicates the red-green hue, and b * The axis direction indicates the hue in the yellow-blue direction.

[0157] ΔE in Figures 11 and 12 * ab is the target value L * a * b * The value (L1, a1, b1) is the measured value of L * a * b * When the values ​​are (L2, a2, b2), the value can be calculated by substituting each value into the following formula.

[0158] ΔE * ab = (L1 - L2) 2 +(a1-a2)2 +(b1-b2) 2 〕 0.5

[0159] "XYZ values" are values ​​that represent colors numerically using the XYZ color system. This is a way of expressing colors that has been approved as a standard color system by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). The "XYZ color system" is a way of expressing colors that has been approved as a standard color system by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), and is based on the amount of color mixing of the "three primary colors of colored light" - [R][G][B] (Red / Green / Blue).

[0160] The control unit 11 calculates ΔE * The smallest ab is selected and used to calculate the amount of the first color.

[0161] [Switching modes] It is also preferable to set the target values ​​for multiple different modes. For example, even if the type of recording medium is the same in a print job, there may be cases where priority is given to image quality and emphasis is placed on color reproducibility, or there may be cases where priority is given to cost reduction by reducing the amount of toner used.

[0162] In this way, it is thought that the target value will differ depending on the purpose of the print job, so by setting a different mode for each purpose of each print job, it is possible to perform printing that suits each purpose.

[0163] [1-8] Calculating the amount of the first color In step S8, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of the first color forming the first image from the analysis result of the second measurement information.

[0164] The control unit 11 associates the amount of the first color used to form the first image, calculated from the analysis result of the second measurement information, with the type of recording medium P used in image formation, and creates a profile including combination information of the recording medium P and the amount of the first color. The control unit 11 also stores and manages the profile in the storage unit 12.

[0165] When the same type of recording medium as that used in the previous print job is used during image formation, the above profile can be used to omit measurement of the color adjustment patch image.

[0166] Note that the image formation results vary depending on the image formation conditions, such as the conveyance speed of the recording medium P in the image forming apparatus and the fixing temperature. Therefore, color adjustment patch images such as those shown in Figures 9 and 10 may be formed on multiple recording media with different output settings, and the amount of the first color may be calculated taking into account the effects of the image formation conditions.

[0167] (Calculating the amount of the first color when a target value is set) In step S7 described above, if target values ​​have been set in advance for the individual measurement values ​​in the second measurement information, the measurement value closest to the target value is selected by a selection unit (not shown) in control unit 11. Therefore, control unit 11 calculates the amount of the first color for forming the first image from the selected measurement values.

[0168] [Calculating the amount of the first color for each mode] When calculating the toner amount of the first color, it is preferable to calculate the toner amount of the first color in accordance with the target value set for each different mode.

[0169] The following describes the mode when prioritizing image quality and the mode when reducing the amount of toner. Hereinafter, the "mode when prioritizing image quality" will be simply referred to as the "image quality priority mode," and the "mode when reducing the amount of toner" will be simply referred to as the "toner amount reduction mode."

[0170] When the image quality priority mode is set, the control unit 11 calculates the difference ΔE * The amount of the first color forming the first image is calculated using the color adjustment patch image ID S-001 with the smallest ab as a reference.

[0171] For the color adjustment patch image ID S-001, the pattern candidate ID for the first color is T-001-A, and it can be seen from FIG.

[0172] Therefore, the optimum toner amount of the first color for forming the first image is 100.

[0173] When the toner amount reduction mode is set, the control unit 11 calculates the difference ΔE * Within a range where ab falls within a preset threshold, a color adjustment patch image ID with the least amount of toner of the first color is selected, and the amount of the first color to form the first image is calculated.

[0174] For example, the difference ΔE * If ab is set to 4 or less, then in FIG. 12, the color adjustment patch image ID S-003 will be selected.

[0175] For the color adjustment patch image ID S-003, the pattern candidate ID for the first color is T-001-C, and it can be seen from FIG.

[0176] Therefore, the optimum toner amount of the first color for forming the first image is 97.

[0177] (Adjust the amount of the first color) During continuous printing, even after the amount of the first color has been calculated, it is also preferable to measure the recording medium P and the color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium P at a predetermined timing, and change these measurement results at a predetermined timing to calculate the amount of the first color. Here, there are no particular restrictions on the "predetermined timing," and the predetermined timing can be set based on the number of printed sheets or the printing time, for example, when the number of printed sheets in continuous printing reaches 10, or when three minutes of printing time has elapsed.

[0178] For example, if the measurement value in the second measurement information changes to or exceeds a predetermined threshold value at a predetermined timing, the amount of the first color can be increased or decreased to calculate the amount of the first color while reducing the influence of the background color of the recording medium P over time at a predetermined timing.

[0179] [1-9] Image formation In step S9, the control unit 11 forms a first image with the calculated amount of the first color, and then forms a second image on the first image, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P. Note that the primary transfer, secondary transfer, and fixing processes performed in the image forming unit 10 have been described above and will not be described here.

[0180] The recording medium P used for image formation is prepared separately from the recording medium P on which the color adjustment patch image has been formed in the process up to step S6. The recording medium P has the same background color information and the same thickness and basis weight. During continuous printing, only the color adjustment patch image may be formed on the recording medium P during printing. Alternatively, an image may be formed on the same recording medium P at the same time as the formation of the color adjustment patch image. In this case, the color adjustment patch image may be formed on the edge of the recording medium P.

[0181] However, during continuous printing, the background color information of the recording medium P may change over time. Also, even if you think the recording medium P has the same background color information, it may be discovered from the measurement results of the recording medium P that the background color information is different. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 11 acquires the measurement results of the recording medium P and the color adjustment patches formed on the recording medium at any time, and calculates the amount of the first color taking these effects into consideration.

[0182] This makes it possible to form a high-quality image that is not affected by the background color of the recording medium P.

[0183] When an image is also formed on the back side of the recording medium P, after the image is formed on the front side of the recording medium P, the recording medium P is turned over and an image is again formed on the back side of the recording medium P by the image forming unit 10.

[0184] In addition, when the thickness or basis weight of the recording medium is above a threshold and double-sided printing is being performed, the visibility of the second image in the second color (upper layer color) formed on both sides of the recording medium can be improved by forming the first image in the first color on the back side of the recording medium as well.

[0185] [Control Flow 2] 13 is an example of a flowchart related to image formation based on a profile including information on the combination of the type of recording medium and the amount of the first color. Note that in the following description, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0186] After image formation as in the first embodiment is performed, the control unit 11 creates a profile including information on the combination of the type of recording medium P and the amount of the first color, and the storage unit 12 stores the profile.

[0187] Hereinafter, the "profile including the combination information of the type of recording medium and the amount of the first color" created by this embodiment will also be simply referred to as the "past profile."

[0188] [2-1] Measurement of recording media In step S11, after a print job is input, or when the second or subsequent print is performed during continuous printing, the control unit 11 measures the recording medium P using the first measurement unit 50, and obtains and analyzes first measurement information regarding the background color of the recording medium P.

[0189] [2-2] Recording medium type determination In step S12, the control unit 11 refers to the past profile and determines whether the type of recording medium P in the first measurement information is the same as that included in the past print job.

[0190] If the type of recording medium P in the first measurement information is the same as that included in the past print job, the control unit 11 determines that the amount of the first color does not need to be adjusted.Then, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14 without forming or measuring a patch image for color adjustment (step S12: NO).

[0191] In step S12, if the type of recording medium P in the first measurement information is not the same as that included in the past print job, the control unit 11 determines that adjustment of the amount of the first color is necessary (step S12: YES) and proceeds to step S13.

[0192] [2-3] Calculating the amount of the first color In step S13, the control unit 11 calculates the amount of the first color in the same manner as in steps S3 to S8 in the first embodiment.

[0193] [2-4] Quantity use of the first color on the same type of recording medium as in the past In step S14, the control unit 11 determines that the amount of the first color for the same recording medium P that was calculated in the past is the amount of the first color for the current image formation.

[0194] [2-5] Image formation In step S15, the control unit 11 forms a first image with the calculated amount of the first color, and then forms a second image on the first image, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P. Note that the primary transfer, secondary transfer, and fixing processes performed in the image forming unit 10 have been described above and will not be described here.

[0195] 4.Other Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail above, the descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the image forming apparatus, image forming system, and program created for the purpose of illustration only, and the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, the detailed configurations and detailed operations of the components constituting the apparatus, system, and program can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 6 Intermediate transfer belt 7 Secondary transfer roller 8 Fixing unit 9 Paper feed section 10 Image forming unit 10A Primary transfer section 10B Secondary transfer unit 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Control section 14 Display section 15 Communications Department 20 Second measuring section 30 Colorimeter 50 1st measurement section 100 Image forming device 300 servers 500 Image forming system P Recording medium R1 transport route 1Y, 1M, 1C, 1K, 1W photoconductor drum 2Y, 2M, 2C, 2K, 2W charging part 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K, 3W exposure section 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K, 4W developing section 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K, 5W Primary transfer roller N Nip area consisting of the secondary transfer roller and intermediate transfer belt

Claims

1. 1. An image forming apparatus for forming a first image in a first color on a recording medium, and then forming a second image in a second color on the first image, an acquisition unit that acquires first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information related to the color of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium; a calculation unit that calculates an amount of a first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information; an output unit that outputs the calculated amount of the first color; The color adjustment patch image is configured by a first patch image formed in the first color and a second patch image formed in the second color.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the first color used to form the first patch image is preset.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color based on the first measurement information.

4. a selection unit that compares a plurality of measurement values ​​in the second measurement information of the plurality of color adjustment patch images with a predetermined target value and selects the measurement value that is closest to the target value; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color for forming the first image from the selected measurement values.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the measurement value in the second measurement information and the target value are both color values.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the target value is a value that represents a specific color.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the value representing the specific color is a value of the second measurement information.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the target value is set for each of a plurality of different modes.

9. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information about the background color of the recording medium is the whiteness of the recording medium.

10. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information about the background color of the recording medium is the basis weight of the recording medium.

11. the acquisition unit acquires the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information at a predetermined timing; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit calculates the amount of the first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information by changing the amount of the first color forming the first image at a predetermined timing.

12. a profile creation unit that creates an image formation profile including combination information of the type of the recording medium and the amount of the first color used to form the first image, based on the first measurement information and / or the second measurement information; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a profile execution unit that executes the image forming profile on the same recording medium as a recording medium that has been used in the past.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 and a server are connected via a communication network, the server stores the imaging profile; The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that acquires the image forming profile stored in the server.

14. A program for causing a control unit in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 to function, an acquisition unit that acquires first measurement information related to the background color of the recording medium and / or second measurement information related to the color of a color adjustment patch image formed on the recording medium; a calculation unit that calculates an amount of a first color forming the first image from the acquired first measurement information and / or the acquired second measurement information; a program that functions as an output unit for outputting the calculated amount of the first color;

Images