Image forming apparatus, control device, image forming system, sample image output method and program

Abstract

To enable the output of appropriate sample images regardless of paper characteristics or environmental conditions. [Solution] In an image forming system, the image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on paper, and a control unit. The control unit changes the image forming conditions during the output of a sample image based on at least one of paper characteristic information or environmental information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control apparatus, an image forming system, a sample image output method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional image forming apparatuses, various image quality adjustment functions are provided to meet the needs of users who require high print quality.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that creates a plurality of sets of conditions for print parameters related to image quality based on image data of an input image, and outputs a plurality of sample images based on each of the plurality of sets of conditions of the created print parameters. In this image forming apparatus, when a user selects a sample image from the plurality of sample images, the conditions of the print parameters corresponding to the selected sample image are set as reference conditions, and an image to be output is formed and output on a recording medium based on the set reference conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Image characteristics vary not only depending on the image data but also on the characteristics of the paper used for output or the environment. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not consider the characteristics of the paper used for output or the environment when creating the printing parameter conditions for the sample image. If a sample image is output using uniform image formation conditions without considering the characteristics of the paper used for output or the environment, image defects such as blurring or whiteout may occur in the sample image, and it may not be possible to output an appropriate sample image. As a result, the selection of sample images is reduced, and it may not be possible for the user to select the optimal sample image or set image formation conditions that meet the user's requirements.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to enable the output of appropriate sample images regardless of paper characteristics or environmental conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on paper, Control means for outputting a sample image onto paper using the image forming means, Equipped with, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information.

[0008] The control device according to the present invention is A control device for controlling an image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes control means for outputting a sample image onto paper, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information.

[0009] The image forming system according to the present invention is An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on paper, Control means for outputting a sample image onto paper using the image forming means, Equipped with, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information.

[0010] The sample image output method according to the present invention is: On the computer, The process includes a step of printing a sample image onto paper using an image forming means that forms and outputs an image onto paper, The above process involves changing the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristics information or environmental information.

[0011] The program according to the present invention is Computers The image forming means, which forms and outputs an image on paper, functions as a control means for outputting a sample image onto the paper. The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an appropriate sample image can be output regardless of the paper characteristics or environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the image forming system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a transfer current table when the paper characteristic information is paper type. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a transfer current table when paper characteristic information consists of multiple items acquired by a media sensor. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the flow of sample image output processing performed by the control unit of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing an example of a fixing temperature table when the paper characteristic information is the paper type.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0015] (1. Configuration of the Image Forming System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the image forming system 100.

[0016] The image forming system 100 includes a paper feeding device 10, a detection device 20, and an image forming device 30. In the image forming system 100, the paper feeding device 10, the detection device 20, and the image forming device 30 are arranged in this order from the upstream side along the paper conveyance direction. The paper feeding device 10, the detection device 20, and the image forming device 30 are connected to each other.

[0017] (1-1. Configuration of the Paper Feeding Device) The paper feeding device 10 includes a paper feeding control unit 11, a conveyance unit 12, and a paper feeding unit 13. The paper feeding control unit 11 is connected to the conveyance unit 12 and the paper feeding unit 13 via a bus 14.

[0018] The paper feeding control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the paper feeding control unit 11 reads out the program stored in the ROM and expands it in the RAM, and comprehensively controls each part of the paper feeding device 10 according to the expanded program. For example, the paper feeding control unit 11 causes paper to be fed from the paper feeding tray of any one of the paper feeding units 13 in response to the control from the control unit 31 of the image forming device 30, and conveys it to the detection device 20 by the conveyance unit 12.

[0019] The transport unit 12 transports paper via a transport path connecting the paper feeding unit 13 to the detection device 20. The paper feeding unit 13 has paper trays for storing paper according to predetermined paper types and sizes.

[0020] (1-2. Configuration of the detection device) The detection device 20 is located upstream of the image forming apparatus 30 in the paper transport direction and detects the paper transported from the paper feed device 10. The detection device 20 comprises a detection control unit 21, a transport unit 22, and a media sensor 23. The detection control unit 21 is connected to the transport unit 22 and the media sensor 23 via the bus 24.

[0021] The detection control unit 21 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU of the detection control unit 21 reads the program stored in the ROM and loads it into the RAM, and then controls each part of the detection device 20 according to the loaded program. For example, the detection control unit 21, in response to control from the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30, causes the media sensor 23 to detect the paper transported from the paper feed device 10. The detection control unit 21 then outputs the paper characteristic information, which is the detection result of the media sensor 23, to the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30. The detection control unit 21 also causes the paper to be transported to the image forming apparatus 30 by the transport unit 22.

[0022] The transport unit 22 is composed of multiple roller pairs and transports paper transported from the paper feed device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30 via the media sensor 23.

[0023] The media sensor 23 is installed on the transport path upstream of the image forming unit 38 of the image forming apparatus 30 (described later) in the paper transport direction. The media sensor 23 detects the characteristics of the transported paper, acquires paper characteristic information, and outputs it to the detection control unit 21. Examples of paper characteristics detected by the media sensor 23 include paper thickness, basis weight, moisture content, stiffness, smoothness, and resistance.

[0024] (1-3. Configuration of the image forming apparatus) The image forming apparatus 30 forms an image on paper using an electrophotographic method based on job image data obtained by reading an image from a document, or job image data received from an external device (not shown).

[0025] The image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, a communication unit 35, a scanner 36, an image processing unit 37, an image forming unit 38, a transport unit 40, a temperature and humidity sensor 41, and the like. The control unit 31 is connected via the bus 42 to the storage unit 32, the operation unit 33, the display unit 34, the communication unit 35, the scanner 36, the image processing unit 37, the image forming unit 38, the transport unit 40, and the temperature and humidity sensor 41.

[0026] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU of the control unit 31 reads the program stored in the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and then comprehensively controls each part of the image forming apparatus 30 according to the loaded program. For example, the control unit 31 causes the image data of the job received by the communication unit 35 or the image data of the job acquired by the scanner 36 to be stored in the storage unit 32, and causes the image processing unit 37 to perform predetermined image processing on the image data and store it in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 also causes the transport unit 40 to transport the paper, and causes the image forming unit 38 to form an image on the paper based on the image data stored in the storage unit 32.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit 31 outputs multiple sample images under different image formation conditions by executing the sample image output process described later, and sets the image formation conditions for forming the image on the paper based on the job, based on the user's selection of a sample image. A sample image is an image formed and output on the paper as a sample of the image to be output by the image forming apparatus 30. In the sample image output process, the control unit 31 changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image (while the sample image is being output) based on paper characteristic information and environmental information. That is, the control unit 31 outputs multiple sample images by changing the image formation conditions. Note that the multiple sample images output under different image formation conditions may be output on separate sheets of paper, or they may be output on a single sheet of paper. In this embodiment, we will explain as an example the case in which the transfer conditions (transfer current) among the image formation conditions are changed during the output of multiple sample images.

[0028] The storage unit 32 is composed of semiconductor memory such as DRAM or HDD. The storage unit 32 stores job image data acquired by the scanner 36 and job image data input from an external source via the communication unit 35. These image data may also be stored in the RAM provided by the control unit 31. Furthermore, the memory unit 32 stores various data and setting information necessary for program execution. For example, the memory unit 32 stores the transfer current table 321 and the transfer current table 322. The transfer current table 321 and the transfer current table 322 are tables that store combinations of paper characteristic information and environmental information, and multiple transfer currents for outputting multiple sample images (sample1 to sample5) under conditions corresponding to those combinations. Note that the transfer currents in the transfer current table 321 and the transfer current table 322 are shown as the amount of change from the default transfer current.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example of data storage in the transfer current table 321. The transfer current table 321 shown in Figure 3 is an example where the paper characteristic information is paper type, the environmental information is humidity, and the image formation condition for outputting the sample image is the transfer current. This transfer current table 321 is a table created based on the results of experimentally determining the range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur under multiple conditions consisting of combinations of paper characteristic information and environmental information. In other words, the transfer current table 321 defines the range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur under each condition as the setting range of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images (the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images). Furthermore, the transfer current table 321 determines the setting interval of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images (the range of change in the transfer current between individual sample images) from this setting range and the number of sample images, and sets the transfer current for each sample image.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of data storage in the transfer current table 322. The transfer current table 322 shown in Figure 4 is an example where the paper characteristic information is multiple items of information acquired by the media sensor 23, the environmental information is humidity, and the image formation condition for outputting the sample image is the transfer current. Similar to the transfer current table 321, this transfer current table 322 is a table created based on the experimental results of determining the range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur under multiple conditions consisting of combinations of paper characteristic information and environmental information. That is, in the transfer current table 322, the range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur under each condition is defined as the setting range of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images (the range from the minimum value to the maximum value of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images). Furthermore, the transfer current table 322 sets the transfer current for each sample image by determining the setting interval of the transfer current when outputting multiple sample images (the range of change in the transfer current between individual sample images) from this setting range and the number of sample images. In Figure 4, the first row of paper characteristics information corresponding to each humidity level is for plain paper and fine paper. The second row of paper characteristics information is for colored paper. The third row of paper characteristics information is for coated paper (matte coat). The fourth row of paper characteristics information is for coated paper (gloss coat).

[0031] Figures 3 and 4 show an example where humidity information is used as environmental information, but temperature information may also be included as environmental information. Alternatively, only temperature information may be used as environmental information.

[0032] The operation unit 33 includes input devices such as operation keys and a touchscreen superimposed on the screen of the display unit 34. The operation unit 33 converts user input operations on these input devices into operation signals and outputs them to the control unit 31. The operation unit 33 functions as an input means.

[0033] The display unit 34 is equipped with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays the status of the image forming system 100, an operation screen showing the content of input operations to the touchscreen, and so on.

[0034] The communication unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from an external device such as an external computer or another image forming apparatus.

[0035] The scanner 36 reads the image formed on the paper, generates image data including monochrome image data for each of the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components, and stores it in the storage unit 32.

[0036] The image processing unit 37 includes, for example, a rasterization processing unit, a color conversion unit, a gradation correction unit, and a halftone processing unit. The image processing unit 37 performs various image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 32 and stores it back in the storage unit 32.

[0037] The image forming unit 38 forms an image on the paper based on the image data stored in the storage unit 32. The image forming unit 38 includes four sets of exposure units 381 corresponding to the C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) color components, a photosensitive drum 382, ​​and a developing unit 383. The image forming unit 38 also includes a transfer body 384, a secondary transfer roller 385, and an image fixing unit 39.

[0038] The exposure unit 381 is equipped with an LD (Laser Diode) as a light-emitting element. Based on the image data, the exposure unit 381 drives the LD and irradiates the charged photoreceptor drum 382 with laser light, exposing it and forming an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 382. The developing unit 383 supplies toner (colorant) of a predetermined color (one of C, M, Y, and K) onto the exposed photoreceptor drum 382 using a charged developing roller to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 382.

[0039] Images (monochromatic images) formed on four photoreceptor drums 382 corresponding to C, M, Y, and K toners, respectively, are sequentially transferred from each photoreceptor drum 382 onto a transfer body 384. This forms a color image on the transfer body 384 with C, M, Y, and K as color components. The transfer body 384 is an endless belt wound around multiple transfer body transport rollers and rotates in accordance with the rotation of each transfer body transport roller.

[0040] The secondary transfer roller 385 transfers the color image on the transfer body 384 onto the paper fed from the paper feed device 10. Specifically, the pair of secondary transfer rollers 385 press against each other to form a transfer nip, which grips the paper and the transfer body 384. Then, by passing a predetermined transfer current through the secondary transfer roller 385, the toner forming the color image on the transfer body 384 is attracted to the paper and transferred to the paper.

[0041] The image fixing unit 39 is equipped with a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and performs a fixing process to fix the toner to the paper by heating and pressurizing the paper to which the toner has been transferred.

[0042] The transport unit 40 is equipped with multiple paper transport rollers that transport paper by rotating while holding the paper, and transports the paper along a predetermined transport path. The transport unit 40 includes a reversal mechanism 401 that reverses the front and back sides of the paper that has been fixed by the image fixing unit 39 and transports it to the secondary transfer roller 385. In the image forming apparatus 30, when an image is formed on both sides of the paper, the front and back sides of the paper are reversed by the reversal mechanism 401, and the paper is discharged (output) after an image has been formed on both sides. When an image is formed on only one side of the paper, the front and back sides of the paper are not reversed by the reversal mechanism 401, and the paper with the image formed on one side is discharged (output).

[0043] The temperature and humidity sensor 41 detects the temperature and humidity inside the image forming apparatus 30 and outputs the detected temperature and humidity information (environmental information) to the control unit 31.

[0044] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 comprehensively controls the entire image forming system 100, but this is not limited to this configuration. The detection control unit 21 of the detection device 20 may also comprehensively control the entire image forming system 100.

[0045] (2. Operation of the image forming system) Next, the output operation of the sample image in the image forming system 100 will be described. First, the user places the paper to be used for outputting the sample image and the image based on the job into the paper tray of the paper feed unit 13. Next, the user uses the operation unit 33 as an input means to input paper characteristic information such as paper type, paper size, and basis weight from a paper setting screen (not shown), associating it with the paper tray in which the paper is stored. The user also uses the operation unit 33 to set the paper tray in which the paper is stored as the paper tray to be used for outputting the sample image and the image based on the job. The control unit 31 acquires information about the paper feed tray and paper characteristics input by the operation unit 33 and stores them in the RAM or storage unit 32.

[0046] Next, the user instructs the output of a sample image (sample output) by operating the operation unit 33. For example, the user instructs the output of a sample image by pressing the "Sample Output" button displayed on the display unit 34. When the control unit 31 receives an instruction to output a sample image from the operation unit 33, it executes the sample image output process.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the sample image output process. The sample image output process is performed through the cooperation of the CPU of the control unit 31 and the program stored in the ROM.

[0048] First, the control unit 31 causes the paper to be used for outputting the sample image to be fed from the paper feeding unit 13 by the paper feeding device 10, and the paper is transported by the transport unit 12, transport unit 22, and transport unit 40 (step S1).

[0049] Next, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the paper characteristics have been detected by the media sensor 23 of the detection device 20 (step S2). The control unit 31 determines whether or not the paper characteristics have been detected by the media sensor 23, based on whether or not paper characteristic information has been input from the detection device 20. If the media sensor 23 is malfunctioning or if the detection device 20 is not provided, the paper characteristics will not be detected by the media sensor 23.

[0050] If the media sensor 23 determines that paper characteristics have been detected (step S2; YES), the control unit 31 acquires the paper characteristics information input from the media sensor 23 (step S3) and proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the media sensor 23 determines that paper characteristics have not been detected (step S2; NO), the control unit 31 acquires the paper characteristics information input by the operation unit 33 (user operation) from the RAM or storage unit 32 (step S4) and proceeds to step S5.

[0051] In step S5, the control unit 31 acquires temperature and humidity information (environmental information) from the temperature and humidity sensor 41 (step S5). Next, the control unit 31 obtains the transfer current table from the storage unit 32 (step S6). If paper characteristic information is input from the media sensor 23, the control unit 31 obtains the transfer current table 322 from the storage unit 32. If paper characteristic information is not input from the media sensor 23, the control unit 31 obtains the transfer current table 321 from the storage unit 32.

[0052] Next, the control unit 31 refers to the acquired transfer current table and derives image formation conditions for outputting a sample image based on the acquired paper characteristics information and environmental information (step S7). As described above, the transfer current tables 321 and 322 are tables that store combinations of paper characteristic information and environmental information, and multiple image formation conditions (transfer currents) for outputting sample images of sample1 to sample5 under the conditions corresponding to those combinations. The range of setting image formation conditions associated with combinations of paper characteristic information and environmental information in the transfer current tables 321 and 322 is the range in which no image defects occur under the conditions of that combination.

[0053] Here, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the environmental information (humidity) is the same, the range of setting image formation conditions (transfer current) for all multiple sample images and the interval between setting image formation conditions for each sample image are smaller when using coated paper than when using plain paper. This is because coated paper has a narrower range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur than plain paper. Similarly, when the environmental information (humidity) is the same, when using colored paper, the range of setting image formation conditions (transfer current) for all multiple sample images and the interval between setting image formation conditions for each sample image are smaller than when using plain paper. This is because colored paper has a narrower range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur than plain paper. Furthermore, the lower the humidity, the smaller the range of setting image formation conditions (transfer current) for all multiple sample images and the interval between setting image formation conditions for each sample image. This is because the lower the humidity, the narrower the range of transfer currents in which no image defects occur.

[0054] The control unit 31 refers to the acquired transfer current table and derives the image formation conditions for sample1 to sample5, which are associated with the acquired paper characteristic information and environmental information, as image formation conditions for outputting sample images. For example, the control unit 31 refers to the acquired transfer current table and derives the image formation conditions for each sample image such that, when the paper is coated paper, the change in image formation conditions (transfer current) between sample images is smaller than when the paper is plain paper. When the paper is colored paper, the control unit 31 refers to the acquired transfer current table and derives the image formation conditions for each sample image such that the change in image formation conditions between sample images is smaller than when the paper is plain paper. Furthermore, the control unit 31 refers to the acquired transfer current table and derives the image formation conditions for each sample image such that the change in image formation conditions between sample images becomes smaller (larger) as the humidity decreases (increases). As a result, each output sample image can be an appropriate sample image without image defects.

[0055] Here, the lower the coverage (printing rate) of the sample image, the more difficult it is to discern differences in the output image and image defects due to differences in image formation conditions. Therefore, a transfer table, such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4, may be prepared for each coverage and stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 may then refer to the transfer table for each coverage and, in addition to paper characteristics information and environmental information, change the setting range and setting interval of the image formation conditions for the sample image according to the coverage of the sample image. Specifically, the control unit 31 may increase the setting range and setting interval as the coverage of the sample image decreases. This allows for the output of an appropriate sample image according to the coverage. The sample image may be a fixed image pre-stored in the memory unit 32, an arbitrary image specified by the user, or a combination of a fixed image and an arbitrary image.

[0056] Next, the control unit 31 causes the image forming unit 38 to form and output multiple sample images on paper using the derived multiple different image forming conditions (step S8). The control unit 31 controls the paper feeding unit 13, transport unit 12, transport unit 22, transport unit 40, image forming unit 38, etc., to change the image forming conditions during the output of the sample image in step S8, thereby outputting multiple sample images onto the paper. For example, the control unit 31 changes the image forming conditions from the derived image forming conditions for sample1 → image forming conditions for sample2 → image forming conditions for sample3 → image forming conditions for sample4 → image forming conditions for sample5, and has the image forming unit 38 form and output multiple sample images onto the paper. The multiple sample images may be output on separate sheets of paper or on a single sheet of paper. However, when forming multiple sample images on a single sheet of paper, there may be areas on the paper where image defects are likely to occur, so it is preferable to form sample images on each of the multiple sheets of paper with different image forming conditions. Each output sample image shall be printed with its corresponding identification number.

[0057] Next, the control unit 31 accepts the user's selection of the optimal sample image (step S9). For example, the control unit 31 displays a selection screen (input screen) on the display unit 34 with a message such as "Please select the best sample image" and the identification numbers of each sample image as options, thereby accepting the user's selection of a sample image.

[0058] The control unit 31 determines the image formation conditions used to form the selected sample image as the image formation conditions for forming the job-based image on the paper (step S10), and terminates the sample image output process.

[0059] As explained above, in the image forming apparatus 30 of the image forming system 100, the control unit 31 changes the image forming conditions during the output of a sample image based on paper characteristics information and environmental information. Therefore, since the image forming conditions can be changed in accordance with the paper characteristics information and environmental information to output a sample image, an appropriate sample image can be output regardless of the paper characteristics and environment.

[0060] For example, the control unit 31 outputs multiple sample images with different image formation conditions based on paper characteristics information and environmental information. Therefore, since the image formation conditions can be changed according to the paper characteristics information and environmental information to output multiple sample images, multiple appropriate sample images can be output regardless of the paper characteristics and environment.

[0061] Paper characteristic information can be obtained from an input means (operation unit 32) for the user to input paper characteristic information. Furthermore, by obtaining it from a media sensor 23 that detects the characteristics of the paper, more accurate paper characteristic information can be obtained.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 31 changes the setting range of image formation conditions across multiple sample images based on paper characteristics information and environmental information. Therefore, the setting range of image formation conditions across multiple sample images can be changed according to paper characteristics and environment. In addition, the control unit 31 changes the setting interval of image formation conditions between multiple sample images based on paper characteristics information and environmental information. Therefore, the setting interval of image formation conditions between multiple sample images can be changed according to paper characteristics and environment.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 31 outputs sample images with varying image formation conditions onto separate sheets of paper. Therefore, even if there are areas on the paper that are prone to image defects, the user can appropriately compare and verify multiple sample images.

[0064] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 30 is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor 41, and the control unit 31 increases the change in image forming conditions (transfer current) between multiple sample images as the humidity obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor 41 increases. Therefore, since the image forming conditions between multiple sample images can be changed according to the humidity, an appropriate sample image can be obtained regardless of the humidity.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 31 determines the image formation conditions for the image formation unit 38 to form an image based on the job, based on the sample image selected by the user from among the multiple output sample images. Therefore, image formation conditions that meet the user's requirements can be determined as the image formation conditions when forming an image based on the job.

[0066] Furthermore, since at least one of any image or a fixed image can be used as a sample image, an image that meets the user's requirements can be used as the sample image.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 31 changes the setting range of the image formation conditions across all of the sample images or the setting interval of the image formation conditions between the multiple sample images based on the coverage of the sample images. Therefore, it is possible to output an appropriate sample image according to the coverage.

[0068] Furthermore, when using coated paper, the control unit 31 reduces the variation in image formation conditions between multiple sample images compared to when using plain paper. Therefore, it is possible to output an appropriate sample image depending on the type of paper.

[0069] Furthermore, when color paper is used, the control unit 31 reduces the variation in image formation conditions between multiple sample images compared to when plain paper is used, and therefore can output an appropriate sample image depending on the type of paper.

[0070] The above description of the embodiments is merely a preferred example of embodiments according to the present invention and is not limited thereto.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the image forming system 100 is equipped with both a media sensor 23 for acquiring paper characteristic information and a temperature and humidity sensor 41 for acquiring environmental information, but it may also be configured to be equipped with only one of them. For example, if the image forming system 100 does not have means for acquiring environmental information, the control unit 31 may change the image forming conditions during the output of a sample image based on paper characteristic information without using environmental information. For example, a table is stored in the storage unit 32 that associates paper characteristic information with multiple image forming conditions (transfer current) for outputting each of the sample images (sample1 to sample5) using the paper with the paper characteristic information. This table is set, for example, so that the image forming conditions for multiple sample images are within a setting range that does not cause image defects even at low temperature and humidity (for example, humidity less than 35%). Based on this table, the control unit 31 derives the image forming conditions for each of the sample images. Furthermore, if the image forming system 100 does not have means for acquiring paper characteristic information, the control unit 31 may change the image forming conditions during the output of the sample image based on environmental information without using paper characteristic information. For example, a table is stored in the storage unit 32 that associates environmental information with multiple image forming conditions (transfer current) for outputting each of the sample images (sample1 to sample5) under those environmental conditions. This table is set so that the image forming conditions for the multiple sample images are within a range where, for example, coated paper does not produce image defects. Based on this table, the control unit 31 determines the image forming conditions for each of the sample images.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case where the image formation condition to be changed during the output of the sample image is the transfer current, the image formation condition to be changed is not limited to the transfer current. For example, the image formation condition to be changed during the output of the sample image may be the fixing temperature. Figure 6 shows an example of data storage in the fixing temperature table 323 that the control unit 31 refers to in order to determine the image formation condition of the sample image when the image formation condition to be changed during the output of the sample image is the fixing temperature. As shown in Figure 6, the fixing temperature table 323 stores the paper characteristic information and the fixing temperature of each sample image when outputting multiple sample images using the paper with that paper characteristic information. Note that the fixing temperature in the fixing temperature table 323 is shown as the amount of change from the default fixing temperature. This fixing temperature table 323 is a table set based on the results of experimentally determining the range of fixing temperatures within which gloss change is acceptable for each type of paper characteristic information (paper type). In other words, the fixing temperature table 323 sets the fixing temperature range for outputting sample images for each paper type, where the change in gloss is within an acceptable range. Based on this range and the number of sample images, the fixing temperature interval between sample images is determined, and the fixing temperature for each sample image is set accordingly. Here, the change in gloss due to fixing temperature is greater for coated paper than for plain paper, fine paper, and colored paper. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the fixing temperature range for multiple sample images is set smaller for coated paper than for plain paper, fine paper, and colored paper. Although Figure 6 shows the case where the paper characteristic information is the paper type, similar to the transfer current table 322 shown in Figure 6, a table in which the paper characteristic information is the paper physical properties information acquired by the media sensor 23 is also stored in the storage unit 32.

[0073] The control unit 31 refers to the fixing temperature table stored in the memory unit 32 and derives the fixing temperature to be changed during the output of the sample image based on the acquired paper characteristic information. When the paper type is coated paper, the control unit 31 reduces the change in fixing temperature between multiple sample images compared to when the paper type is plain paper, fine paper, or colored paper. This makes it possible to output an appropriate sample image regardless of the paper characteristics. The control unit 31 may also change both the transfer current and the fixing temperature during the output of the sample image.

[0074] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example where the control unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 30 functions as a control means according to the present invention, the function of the control means according to the present invention may be separate from the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the function of the control means according to the present invention may be provided in a control device that controls the image forming apparatus 30, which is provided in the image forming system 100 and is separate from the image forming apparatus 30.

[0075] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example where the paper feed device 10 and the detection device 20 are separate from the image forming apparatus 30, the paper feed tray and / or media sensor may be provided within the image forming apparatus.

[0076] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the application of the present invention to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus as an example, it is not limited to this and can also be applied to inkjet image forming apparatuses and other printing-type image forming apparatuses.

[0077] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail above, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 100 Image Forming Systems 10 Paper feeder 11 Paper feed control unit 12 Conveying section 13 Paper feed section 14 bus 20 Detection device 21 Detection and Control Unit 22 Conveying section 23 Media Sensors 24 buses 30 Image forming apparatus 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Operation section 34 Display section 35 Communications Department 36 Scanners 37 Image Processing Unit 38 Image forming unit 381 Exposure area 382 Photoconductor Drum 383 Developing Department 384 Transfer Forms 385 Secondary Transfer Roller 39 Image fixing unit 40 Conveying section 401 Reversing Mechanism 41 Temperature and humidity sensor 42 buses

Claims

1. An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on paper, Control means for outputting a sample image onto paper using the image forming means, Equipped with, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information. Image forming apparatus.

2. The control means causes a plurality of sample images to be output under different image formation conditions. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control means acquires the paper characteristic information from a media sensor that detects the characteristics of the paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control means acquires the paper characteristic information input from the input means for the user to input the paper characteristic information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control means changes the setting range of the image formation conditions in the entire set of multiple sample images based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or the environmental information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The control means changes the setting interval of the image formation conditions between the plurality of sample images based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or the environmental information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The image formation conditions are at least one of the transfer conditions or the fixing conditions. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The control means is The sample images obtained by changing the image formation conditions are output on separate sheets of paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The image forming apparatus is equipped with a sensor that measures at least the humidity within the apparatus, The control means acquires the environmental information from the sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

10. When the control means outputs multiple sample images under different image formation conditions, the higher the humidity obtained from the sensor, the greater the change in the image formation conditions between the multiple sample images. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control means determines the image formation conditions for forming an image in the image formation means based on a job, based on the sample image selected by the user from among the multiple output sample images. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

12. The aforementioned sample image is at least one of any image or a fixed image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The control means changes the setting range of the image formation conditions across the entire set of multiple sample images or the setting interval of the image formation conditions between the multiple sample images based on the coverage of the sample images. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

14. The control means, when the paper is coated paper, reduces the change in the image formation conditions between the multiple sample images compared to when the paper is plain paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

15. The control means, when the paper is colored paper, reduces the change in the image formation conditions between the multiple sample images compared to when the paper is plain paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

16. A control device for controlling an image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus includes control means for outputting a sample image onto paper, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information. Control device.

17. An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on paper, Control means for outputting a sample image onto paper using the image forming means, Equipped with, The control means changes the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of the paper characteristic information or environmental information. Image forming system.

18. On the computer, The process includes a step of printing a sample image onto paper using an image forming means that forms and outputs an image onto paper, The above step involves changing the image formation conditions during the output of the sample image based on at least one of paper characteristic information or environmental information. How to output a sample image.

19. Computers The image forming means, which forms and outputs an image on paper, functions as a control means for outputting a sample image onto the paper. The control means is a program that causes the image formation conditions to be changed during the output of the sample image based on at least one of paper characteristic information or environmental information.

Images