Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The purpose is to adjust the settings used for image formation using adjustment values ​​that do not cause problems in image formation, taking into account the characteristics of the paper. [Solution] The system includes a receiving unit that receives multiple adjustment values ​​for adjusting the setting values ​​used to form an image on paper, an adjustment value determination unit that determines whether or not to use each of the multiple adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a problem occurs in image formation, and a setting adjustment unit that adjusts the setting value with the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination unit to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers have a setting adjustment function for adjusting the setting values of each part constituting the apparatus. This is because it is necessary to periodically adjust the setting values in order to form an image with a certain quality of image quality.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming unit that outputs a test chart on paper based on a set value, and an input unit to which an instruction for the range of adjustment values for adjusting the set value and the number of output sheets of the paper on which the test chart is formed is input. It is also disclosed that it includes a control unit that calculates adjustment values for the indicated number of output sheets, and performs setting adjustment according to each adjustment value to output a test chart.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the conventional technology, depending on the characteristics of the paper used for printing, the calculated adjustment values may include inappropriate adjustment values. When printing is executed using the set value with such an inappropriate adjustment value, there is a problem that defects occur in image formation, such as paper jams, wrinkles, and skews.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to adjust the set value used for image formation using an adjustment value that does not cause defects in image formation according to the characteristics of the paper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention comprises: a receiving unit that receives a plurality of adjustment values ​​for adjusting the setting values ​​used for image formation on paper; an adjustment value determination unit that determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a problem occurs in image formation; and a setting adjustment unit that adjusts the setting value with the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination unit to use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the setting values ​​used for image formation can be adjusted using adjustment values ​​that do not cause problems in image formation, according to the characteristics of the paper. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a printer hardware configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the contents of job information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows examples of reference values ​​for settings used in image formation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of paper characteristics information and adjustment values. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a test chart submission screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of the test chart submission screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of equipment shutdown history information. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen for equipment shutdown history information. [Figure 11]Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for printing a test chart in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another example of equipment shutdown history information. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the exclusion adjustment value management unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the adjustment value determination unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows another example of the test chart submission screen. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows another example of the test chart submission screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, information processing method, and program will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer 101, an operating unit 102, and a stacker 104.

[0011] The printer 101 receives a print job containing a RIP (Raster Image Processor) image, which is the print image, from an external image generation controller 106, or receives an execution instruction for a print job stored within the printer 101. The printer 101 performs image formation processing on the transported medium M (paper, etc.) according to the contents of the print job. The medium is not limited to paper; any medium capable of image formation is acceptable. The image generation controller 106 is an external device such as a DFE (Digital Front End).

[0012] The printer 101 includes drums 113, 114, 115, 116, a belt 111, a roller 112, a fixing unit 117, a reverse path 118, and the like.

[0013] Specifically, the printer 101 controls each mechanism unit, obtains paper from the paper feeding unit 105 at the lower part of the printer 101, and conveys the paper along the path indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1.

[0014] The drums 113, 114, 115, 116 respectively overlay toner images of K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) written by an optical writing device or the like based on the printing image on the belt 111. The roller 112 transfers the toner image to the conveyed paper. The drums 113, 114, 115, 116, the belt 111, and the roller 112 are an example of an image forming unit.

[0015] The fixing unit 117 is a roller that fixes the toner image on the paper. When printing on one side, the paper is directly discharged toward the stacker 104.

[0016] When printing on both sides, the paper is reversed in the reverse path 118, the toner image is transferred and fixed on the opposite side of the paper, and then discharged toward the stacker 104.

[0017] The operation unit 102 is an operation panel or the like for operating the printer 101. The operation unit 102 may be realized by a device such as a PC connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0018] The operation unit 102 includes a display unit that also functions as a touch panel or similar display, which displays the current settings and selection screens for each part of the image forming apparatus 1 and accepts user input, and operation keys consisting of a numeric keypad or similar that accepts numerical input of setting values, etc. The display unit accepts touch input from the user, and the user can use their finger or a pen to perform operations such as entering numerical values ​​into input boxes displayed on the screen, selecting from pull-down menus, and turning checkboxes ON / OFF. In addition to a numeric keypad or similar, the operation keys may also include input means such as a trackball or touchpad.

[0019] The stacker 104 stacks the media M ejected from the printer 101 onto the tray 141.

[0020] (Description of the printer's components) Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of printer 101. Printer 101 includes a system control unit 201, a user I / F unit 202, a network I / F unit 203, an external I / F unit 204, a storage unit 205, a mechanism control unit 206, a RIP I / F unit 207, an image processing control unit 208, and a printing control unit 209.

[0021] The system control unit 201 is a control unit that controls the entire printer 101. The user interface unit 202 is an interface for connecting to the operation unit 102. The network interface unit 203 is an interface for connecting to a network such as a LAN. The external interface unit 204 is an interface for connecting to other devices.

[0022] The memory unit 205 is a storage device such as a hard disk. The mechanism control unit 206 is a control unit that controls operations such as paper transport and transfer processes in the printer 101. The RIP I / F unit 207 is an interface for connecting to the image generation controller 106. The image processing control unit 208 controls image processing. The printing control unit 209 controls image formation on the printing medium according to the commands of the system control unit 201.

[0023] (Explanation from the System Control Unit) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the system control unit 201 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the system control unit 201 includes a reception unit 251, a job processing unit 252, a RIP processing unit 253, a job information generation unit 254, an adjustment value management unit 255, a setting adjustment unit 256, a test adjustment value calculation unit 257, an adjustment value determination unit 258, and an exclusion adjustment value management unit 259.

[0024] The reception unit 251 receives the paper name of the paper used for printing and parameters such as adjustment values ​​used for printing the test chart described later. The job processing unit 252 processes the print job and generates job management information and RIP image data. The RIP processing unit 253 converts the print data of the print job into RIP image data. The job information generation unit 254 generates job information that indicates the processing details of the print job.

[0025] Here, we will explain the contents of the job information. Figure 4 shows an example of the contents of the job information. The printing process is performed for each page of the print image based on the job information. As shown in Figure 4, the job information in job information table D1 has parameters such as "job source", "generation time", "page ID", "print side", "paper ID", "part ID", "job ID", "paper type", and "paper size". In the case of double-sided printing, one job information entry is generated for both the front and back sides.

[0026] "Job origin" is information indicating the job output source, and includes information indicating whether the job origin is a DFE job or an internal job. A DFE job indicates an output job from the image generation controller 106, and an internal job indicates internal data from the printer 101. "Generation time" is information indicating the time when the job origin generated the job information.

[0027] The "Page ID" is the identification number for each printed page. It is incremented by 1 for each page processed from the moment the power is turned on. The value is set when printing is initiated.

[0028] "Print side" is information that identifies whether the printed image is single-sided, printed on the front side (front of both sides), or printed on the back side (back of both sides) in the case of double-sided printing.

[0029] The "Paper ID" is the identification information for the paper. It is incremented by 1 for each sheet of paper processed from the time the power is turned on. The value is set when printing is initiated. In the case of double-sided printing, the same Paper ID is set for the job information of both the front and back sides. However, the Page ID will be different for the front and back sides.

[0030] The "Part ID" is identification information for each individual part. It is incremented by 1 for each completed print job from the time the power is turned on. The value is set when printing is initiated.

[0031] The "Job ID" is a unique identifier for each job. It is incremented by 1 for each job completed, starting from when the power is turned on. The value is set when printing is initiated.

[0032] "Paper type" refers to information about the type of paper. "Paper size" refers to information about the size of the paper.

[0033] The "initial value" is the value received by the system control unit 201.

[0034] The adjustment value management unit 255 stores, reads, and updates adjustment values ​​used to adjust the set values, and manages information on the adjustment values. The setting adjustment unit 256 adjusts the set values ​​based on characteristic information related to the paper characteristics and the adjustment values.

[0035] The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 calculates multiple adjustment values ​​(multiple test adjustment values) to adjust the setting values ​​for the test chart printing described later. The adjustment value determination unit 258 determines whether or not to use each of the multiple adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information and excluded adjustment values, which are adjustment values ​​that are not used to adjust the setting values.

[0036] The exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 stores, reads, and updates exclusion adjustment values, and manages information on exclusion adjustment values.

[0037] Of the above-mentioned parts of the system control unit 201, the functions including the reception unit 251, the adjustment value management unit 255, the setting adjustment unit 256, the test adjustment value calculation unit 257, the adjustment value determination unit 258, and the exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 may be configured separately from the system control unit 201. In that case, these functions may be implemented by an information processing device provided in the printer 101, or by an information processing device connected to the outside of the printer 101. This information processing device may be included in the image forming apparatus 1, used independently, or included in another device other than the image forming apparatus.

[0038] Next, we will explain how to adjust settings during normal printing.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of reference values ​​for setting parameters used in image formation. The setting parameters include one or more items, and as shown in Figure 5, the reference value table D2 contains information on the reference values ​​(reference setting parameters) corresponding to each item of the setting parameters. In the example in Figure 5, the reference setting parameters corresponding to each item, such as transfer roller speed, transfer belt speed, and pressure roller fixing temperature, are stored in the reference value table D2. Note that the items of the setting parameters are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] Information on the reference setting values ​​is determined, for example, before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped from the factory and stored in the memory unit 205 or in an external storage device accessible via the network I / F unit 203.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of paper characteristic information and adjustment values. In image formation, it is necessary to adjust the settings according to the characteristics of the paper in order to obtain the desired output result. Since there are many types of paper, it is very time-consuming to adjust each item of the settings every time the paper is changed. Therefore, in this embodiment, a paper information table D3 with a hierarchical structure as shown in Figure 6 is used to allow referencing of appropriate adjustment values ​​according to the paper.

[0042] The paper information table D3 includes a paper information list 300, paper information 301, characteristic information 302, and adjustment value information 303. The top-level paper information list 300 has paper information 301 linked to each type of paper. In addition, each piece of paper information 301 stores a paper name such as "Paper A" or "Paper B".

[0043] Each sheet of paper information 301 is associated with characteristic information 302 and adjustment value information 303. Characteristic information 302 stores information such as the type and color of the paper, while adjustment value information 303 stores adjustment values ​​corresponding to each setting used in image formation. Note that the items in characteristic information 302 and adjustment value information 303 are not limited to those shown in Figure 6 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0044] Each of the above-mentioned paper information 301 may be created by the user and registered in the image forming apparatus 1, etc., or it may be created by the manufacturer and provided to the user, and registered by the user by importing the information into the image forming apparatus 1, etc. It may also be determined and registered before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped from the factory. Each of the paper information 301 is stored, for example, in the storage unit 205 or in an external storage device that can be accessed through the network I / F unit 203.

[0045] In normal printing, the adjustment value management unit 255 reads the adjustment value corresponding to the paper name received by the reception unit 251 from the paper information table D3. The setting adjustment unit 256 calculates the adjusted setting value based on the adjustment value read by the adjustment value management unit 255 and the reference setting value in the reference value table D2.

[0046] For example, if the paper name is "Paper A," the transfer roller speed setting is adjusted to a value that is an increase of the standard setting value of 90 mm / sec by the adjustment value (0.10%). Also, the pressure roller fixing temperature setting is adjusted to 100 deg. In this way, the setting adjustment unit 256 adjusts the setting value to a value that is an increase or decrease of the standard setting value by the adjustment value when the item name of the stored adjustment value is "...Adjustment" (%). For other item names, the setting adjustment unit 256 adjusts the setting value to the value of the adjustment value. Note that the adjustment values ​​for the transfer roller speed and transfer belt speed may be stored as the latter, and the adjustment value for the pressure roller fixing temperature may be stored as the former.

[0047] Thus, in normal printing, the mechanism control unit 206 and the printing control unit 209 can form an image using appropriate adjustment values ​​according to the paper by referring to the reference value table D2 and the paper information table D3.

[0048] Next, we will explain the setting adjustment process in test chart printing, which involves printing a test chart to adjust the setting values.

[0049] Figure 7 shows an example of a test chart reception screen. The reception unit 251 receives multiple adjustment values ​​(multiple test adjustment values) used for printing the test chart, based on the parameters entered into the reception screen 500 as shown in Figure 7. The reception screen 500 has a test chart selection area 501, an adjustment value selection area 502, an execute button 503, and a cancel button 504. The user operates the reception screen 500 displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 102 to input parameters to be used for printing the test chart.

[0050] The test chart selection area 501 is an area for selecting parameters such as the type of output test chart, paper name, paper feed tray, paper output tray, single-sided / double-sided printing, and number of copies. The user can select each parameter, for example, using a pull-down menu. If there is a one-to-one correspondence between the paper name and the paper feed tray, either the menu for selecting the paper name or the menu for selecting the paper feed tray may be omitted in the test chart selection area 501.

[0051] The adjustment value selection area 502 is the area for selecting the parameters of the adjustment item, adjustment value range, and adjustment value step. The adjustment item indicates which of the multiple items included in the adjustment value information 303 in Figure 6 will be changed. The user can select the adjustment item, for example, using a pull-down menu.

[0052] The adjustment value range indicates the upper and lower limits of the modified adjustment value for the selected adjustment item. The adjustment value step indicates the interval of the modified adjustment value calculated by the test adjustment value calculation unit 257. That is, the test adjustment value calculation unit 257 calculates the modified adjustment value from the values ​​sampled at the interval of the adjustment value step within the adjustment value range. The user can input these parameters, for example, by operating the keyboard. These parameters may also be selectable via a pull-down menu.

[0053] The execute button 503 is used to confirm the entered parameters. The cancel button 504 is used to cancel the entered parameters or to stop printing the test chart. After entering each parameter, the user can confirm the parameter input to the reception unit 251 and start printing the test chart by pressing the execute button 503.

[0054] Although Figure 7 illustrates an example of selecting one adjustment item, it is also possible to change the adjustment values ​​of multiple adjustment items and print the test chart. Figure 8 shows another example of the test chart reception screen. The difference from Figure 7 is that in the adjustment value selection area 502, three adjustment items can be selected, and the adjustment value range and adjustment value step for each selected adjustment item can be entered.

[0055] The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 calculates multiple test adjustment values ​​from the parameters received by the reception unit 251. In the example in Figure 7, the test adjustment value calculation unit 257 calculates 21 values ​​(-1.00, -0.90, ..., +0.90, +1.00) as adjustment values ​​for the transfer roller speed used on paper A. The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 then obtains a set of 21 adjustment values ​​as test adjustment values ​​by changing the transfer roller speed adjustment item in the adjustment value information 303 for paper A to these 21 values. These multiple test adjustment values ​​are an example of the multiple adjustment values ​​received by the reception unit 251. The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 also calculates the number of pages to print for the test chart (21 pages in the example in Figure 7).

[0056] The adjustment value determination unit 258 refers to the equipment stop history information and determines whether or not to use each of the multiple adjustment values ​​for printing the test chart.

[0057] Figure 9 shows an example of equipment shutdown history information. Adjustment values ​​can sometimes influence equipment shutdowns due to malfunctions such as paper jams. In this embodiment, equipment shutdown history information, which links the date and time of the shutdown, the phenomenon (paper jam, etc.), the paper characteristics, and the adjustment value information, is stored as a history table D4 with a hierarchical structure as shown in Figure 9.

[0058] History table D4 includes a list of equipment shutdown history information 400, a history node 401, incident information 402, paper information 411, characteristic information 412, and adjustment value 413. The top-level equipment shutdown history information list 400 contains the history node 401 for each history, and stores incident information 402 and paper information 411. Incident information 402 includes information on the date and time of occurrence and the phenomenon that occurred. In addition, each paper information 411 stores the paper name such as "Paper A" and "Paper B," and, similar to the paper information 301 in Figure 6, characteristic information 412 and adjustment value 413 are linked and stored.

[0059] Note that the items in characteristic information 412 and adjustment value 413 are not limited to those shown in Figure 9 and can be changed as appropriate. Also, history node 401 is an example of history, paper information 411 is an example of history paper information, and adjustment value 413 is an example of an excluded adjustment value.

[0060] The adjustment value determination unit 258 refers to the history table D4 and determines that the adjustment value calculated by the test adjustment value calculation unit 257 does not match the exclusion adjustment value corresponding to the characteristic information of the paper name received by the reception unit 251, and therefore does not use that adjustment value for test chart printing. As a result, during test chart printing, the mechanism control unit 206 and the printing control unit 209 can perform image formation using adjustment values ​​that do not cause defects in image formation.

[0061] Equipment stop history information is managed by the exclusion adjustment value management unit 259. For example, when equipment stoppage occurs during normal printing, it is generated or updated and stored in the storage unit 205 or an external storage device accessible via the network I / F unit 203. The history table D4 may also contain a history of defects that occurred during image formation, such as paper wrinkles or skew, that did not result in equipment stoppage.

[0062] Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen for equipment shutdown history information. The exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 reads the history table D4 to generate a display screen 420 as shown in Figure 10, and can display it on the display unit of the operation unit 102.

[0063] The display screen 420 includes a device stop history list area 421, display item adjustment buttons 422, display order change buttons 423, and an exit button 424. The device stop history list area 421 displays the contents of history table D4 in a table format. When performing adjustments by printing a test chart, the user can refer to the display screen 420 to confirm what history information is actually used (or excluded) based on the adjustment values. The user can also refer to the display screen 420 to determine the range of adjustment values ​​to be entered into the reception screen 500 in Figures 7 and 8. Furthermore, the user can operate the display item adjustment buttons 422 and the display order change buttons 423 to change the displayed items, such as the item name, number of items, and display order of the history.

[0064] (Processing flow) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for printing a test chart in the first embodiment.

[0065] First, the reception unit 251 receives parameters for printing a test chart, including the paper name and parameters related to multiple adjustment values. The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 then calculates the values ​​of the multiple adjustment values ​​and the number of pages to print (step S11). The test adjustment value calculation unit 257 also sets the adjustment values, including the lower limit of the adjustment items selected by the user, as the adjustment values ​​(test adjustment values) for printing the test chart.

[0066] Next, if the number of pages to print is greater than 0 (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0067] The adjustment value determination unit 258 compares the test adjustment value with the excluded adjustment value included in the history table D4 (step S13). Here, the excluded adjustment value to be compared is the excluded adjustment value associated with the form name received by the reception unit 251.

[0068] If there is no exclusion adjustment value in history table D4 that matches the test adjustment value (step 14: No), the setting adjustment unit 256 performs setting adjustments based on the test adjustment value, and the image forming unit prints a test chart (step S15). Subsequently, the number of printed pages is reduced by 1 (step S16), the next adjustment value is set as the test adjustment value, and the process returns to step S12.

[0069] On the other hand, if there is an exclusion adjustment value in history table D4 that matches the test adjustment value (step 14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. That is, the test chart printing using the value set for the test adjustment value is skipped, the next adjustment value is set as the test adjustment value, and the process returns to step S12. Here, the process of printing the test chart using the remaining adjustment values ​​from the next adjustment value onward is continued without stopping subsequent test chart printing, thus reducing the effort required from the user.

[0070] In step S12, if the number of printed pages is not greater than 0 (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S17. The user checks the printed test chart and decides which adjustment values ​​to adopt. Once the adjustment values ​​have been determined (step S17: Yes), the user operates the operation unit 102 to instruct the system to store the determined adjustment values. The adjustment value management unit 255 updates the adjustment values ​​in the paper information 301 corresponding to the paper name received by the reception unit 251 to the determined adjustment values, and stores the updated paper information 301 in the storage unit 205 or an external storage device accessible via the network I / F unit 203 (step S18).

[0071] On the other hand, if the determination of the adjustment values ​​is not yet complete (step S17: No), the process returns to step S11, and the user sets different parameters and repeats printing the test chart.

[0072] Furthermore, even if the test adjustment value matches the excluded adjustment value, the adjustment value determination unit 258 may determine that the malfunction that occurred when the excluded adjustment value was added to history table D4 was not caused by the adjustment value if the adjustment value was able to print normally in a normal print after the malfunction occurred. If such a determination is made, the adjustment value determination unit 258 decides to use the test adjustment value.

[0073] Figure 12 shows another example of equipment stop history information. The difference from Figure 9 is that the paper information 301 includes normal printing information 304. The exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 stores the normal printing information 304 in the paper information 301 corresponding to the paper as shown in Figure 12 if the adjustment value used during normal printing on paper having certain characteristic information 302 matches the adjustment value for that paper included in the equipment stop history information. The normal printing information 304 is, for example, information on the date and time when printing was successful during normal printing (normal printing date and time). The adjustment value determination unit 258 determines to use the test adjustment value even if the test adjustment value matches the exclusion adjustment value, if the normal printing date and time of the normal printing information 304 linked to the test adjustment value is newer than the occurrence date and time of the occurrence information 402.

[0074] Alternatively, the exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 may delete the paper information 301 corresponding to the paper from the equipment stop history information instead of storing the normal print information 304 in the equipment stop history information. This prevents the adjustment value determination unit 258 from skipping the printing of the test chart using the test adjustment value in question.

[0075] Thus, according to this embodiment, the history of image formation defects is referenced according to the characteristics of the paper, and it is determined whether or not to use the adjustment values ​​from the test chart print. Therefore, the setting values ​​used for image formation can be adjusted using adjustment values ​​that do not cause image formation defects, according to the characteristics of the paper.

[0076] The adjustment value determination unit 258 may either determine that "there is a matching adjustment value" when all items of the test adjustment value and the excluded adjustment value match, or determine that "there is a matching adjustment value" when some items match. This is because if only the adjustment values ​​that contribute significantly to image formation match, problems may occur in image formation even if other items do not match.

[0077] Furthermore, if the paper information of the paper used for printing the test chart is created by duplicating the paper information of another sheet of paper, the adjustment value determination unit 258 may compare the test adjustment value with the exclusion adjustment value associated with the characteristic information contained in the paper information of the other sheet of paper to determine whether or not to exclude the test adjustment value.

[0078] Furthermore, the adjustment value determination unit 258 may not exclude a test adjustment value even if the test adjustment value and the excluded adjustment value match. For example, if all the excluded adjustment values ​​stored in the history table D4 are initial values ​​(such as factory default values), it may determine that the cause of the malfunction is not due to the excluded adjustment values. In such cases, the adjustment value determination unit 258 decides not to exclude the test adjustment value.

[0079] Furthermore, if the paper characteristic information 412 stored in the history table D4 does not match the paper characteristic information 302 used for printing the test chart, the adjustment value determination unit 258 may determine that the test adjustment value should not be excluded, even if the test adjustment value and the exclusion adjustment value match.

[0080] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment stores adjustment values ​​that the user has determined to be faulty as a history of new excluded adjustment values. In the following description of the second embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be explained.

[0081] Some image formation defects can be judged by the user as to whether or not a defect exists. For example, skew caused by the tilt of the paper during printing does not lead to the machine stopping, but the user can judge whether or not it occurred by looking at the print result. In this embodiment, when the user determines that a defect has occurred during image formation, the history table D4 in Figure 9 is updated by linking the characteristic information of the paper used for image formation with the information of the adjustment values ​​and storing it as a history of excluded adjustment values.

[0082] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the exclusion adjustment value management unit 259 has an exclusion adjustment value update unit 260.

[0083] The exclusion adjustment value update unit 260 stores the adjustment values ​​corresponding to the paper names received by the reception unit 251 during normal image formation as a history of exclusion adjustment values. Specifically, the exclusion adjustment value update unit 260 stores the date and time of image formation, the occurrence phenomenon entered by the user (skew, wrinkles, etc.), the characteristic information 412 used in image formation, and the adjustment values ​​413 in the storage unit 205, etc., linked to a new history node 401.

[0084] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the second embodiment. First, the image forming unit performs printing on paper (step S21). Next, if the receiving unit 251 receives an instruction from the user to store the adjustment values ​​used for printing (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0085] The exclusion adjustment value update unit 260 sets the adjustment value used in printing as the adjustment value 413, links it to a new history node 401 along with characteristic information 412, etc., and stores it in the storage unit 205 or an external storage device accessible via the network I / F unit 203 (step S23). On the other hand, if no instruction is received from the user in step S22 (step S22: No), the process ends.

[0086] Thus, according to this embodiment, adjustment values ​​that the user has determined to be faulty can be stored as a history of new excluded adjustment values ​​according to the user's instructions.

[0087] In the above explanation, the excluded adjustment value update unit 260 performed an update to add an excluded adjustment value to the history. However, it may also perform an update to delete an excluded adjustment value from the history. In this case, for example, if the user determines that an adjustment value is desirable after reviewing the print results, they can instruct the unit to delete an excluded adjustment value that matches that adjustment value. If an excluded adjustment value that matches that adjustment value is included in the history table D4, the excluded adjustment value update unit 260 can delete the history of that excluded adjustment value.

[0088] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the adjustment value determination unit 258 displays on the display unit of the operation unit 102 the adjustment values ​​that it has determined not to be used for adjustment, and the range of adjustment values ​​that it has determined to be used. In the following description of the third embodiment, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0089] Given the adjustment value range and adjustment value step, the test adjustment value calculation unit 257 can calculate all the adjustment values ​​that the adjustment value determination unit 258 will determine before the test chart printing starts. Furthermore, the adjustment value determination unit 258 can determine whether or not to use all the calculated adjustment values ​​for the adjustment before the test chart printing starts. In this embodiment, the determination results from the adjustment value determination unit 258 are displayed on the display unit before the test chart printing starts.

[0090] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the adjustment value determination unit 258 according to the third embodiment. Here, Figure 15(a) is a block diagram for displaying adjustment values ​​that have been determined not to be used for adjustment, and Figure 15(b) is a block diagram for displaying the range of adjustment values ​​that have been determined to be used for adjustment.

[0091] When displaying adjustment values ​​that have been determined not to be used for adjustment, the adjustment value determination unit 258 has an excluded adjustment value display unit 270, as shown in Figure 15(a). The excluded adjustment value display unit 270 displays the adjustment values ​​that have been determined not to be used for adjustment, for example, in a part of the test chart reception screen.

[0092] Figure 16 shows another example of the test chart reception screen. The difference from Figure 7 is that the reception screen 500 further includes an excluded adjustment value display area 510. In the example of Figure 16, the adjustment value determination unit 258 determines that the adjustment values ​​calculated by the test adjustment value calculation unit 257, where the selected adjustment item values ​​are -1.00, -0.90, +0.80, +0.90, and +1.00, will not be used for adjustment. The adjustment value determination unit 258 then displays these values ​​in the excluded adjustment value display area 510.

[0093] When displaying the range of adjustment values ​​determined to be used for adjustment, the adjustment value determination unit 258 has an adjustment value range display unit 271, as shown in Figure 15(b). The adjustment value range display unit 271 displays the adjustment values ​​determined to be used for adjustment, for example, in a part of the test chart reception screen.

[0094] Figure 17 shows another example of the test chart reception screen. The difference from Figure 7 is that the reception screen 500 further includes an adjustment value range display area 511. In the example of Figure 17, the adjustment value determination unit 258 determines that -0.80, -0.70, ... +0.60, and +0.70 are to be used as the selected adjustment items from the adjustment values ​​calculated by the test adjustment value calculation unit 257. The adjustment value determination unit 258 then displays the range of these values ​​in the adjustment value range display area 511. Note that the range of adjustment values ​​determined to be used is the range that is recommended to be used for adjustment, so in the example of Figure 17, this range is displayed as the "recommended adjustment value range".

[0095] Thus, according to this embodiment, before the start of printing the test chart, the adjustment values ​​that have been determined not to be used for adjustment, and the range of adjustment values ​​that have been determined to be used, can be displayed on a display unit such as a screen.

[0096] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0097] Furthermore, each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0098] The program executed in the information processing device of each embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-described functional units (reception unit 251, test adjustment value calculation unit 257, adjustment value determination unit 258, exclusion adjustment value management unit 259, etc.). In actual hardware, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) reads the program from the storage medium and executes it, loading the above-described units onto the main memory, and creating each functional unit on the main memory.

[0099] The programs executed by the information processing device of each embodiment are provided as installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0100] Furthermore, the program executed by the information processing device of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided or distributed by allowing it to be downloaded via the network.

[0101] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A receiving unit that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​for adjusting the settings used to form an image on paper, An adjustment value determination unit determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a problem occurs in image formation. A setting adjustment unit adjusts the setting value using the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination unit to be used. This is an information processing device characterized by having the following features. <2> The history of the exclusion adjustment value includes the characteristic information of the paper used for image formation in which the defect occurred, and the exclusion adjustment value. <1> This is the information processing device described above. <3> The adjustment value determination unit determines to use the first adjustment value if the first adjustment value, which is one of the plurality of adjustment values, matches the adjustment value used for image formation when no problem occurred in image formation on the paper. <1> or <2> This is the information processing device described above. <4> The reception unit receives instructions to store the adjustment values ​​used in image formation. The system further includes an exclusion adjustment value update unit that stores the adjustment value as a history of the exclusion adjustment value, <1> ~ <3> It is an information processing device described in any one of the following. <5> The aforementioned setting value has multiple items, The adjustment value and the exclusion adjustment value have items corresponding to the items of the setting value, The adjustment value determination unit determines that the first adjustment value, which is one of the plurality of adjustment values, will not be used if it matches the excluded adjustment value in at least a portion of the plurality of items. <1> ~ <4> It is an information processing device described in any one of the following. <6> The information on the adjustment value and the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value are stored as paper information for each characteristic. The adjustment value determination unit is, When adjusting the settings used for image formation using a copy of second paper information that differs from the first paper information, Based on the exclusion adjustment value corresponding to the characteristic information included in the second paper information, it is determined whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values. <1> ~ <5> It is an information processing device described in any one of the following. <7> The information on the adjustment value and the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value are stored as paper information for each characteristic. The adjustment value determination unit determines whether to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​without relying on the exclusion adjustment value corresponding to the first characteristic information when the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value is changed from the first characteristic information to a second characteristic information different from the first characteristic information. <1> ~ <6> It is an information processing device described in any one of the following. <8> An image forming unit that forms an image on paper, The aforementioned <1> ~ <7> An information processing device described in any one of the following, This is an image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature]. <9> An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A receiving process that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​to adjust the settings used for image formation on paper, An adjustment value determination step that determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a defect occurs in image formation, A setting adjustment step which adjusts the setting value using the adjustment value determined to be used in the adjustment value determination step, This is an information processing method characterized by comprising the following: <10> Computers, A receiving means that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​for adjusting the settings used to form an image on paper, An adjustment value determination means that determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a defect occurs in image formation, A setting adjustment means that adjusts the setting value with the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination means to use, This program is characterized by its ability to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Image forming apparatus 101 Printer 102 Operation section 104 Stacker 201 System Control Unit 205 Storage section 206 Mechanism Control Unit 209 Printing Control Unit 251 Reception Department 257 Test Adjustment Value Calculation Unit 258 Adjustment Value Determination Unit 259 Exclusion Adjustment Value Management Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0103] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-173130

Claims

1. A receiving unit that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​for adjusting the settings used to form an image on paper, An adjustment value determination unit determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a problem occurs in image formation. A setting adjustment unit adjusts the setting value using the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination unit to be used. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the history of the exclusion adjustment value includes characteristic information of the paper used for image formation in which the defect occurred, and the exclusion adjustment value.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment value determination unit determines to use the first adjustment value when the first adjustment value, which is one of the plurality of adjustment values, matches the adjustment value used for image formation when no problem occurred in image formation on the paper.

4. The reception unit receives instructions to store the adjustment values ​​used in image formation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an exclusion adjustment value update unit that stores the adjustment value as a history of the exclusion adjustment value.

5. The aforementioned setting value has multiple items, The adjustment value and the exclusion adjustment value have items corresponding to the items of the setting value, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment value determination unit determines that the first adjustment value, which is one of the plurality of adjustment values, will not be used if it matches the excluded adjustment value in at least a portion of the plurality of items.

6. The information on the adjustment value and the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value are stored as paper information for each characteristic. The adjustment value determination unit is, When adjusting the settings used for image formation using a copy of second paper information that differs from the first paper information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on the exclusion adjustment value corresponding to the characteristic information contained in the second paper information.

7. The information on the adjustment value and the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value are stored as paper information for each characteristic. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment value determination unit determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​without relying on the exclusion adjustment value corresponding to the first characteristic information when the characteristic information corresponding to the adjustment value is changed from first characteristic information to second characteristic information different from the first characteristic information.

8. An image forming unit that forms an image on paper, An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

9. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A receiving process that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​to adjust the settings used for image formation on paper, An adjustment value determination step that determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a defect occurs in image formation, A setting adjustment step which adjusts the setting value using the adjustment value determined to be used in the adjustment value determination step, An information processing method characterized by including

10. Computers, A receiving means that accepts multiple adjustment values ​​for adjusting the settings used to form an image on paper, An adjustment value determination means that determines whether or not to use each of the plurality of adjustment values ​​based on characteristic information relating to the characteristics of the paper and a history of excluded adjustment values ​​which are adjustment values ​​used in image formation when a defect occurs in image formation, A setting adjustment means that adjusts the setting value with the adjustment value determined by the adjustment value determination means to use, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

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