Image forming system, alternative processing execution method, and alternative processing execution program

Abstract

On-the-fly printing allows for effective use of the RIP waiting time between the completion of RIP processing for a specific page and the resumption of printing. [Solution] The image forming system 100 includes a RIP processing unit 21 that processes print data using the RIP method, a print instruction unit 23 that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to print the RIP data, a delay detection unit 27 that detects pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job, and an alternative processing instruction unit 28 that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of the page in question and execute an alternative process.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, an alternative processing execution method, and an alternative processing execution program.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus, on-the-fly printing that starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP (Raster Image Processing) processing of all pages included in a print job has become common. During this on-the-fly printing, the RIP processing of a specific page may be delayed. In that case, the image forming apparatus interrupts the printing process while continuing the RIP processing of the specific page, waits until the RIP processing is completed and the RIP data is transferred, and then resumes the printing process after the RIP data is transferred.

[0003] For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the creation of image data is delayed, the printing process is canceled, blank paper is passed through, and the subsequent print page order is automatically changed, so as not to stop the printing process of the engine. In this case, although the printing process of the engine does not stop, blank paper continues to be inserted until the RIP is completed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When it is determined that the image data in Patent Document 1 is not in time, the printing is not stopped, so the process of forming an image is skipped to make it blank paper, and the predetermined printing order is changed. Therefore, when the image data is not in time, waste blank paper continues to be inserted. As a result, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when printing was interrupted due to a delay in the RIP processing of a specific page during on-the-fly printing, the waiting time until the RIP processing was completed was not effectively utilized.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to utilize the waiting time until printing resumes when RIP processing for a specific page is delayed and printing is interrupted during on-the-fly printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention, which solves the aforementioned problems, has the following configuration. (1) The present invention relates to an image forming system comprising: a RIP processing unit for RIP processing of print data; a print instruction unit for instructing an image forming apparatus to print the RIP data; a delay detection unit for detecting pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job; and an alternative processing instruction unit for instructing the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform an alternative processing.

[0008] (2) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit continues the RIP processing of the page in which the RIP processing was delayed and the pages after that page while the alternative processing is being executed.

[0009] (3) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit, once the RIP processing of a page in which the RIP processing has been delayed is completed, instructs the image forming apparatus to resume printing the page as soon as the alternative processing currently in progress is finished.

[0010] (4) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit, in the case of double-sided printing, detects that the RIP processing on the back side cannot be completed in time, and instructs the image forming apparatus to perform an alternative processing before the start of printing on the front side.

[0011] (5) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing is a process for monitoring the maintenance of image quality and a correction process, and the printing process of the image forming apparatus is not interrupted when the alternative processing is performed.

[0012] (6) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative processing, and the image forming apparatus prints a nozzle defect detection processing chart and performs the nozzle defect detection processing.

[0013] (7) The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert and print a nozzle defect detection chart as an alternative process, and if a nozzle defect is detected, performs a correction process and then reprints a nozzle defect chart for confirmation.

[0014] (8) The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit causes the image forming apparatus to cancel the insertion page scheduled immediately after a job in which nozzle defect detection charts are inserted at specified intervals, if a nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process.

[0015] (9) The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit, when printing a nozzle defect detection chart as an alternative process in a job set to insert a nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals, resets the insertion page count and changes the alternative process to insert the chart at specified intervals.

[0016] (10) The image forming apparatus has an operation display unit that prevents the nozzle defect detection chart insertion page from being changed, the image forming system according to claim 1.

[0017] (11) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert a sample print as an alternative process, which reprints the same page as the previously printed page and discharges it into a separate tray.

[0018] (12) The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job set to insert a specified number of sample prints at intervals.

[0019] (13) The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit, when a job is set to insert sample prints at specified intervals and a sample print is inserted as an alternative process, resets the count of inserted pages and changes the alternative process to insert at specified intervals.

[0020] (14) The image forming system according to claim 11, further comprising an operation display unit that prevents the sample print insertion page from being changed.

[0021] (15) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process when color difference monitoring is set for a job.

[0022] (16) The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert and print a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process, and if the color difference is greater than specified when compared with the color difference monitoring chart printed before the start of printing, it performs a correction process.

[0023] (17) The image forming system according to claim 15, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process in a job set to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals.

[0024] (18) The substitution process instruction unit causes the image forming apparatus to reset the count of the inserted pages and change to insert every specified number of sheets from that substitution process when inserting a color difference monitoring chart as a substitution process in a job of setting to insert a color difference monitoring chart every specified number of sheets. The image forming system according to claim 15.

[0025] (19) The image forming system according to claim 15, further comprising an operation display unit capable of preventing the color difference monitoring chart page from being changed.

[0026] (20) When causing the image forming apparatus to execute a substitution process for maintaining image quality, the substitution process instruction unit interrupts the printing process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

[0027] (21) The substitution process instruction unit causes the image forming apparatus to execute parts cleaning as a substitution process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

[0028] (22) The parts cleaning includes head cleaning and wiper cleaning. The image forming system according to claim 21.

[0029] (23) When causing the image forming apparatus to perform parts cleaning as a substitution process, the substitution process instruction unit can cancel the next regular cleaning. The image forming system according to claim 21.

[0030] (24) When the image forming apparatus has an image stabilization processing function, the substitution process instruction unit causes the image forming apparatus to execute image stabilization processing as a substitution process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

[0031] (25) When causing the image forming apparatus to perform image stabilization processing as a substitution process, the substitution process instruction unit can cancel the next regular image stabilization processing. The image forming system according to claim 24.

[0032] (26) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit causes the image forming apparatus to add an alternative processing each time the specified time for RIP processing is exceeded.

[0033] (27) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to change to a different process if the number of printed sheets is less than the processing performed last time.

[0034] (28) The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein if the RIP processing delay occurs more than a specified number of times, the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform an alternative processing that takes longer to process than the alternative processing previously instructed.

[0035] (29) The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising an operation display unit that allows the user to specify in advance which alternative process to execute.

[0036] (30) An alternative processing execution method comprising: a step of a RIP processing unit performing RIP processing on print data; a step of a print instruction unit instructing an image forming apparatus to print the RIP data; a step of a delay detection unit detecting a page in which the RIP processing has been delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job; and a step of an alternative processing instruction unit instructing the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform alternative processing.

[0037] (31) An alternative processing execution program for causing a computer to perform the following steps: a procedure for RIP processing print data; a procedure for instructing an image forming apparatus to print the RIP data; a procedure for detecting a page in which the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of a print job; and a procedure for causing the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform an alternative process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The image forming system, alternative processing execution method, and alternative processing execution program of the present invention can effectively utilize the RIP waiting time in on-the-fly printing, from the completion of RIP processing for a specific page until printing resumes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the controller configuration. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram showing the RIP data retention and transmission by the controller, the reception and retention of RIP data by the image forming apparatus, and the printing process and output of printed materials in the image forming unit. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the processing during RIP delays. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing another example where nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of what happens when a sample printout is performed as an alternative process. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of when color difference monitoring processing is performed as an alternative process. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the processing steps for double-sided printing. [Figure 11] Page 6 (back side) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of what happens when a RIP delay occurs. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for the operation display unit used to specify which alternative processes to execute and in what order when a RIP delay occurs. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of executing the alternative process specified in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that common components in each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Image Forming System As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 is a device having an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a storage medium. The image forming system 100 performs on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of RIP processing for all pages included in the print job. The client operates the printing terminals 41, 42 and the server 3 to send document data from the printing terminals 41, 42 and the server 3 to the controller 2, and the controller 2 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to print, thereby printing on the recording medium. The image forming system 100 consists of the image forming apparatus 1, the controller 2, the server 3, the printing terminal 41 and the printing terminal 42, which are connected to each other via a network 5.

[0042] The storage medium used in the image forming system 100 is a medium capable of recording and storing data. The recording medium can be any medium on which an image can be formed. Examples of recording media include paper, fabric, plastic film, and glass plates. The following explanation will describe the case where paper is used as the recording medium.

[0043] Printing terminals 41 and 42 are used to send print requests to a multi-function peripheral device (MFP) (not shown). A print request includes print information consisting of page description language (PDL) data indicating the data to be printed and control information indicating the specific execution conditions for the printing process. Printing terminals 41 and 42 generate print data described in PDL from the original data and send the print data to the controller 2. Printing terminals 41 and 42 are equipped with input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display.

[0044] Network 5 is used to enable communication between printing terminals 41 and 42 and multi-functional peripheral devices. Network 5 consists of various networks, including local area networks (LANs) that connect computers and network devices using standards such as Ethernet®, Token Ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface), wide area networks (WANs) that connect LANs with dedicated lines, and the Internet. The network protocol is, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). The types and number of devices connected to Network 5 are not limited to the two devices shown in Figure 1 and may be changed as appropriate.

[0045] Image forming apparatus Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is a device that receives print data transmitted from printing terminals 41 and 42 and forms an image on paper according to the print data. While the image forming apparatus 1 is exemplified as an inkjet type image forming apparatus, it is not limited to this, and may be other types of apparatus, such as an electrophotographic type that forms toner images.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 is composed of an image forming apparatus main body 10, a paper feeder 6, and a paper discharger 7. The image forming apparatus 1 has the function of reading a specific chart with an image reading unit 13 and inspecting it.

[0047] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 is a toner machine, it is necessary to perform image stabilization processing periodically. For this reason, if the image forming apparatus 1 has an image stabilization processing function, it is preferable for the alternative processing instruction unit 28 to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative processing.

[0048] The image forming apparatus main body 10 comprises an operation display unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an image reading unit 13, an inspection processing unit 14, a RIP data receiving unit 15, a RIP data holding unit 16, a control unit 17, and a storage unit 18.

[0049] The operation display unit 11 consists of, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch panel is stacked on top of a liquid crystal display. The operation display unit 11 includes a touch panel for inputting job settings to be performed using the image forming system 100, and a liquid crystal display for displaying the content of operations performed on the touch panel. The operation display unit 11 is located on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 11 may also display images formed by the image forming system 100 or other images.

[0050] The operation display unit 11 is used for inputting various settings such as printing conditions and the timing of adjusting the formation position of the front and back images, displaying the status of the device, and inputting various instructions. Furthermore, the user can input and display paper information for the paper stored in each paper tray by operating the operation display unit 11. Paper information includes paper type (plain paper, fine paper, color paper, coated paper, overprinted paper, etc.), paper weight, thickness, size, etc. The input paper information is stored in the storage unit 18 in association with each paper tray or paper feed device 6.

[0051] The image forming unit 12 is a device that prints RIP data received from the controller 2 onto paper supplied from the paper tray of the paper feeder 6. RIP data is image data generated in raster format. The image forming unit 12 is equipped with, for example, four inkjet heads for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Although the image forming unit 12 has four inkjet heads for the four colors, it is not limited to these four types of inkjet heads and may be changed as appropriate. In addition, UV ink is used as the ink.

[0052] The UV light source is a light source used in the image forming unit 12 to cure the UV ink attached to the paper by irradiating ultraviolet light onto the paper being transported. The UV light source consists of, for example, a UV LED.

[0053] The image reading unit 13 is a device that reads images on both sides of a sheet of paper on a transport path. The image reading unit 13 has the function of reading a specific chart. The image reading unit 13 comprises a reading unit (not shown) that reads an image printed on the transported paper, a transport path, and a spectrophotometer that spectrally measures the color of each color patch in a color evaluation image on the paper and measures the spectral reflectance of each wavelength in the visible light region and its vicinity.

[0054] The inspection processing unit 14 is an image inspection unit that performs inspection by comparing the image to be inspected with the image read by the image reading unit 13. After detecting a defect in the image read by the image reading unit 13, if the inspection processing unit 14 detects the same defect again in the image read by the image reading unit 13 from the paper that has been reprinted for recovery by the image forming unit 12, the inspection processing unit 14 corrects the defect in the corresponding part of the image data for the recovery reprint that the image forming unit 12 has formed.

[0055] The RIP data receiving unit 15 is a device that receives and stores RIP data output from the print instruction unit 23 of the controller 2. The RIP data receiving unit 15 outputs a group of grayscale values ​​from the received RIP data, in order from the downstream side in the paper transport direction among multiple pixel rows consisting of multiple pixels arranged in the main scanning direction. The RIP data holding unit 16 is a transmission means for transmitting RIP data to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0056] The control unit 17 consists of the image forming system 100 and a computer (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the image forming system 100. Based on the operation of the operation display unit 11 and the signals received from the image forming system 100 connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 17 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1, as well as the operation of each part of the paper feed device 6 and the post-processing device 4. The control unit 17 also adjusts the color of the image and the image formation position based on the image data obtained by the image reading unit 13. For example, the image formation position is adjusted by reading the edges of the paper, registration marks, a special chart, etc., and adjusting the image formation position from their positions.

[0057] The computer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), input / output circuits, etc. The CPU reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the memory unit 18, loads it into the RAM, and works in cooperation with the loaded program to control each component of the image forming system 100. At this time, various data stored in the memory unit 18 are referenced. The program is a so-called firmware program that instructs a computer to perform various procedures to process information.

[0058] The storage unit 18 is a storage device that stores information related to the image forming system 100, information related to the status of each paper tray (not shown) of the paper feed device 6 that holds the paper, and so on. The storage unit 18 stores image data such as a color chart with multiple color patches for various evaluations and a dedicated front-to-back position adjustment chart for adjusting the front-to-back image position. The storage unit 18 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) and a hard disk drive.

[0059] ≪Paper feed device≫ As shown in Figure 2, the paper feeder 6 has a paper feed tray (not shown) equipped with multiple trays for feeding paper. The paper feed tray includes, for example, an upper tray, a middle tray, a lower tray, etc., each containing paper. Each tray has a lid on its housing, and the lid is opened to replenish or replace paper. Paper from the paper feeder 6 is transported to the image forming unit 12 by a paper feed transport unit (not shown). The paper with images formed in the image forming unit 12 travels along a transport path, undergoes various processes according to the print settings of the print job, and is then placed on the output tray of the output device 7.

[0060] ≪Paper discharge device≫ The paper discharge device 7 is a device that discharges paper in which an image has been formed by curing dots with ultraviolet light from a UV light source to the outside of the image forming apparatus body 10. The paper discharge device 7 is located at the rear end of the paper transport path and is equipped with a paper discharge roller, a paper discharge tray, etc.

[0061] Controller Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of controller 2. As shown in Figure 3, when the controller 2 receives the original document data, it performs RIP processing to convert the original document data into raster image data and then transmits the RIP data to the image forming apparatus 1. If the controller 2 detects a page where the RIP processing is delayed, it instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process for that page and perform an alternative process. The controller 2 is composed of a RIP processing unit 21, a RIP data holding unit 22, a print instruction unit 23, an image receiving unit 24, a display processing unit 25, a storage unit 26, a delay detection unit 27, and an alternative processing instruction unit 28.

[0062] The RIP processing unit 21 performs RIP processing to convert image information described in page description terminology into a raster image and generate RIP data. When an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 1, the RIP processing unit 21 converts image data input from the printing terminals 41, 42, etc. into image data for printing. The RIP processed image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 12 as image data for printing, and the image forming unit 12 performs image formation based on the RIP processed image data. The image data may be image data read by a scanner (not shown) or raster image data obtained from an external source.

[0063] The RIP data holding unit 22 is a holding means for holding RIP data. The print instruction unit 23 is an instruction means that transmits the RIP processed RIP data to the image forming apparatus 1 and instructs it to print the RIP data.

[0064] The image receiving unit 24 is a receiving means for receiving RIP data transferred from the image forming apparatus 1. The display processing unit 25 is a display means for displaying the results from the RIP processing unit 21. The display processing unit 25 performs processing to generate an image to be displayed on the display panel. The memory unit 26 is a storage means for storing RIP data generated by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0065] The delay detection unit 27 is a detection means that detects pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job. The alternative processing instruction unit 28 is an instruction means that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of the page in question and execute an alternative process.

[0066] ≪Operation of Image Forming Apparatus≫ Figure 4 is a time chart showing the RIP data retention and transmission by controller 2, the RIP data reception and retention by image forming apparatus 1, and the printing process and output of printed materials by image forming unit 12. In the example shown in Figure 4, RIP data is accumulated in the RIP data storage unit 22 of the controller 2 from time t11. At time t21, once the RIP data storage unit 22 of the controller 2 has stored RIP data for 4 pages, the print instruction unit 23 sequentially transmits the RIP data to the image forming apparatus 1. In the image forming apparatus 1, once four pages of RIP data have been stored in the RIP data holding unit 16 at time t31, the image forming unit 12 starts the printing process. Since the printing process is performed at regular intervals (1.2-second intervals in the case of a 50 PPM machine), if the transfer of RIP data is delayed beyond this processing timing, the image forming apparatus 1 stops the printing process and waits for the RIP data to be transferred.

[0067] In this way, the alternative processing instruction unit 28, while executing the alternative processing, continues the RIP processing of the page where the RIP processing was delayed, as well as the pages after that page, and has the image forming apparatus 1 print them, thus enabling efficient printing.

[0068] ≪Handling of RIP delays≫ Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing during RIP delay. The processing during RIP delay shown in Figure 5 is performed by the controller 2 shown in Figures 1 and 3. First, the controller 2 performs RIP processing using the RIP processing unit 21 (step S1).

[0069] Next, the controller 2 transfers the RIP data stored in the RIP data storage unit 22 to the image receiving unit 24 sequentially, starting from page 1. At this time, the controller 2 checks whether or not there is RIP data within a specific time period (step S2).

[0070] If creating the RIP data takes too long and there is no RIP data in the RIP data storage unit 22 (No. in step S2), the image forming apparatus 1 is instructed to perform an alternative process (step S5), and the process returns to step S2. In other words, the alternative process instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an additional alternative process each time the specified time for RIP processing is exceeded. Next, if there is RIP data in the RIP data holding unit 22 (Yes in step S2), the print instruction unit 23 sends the RIP data to the engine (step S3).

[0071] Next, the controller 2 checks whether the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data held in the RIP data holding unit 22 has been completed (step S4). If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data has been completed (Yes in step S4), the process is terminated (end). If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data is not completed (No. in step S4), the RIP processing of the next page is performed (step S6), and the process returns to step S2.

[0072] The alternative processing instruction unit 28 shown in Figure 3 can, once the RIP processing of a page that has been delayed is completed, instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to resume printing the page as soon as the currently running alternative processing is finished.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the controller 2 completes the RIP processing of pages at regular intervals to match the production speed of the image forming apparatus 1, creates RIP data, and transfers that RIP data to the image forming apparatus 1. If controller 2 determines that a delay in RIP processing has occurred on a particular page and that it will not be able to meet the printing timing (the scheduled completion time of RIP processing for that page), it instructs image forming apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing without transferring the image data. When the image forming apparatus 1 receives an instruction for alternative processing, it performs the alternative processing without printing the page.

[0074] Thus, in the image forming system 100 of the present invention, if the creation of RIP data is taking a long time and there is no RIP data in the RIP data holding unit 22, the system performs RIP processing on all pages of the RIP data by executing alternative processing, etc. In this way, the image forming system 100 can effectively utilize the RIP waiting time until the RIP processing is completed.

[0075] ≪Example of nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative process≫ Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process. In the example shown in Figure 6, a delay in RIP processing occurs on page 6. In this case, a nozzle defect detection chart 81 is inserted and printed as an alternative process. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 reads the image of the printed material with the image reading unit 13 and checks for the presence or absence of nozzle defects where ink droplets are not ejected with the inspection processing unit 14. As shown in Figure 6, the RIP data for page 6 was created with a delay of one page, so after the alternative processing, page 6 is printed by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0076] In other words, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative process. The image forming apparatus 1 prints a nozzle defect detection processing chart and executes the nozzle defect detection processing.

[0077] This alternative processing image data is stored in the storage unit 26 of the controller 2 and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 along with the instruction command (see Figure 1 or Figure 3). Alternatively, the alternative processing image data may be stored in the storage unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 1, and only the instruction command may be transmitted from the controller 2 (see Figure 1 or Figure 3).

[0078] In this way, if nozzle failure detection processing is performed as an alternative process, even if a delay occurs in RIP processing, a nozzle failure detection chart can be printed as an alternative process to detect the nozzle failure, thus allowing for effective use of the RIP waiting time.

[0079] ≪Other examples of nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative≫ Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example where nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process. The example shown in Figure 7, similar to Figure 6, is an example where nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process, and where a nozzle defect is detected by the inspection processing unit 14 (see Figure 2) of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 performs nozzle ejection correction processing and prints nozzle defect detection charts 82 and 83 for confirmation. The printing of nozzle defect detection charts 82 and 83 is performed automatically by the image forming apparatus 1. Thus, when nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process, nozzle ejection correction processing and nozzle ejection confirmation processing are added.

[0080] In other words, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 shown in Figure 3 can cause the image forming apparatus 1 to continuously execute alternative processing consisting of image quality maintenance monitoring and correction processing, as well as printing processing. The alternative processing consists of processing to monitor the maintenance of image quality and correction processing, and the printing process of the image forming apparatus 1 is not interrupted during this process. Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert and print a nozzle defect detection chart as an alternative process, and if a nozzle defect is detected, it can perform a correction process and then reprint a confirmation nozzle defect chart.

[0081] In this way, as shown in Figure 7 or Figure 2, when the inspection processing unit 14 detects a nozzle defect, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a nozzle ejection correction process and automatically prints nozzle defect detection charts 82 and 83 for confirmation. Therefore, when a nozzle defect occurs, the image forming apparatus 1 automatically performs a nozzle ejection correction process and can notify the user of the nozzle defect, thus enabling efficient printing.

[0082] ≪Example of running a sample printout as an alternative process≫ Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of what happens when a sample print is performed as an alternative process. In the example shown in Figure 8, a delay in RIP processing occurs on page 6, and as an alternative, the same RIP data 84 and 85 as on the previous page are inserted and printed. The printed document 8, which contains the same RIP data 84 and 85 as on the previous page, is ejected to a different output tray (not shown) than the main body of the document.

[0083] In other words, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 (see Figure 3) can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert a sample print as an alternative process, which involves reprinting the same page as the previously printed page and ejecting it into a separate tray.

[0084] In this way, the RIP waiting time can be used as time for sample printing. Therefore, even during printing, the user can visually confirm that the same RIP data 84 and 85 as the previous page is being printed.

[0085] ≪Example of performing color difference monitoring as an alternative process≫ Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where color difference monitoring processing is performed as an alternative process. In the example shown in Figure 9, a delay in RIP processing occurs on page 6, and as an alternative process, a color difference monitoring chart 86 is inserted and printed. When checking the color difference of the image read from printed document 8, color difference monitoring prints and reads the color difference monitoring chart 87 before printing the job, then prints and reads the color difference monitoring chart 86, compares the results of the two, and extracts the color difference. Therefore, this alternative process can only be performed in jobs that specify color difference monitoring.

[0086] Nozzle failure detection, sample printing, and color difference monitoring can be instructed to be inserted periodically before printing. For example, if you insert a page every 10 pages, it will be inserted at the locations marked with a star (*) below. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,★,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,★,21,22,23…

[0087] In this job, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, if the RIP processing on page 6 is delayed and alternative processing is performed after page 5, the insertion on the next 10 pages can be canceled as follows. 1,2,3,4,5,★,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,★,21,22,23

[0088] Alternatively, you can insert new pages at 10-page intervals after the replacement process, as shown below. 1,2,3,4,5,★,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,★,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23

[0089] This resulted in a one-page delay in RIP processing, but the printing process (paper feeding and transport) did not stop, and there was no difference in the total printing time for all pages.

[0090] In this way, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the insertion page immediately following a job in which a nozzle defect detection chart is inserted at specified intervals, if the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process. This allows the RIP waiting time to be used as printing time for the nozzle defect detection chart, and also prevents the printing of an excessive number of nozzle defect detection charts.

[0091] Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to reset the insertion page count and change the alternative processing to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals if the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals. Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert a sample print at specified intervals.

[0092] Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to reset the page count and change the alternative processing to insert sample prints at specified intervals if a job is set to insert sample prints at specified intervals and sample prints are inserted as an alternative process. Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process if color difference monitoring is set for the job.

[0093] Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert and print a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process, and to perform a correction process if the color difference is greater than the specified value when compared with the color difference monitoring chart printed before the start of printing. Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if it inserts a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals.

[0094] Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can reset the insertion page count when a job is set to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals in the image forming apparatus 1, and the color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process. The alternative processing instruction unit 28 can then change the alternative process to insert the chart at specified intervals. Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can interrupt the printing process when instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing to maintain image quality.

[0095] ≪Flowchart for double-sided printing≫ Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating the process during double-sided printing. The double-sided printing process shown in Figure 10 is performed by the controller 2 shown in Figure 3. First, the controller 2 performs RIP processing using the RIP processing unit 21 (step S11).

[0096] Next, the controller 2 transfers the RIP data stored in the RIP data storage unit 22 to the image receiving unit 24 sequentially, starting from page 1. At this time, the controller 2 checks whether or not there is RIP data within a specific time period (step S12).

[0097] In step S12, if RIP data creation is taking too long and there is no RIP data in the RIP data holding unit 22 (No. in step S12), check if it is a front page (step S15). If it is a front page (Yes in step S15), instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert the page and perform alternative processing (step S16), and return to step S2. If it is not a front page (No. in step S15), instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to insert the page and perform alternative processing one page prior (step S16), and return to step S12.

[0098] In other words, if the alternative processing instruction unit 28 detects that the RIP processing on the back side will not be completed in time for double-sided printing, it can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing before the start of printing on the front side.

[0099] If there is RIP data in the RIP data storage unit 22 in step S12 (Yes in step S12), the print instruction unit 23 sends the RIP data to the engine (step S13). Next, the controller 2 checks whether the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data held in the RIP data storage unit 22 has been completed (step S14).

[0100] If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data is not completed (No in step S14), the RIP processing of the next page is performed (step S18), and the process returns to step S12. If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data is completed (Yes in step S14), the process is terminated (end).

[0101] Thus, in the image forming system 100 of the present invention, if a delay occurs in RIP processing on the back page, alternative processing is performed one page prior. There is a margin of several pages (for example, four pages) between the completion of RIP processing by the controller 2 and the transfer of image data, or between the receipt of image data by the image forming apparatus 1 and printing. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the system to perform alternative processing one page prior. Since the alternative processing is performed on a per-page basis, the image forming apparatus 1 automatically processes two pages (front and back).

[0102] ≪Example of processing when RIP processing is delayed on the back side≫ Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of what can happen if a delay occurs during RIP processing, as shown on page 6 (back side). In the example shown in Figure 11, a delay in RIP processing occurs on page 6 (back side). In this case, as an alternative process, a nozzle defect detection chart 88 is inserted and printed on the front side. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 reads the image of the printed material with the image reading unit 13 and checks for the presence or absence of nozzle defects where ink droplets are not ejected with the inspection processing unit 14. As shown in Figure 11, since the RIP data for page 5, one page prior, has been created, pages 5 and 6 are printed by the image forming apparatus 1 after the alternative processing. This image data for the alternative processing is stored in the storage unit 26 of the controller 2 and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 along with the instruction command (see Figure 1 or Figure 3).

[0103] In this way, if nozzle defect detection processing is performed as an alternative process, even if a delay occurs in the RIP processing, the image forming apparatus 1 can print from the front and back sides of the page before the delay occurred. Therefore, printing can be done efficiently and quickly.

[0104] ≪Example of alternative processing when RIP processing is delayed≫ Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen 110 of the operation display unit 11 for specifying which alternative processes to execute and in what order when a delay occurs in RIP processing. If a delay occurs in the RIP process, the user can specify the selection of alternative processes to be executed and the order in which they will be executed by operating the screen 110 of the operation display unit 11 shown in Figure 12. The user can also choose not to execute any alternative processes. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 will suspend the printing process as in normal operation, until the RIP is completed and the print data is transferred.

[0105] The screen 110 of the operation display unit 11 includes, for example, nozzle detection 111 for processing when RIP data is delayed, sample printing 112, color difference monitoring 113, head cleaning 114, and wipe cleaning 115. In addition, the screen 110 has an upward operation unit 116 and a downward operation unit 117 for moving the cursor when selecting these functions.

[0106] Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 has an operation display unit 11 equipped with a selection switch that prevents the nozzle defect detection chart insertion page from being changed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that allows the user to avoid changing the sample print insertion page. Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that prevents the color difference monitoring chart page from being changed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that allows the user to specify in advance which alternative processing to execute.

[0107] ≪Flowchart for executing the alternative process selected on the operation display screen≫ Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of executing the alternative process specified in Figure 12. When an alternative process selected on the screen 110 of the operation display unit 11 shown in Figure 12 is to be executed, it is executed by the controller 2 shown in Figure 3. The controller 2 executes the alternative processes in the specified order. First, the controller 2 executes the RIP processing unit 21 (step S21).

[0108] Next, controller 2 executes the first (N=1) alternative process (step S22). At this time, controller 2 checks whether or not RIP data exists within a specific time (step S23).

[0109] In step S23, if there is RIP data in the RIP data holding unit 22 (Yes in step S23), it is checked whether it is a surface page (step S25). If it is a surface page (Yes in step S25), the image forming apparatus 1 is instructed to insert it and perform alternative processing N on the engine (step S26). Subsequently, the controller 2 transfers the RIP data of one page (N=1) held in the RIP data holding unit 22 to the image receiving unit 24 (step S28), and returns to step S23.

[0110] In step S25, if it is not a front page (No. in step S25), the controller 2 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to insert the page and perform the previous page alternative process N (step S27). The controller 2 then performs the second (N=N+1) alternative process (step S28) and returns to step S23.

[0111] If RIP data exists in the RIP data storage unit 22 (Yes in step S23), check if the specified number of pages have elapsed since the last replacement process (step S24). If the specified number of pages (for example, 100 pages) have elapsed since the last replacement process was executed (Yes in step S24), execute the first (N=1) replacement process (step S29). Furthermore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can also instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to change to a different processing method if the number of prints is less than the number of prints performed in the previous processing. Next, the print instruction unit 23 sends RIP data to the engine (step S30).

[0112] If the specified number of pages has not elapsed since the previous alternative processing in step S24 (No. in step S24), the process proceeds to step S30, where the print instruction unit 23 sends RIP data to the engine.

[0113] Next, the controller 2 checks whether the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data held in the RIP data holding unit 22 has been completed (step S31). If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data has not been completed (No in step S31), the RIP processing of the next page is performed (step S32), and the process returns to step S23. If the RIP processing of all pages of the RIP data has been completed (Yes in step S31), the process is terminated (end).

[0114] If a delay occurs in the RIP process on the same page, and all selected alternative processes have finished, it is preferable for the image forming apparatus 1 to suspend the printing process, as in normal operation, until the RIP is completed and the print data is transferred. Furthermore, if the alternative processing instruction unit 28 shown in Figure 3 experiences a delay in RIP processing exceeding a specified number of times, it is preferable that it instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an alternative processing that takes longer than the alternative processing instructed up to that point.

[0115] Furthermore, in Figure 13, if you are performing alternative processing on the same page to stop printing processes such as head cleaning, wipe cleaning, and image stabilization, you may cancel the previously instructed alternative processing before executing it.

[0116] There is a buffer of several pages (four pages in this example) between the completion of RIP processing by controller 2 and the transfer of image data, or between the receipt of image data by image forming apparatus 1 and printing. Therefore, controller 2 can interrupt printing before a page for which alternative processing has not yet begun, and instruct the apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing such as head cleaning, wipe cleaning, and image stabilization.

[0117] As described above, the image forming system 100 of the present invention shown in Figure 1 or Figure 3 comprises a RIP processing unit 21 that performs RIP processing on print data, a print instruction unit 23 that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to print the RIP data, a delay detection unit 27 that detects pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job, and an alternative processing instruction unit 28 that instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of the page in question and perform an alternative processing.

[0118] With this configuration, when the delay detection unit 27 detects a page where the RIP processing is delayed, the image forming system 100 instructs the alternative processing instruction unit 28 to interrupt the printing process of that page and execute alternative processing. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the RIP processing, the image forming system 100 can effectively utilize the waiting time for the RIP processing by performing image quality status confirmation processing, image quality correction processing, and maintenance processing instead. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to utilize the waiting time until the RIP processing is completed and printing resumes when printing is interrupted due to a delay in the RIP processing of a specific page during on-the-fly printing.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 continues the RIP processing for the page where the RIP processing was delayed, and for the pages following that page, while the alternative processing is being executed.

[0120] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 continues the RIP processing for the page where the RIP processing was delayed and for subsequent pages, thereby shortening the time until the RIP processing is completed.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 3, or 5, once the RIP processing of a page whose RIP processing was delayed is completed, the alternative processing unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to resume printing the page as soon as the currently running alternative processing is finished.

[0122] With this configuration, if a page experiences a delay in RIP processing during on-the-fly printing, the system performs a process to monitor image quality maintenance as an alternative process for that page. Once the RIP processing is complete, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 transfers the image data to the image forming apparatus 1 at the next interval after the alternative processing instruction is given, and resumes printing after the alternative processing is completed. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image quality maintenance monitoring process instead of stopping the printing process, allowing it to effectively utilize the RIP waiting time until the RIP processing is completed.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 (see Figure 3) detects that the RIP processing on the back side will not be completed in time for double-sided printing, and instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing before the start of printing on the front side.

[0124] With this configuration, if the alternative processing instruction unit 28 detects that the RIP processing on the back side will not be completed in time for double-sided printing, it will execute the alternative processing before the start of printing on the front side, thereby shortening the time required for RIP processing.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the alternative processing consists of processing to monitor the maintenance of image quality and correction processing, and the printing process of the image forming apparatus 1 is not interrupted when the alternative processing is performed.

[0126] With this configuration, the alternative process continuously performs image quality monitoring, correction, and printing processes, enabling efficient printing.

[0127] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 6, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative processing, and the image forming apparatus 1 prints a nozzle defect detection processing chart and executes the nozzle defect detection processing.

[0128] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative process, causing it to print a nozzle defect detection processing chart, thus enabling efficient printing.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 6, or 7, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to insert and print a nozzle defect detection chart as an alternative process. If a nozzle defect is detected, it performs a correction process and then reprints a confirmation nozzle defect chart.

[0130] With this configuration, if a nozzle failure occurs, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 performs a correction process for nozzle ejection and reprints a confirmation nozzle failure chart, thereby informing the user that a nozzle failure has occurred.

[0131] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the insertion page immediately following a scheduled insertion page if the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process in a job set to insert a nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals.

[0132] With this configuration, if the alternative processing instruction unit 28 prints a nozzle failure detection chart as an alternative process, it cancels the insertion page scheduled immediately afterward, thus eliminating unnecessary printing.

[0133] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to reset the insertion page count and change the alternative processing to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at the specified intervals if the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at the specified intervals.

[0134] With this configuration, when the nozzle failure detection chart is printed, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 resets the insertion page count and inserts and modifies the page at specified intervals from the alternative processing, so that the desired page can be printed.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 9, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that prevents the nozzle defect detection chart insertion page from being changed.

[0136] With this configuration, the user can appropriately select not to change the nozzle failure detection chart insertion page by operating the operation display unit 11.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 8, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to insert a sample print as an alternative process, which reprints the same page as the previously printed page and ejects it to a separate tray.

[0138] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to perform sample printing as an alternative process. The image forming apparatus 1 can reprint the previous page and eject it into a separate tray, which is convenient because it allows for the separation of the printed material from the previous page from the printed material from the same page.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job set to insert a sample print at specified intervals.

[0140] With this configuration, if the alternative processing instruction unit 28 inserts a sample print as an alternative process, it can cancel the next scheduled insertion page, thus eliminating unnecessary printing.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to reset the page count and change the alternative processing to insert sample prints at the specified intervals if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert sample prints at intervals of a specified number of pages.

[0142] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 is convenient because, when a sample print is inserted as an alternative process, it can reset the count of inserted pages and change the process from inserting a sample print to inserting a specified number of pages at a time.

[0143] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 12, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that prevents the user from changing the sample print insertion page.

[0144] With this configuration, the user can appropriately select not to change the sample print insertion page by operating the operation display unit 11.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to insert a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process if color difference monitoring is set for the job.

[0146] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to perform a color difference audit process as an alternative process, print a color difference audit chart, and execute a color difference calculation process.

[0147] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to insert and print a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process, and if the color difference is greater than the specified value when compared with the color difference monitoring chart printed before the start of printing, it instructs the apparatus to perform a correction process.

[0148] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can perform correction processing if the color difference is greater than specified when compared with a color difference monitoring chart printed before the start of printing, so that correction processing can be performed appropriately according to the color difference.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process in a job set to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals.

[0150] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 is convenient because, when a color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process, it can appropriately cancel the printing of the immediately following scheduled insertion page as needed.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to reset the insertion page count and change the alternative processing to insert the color difference monitoring chart at the specified intervals if the job is set to insert the color difference monitoring chart at intervals of a specified number of pages.

[0152] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 is convenient because, when a color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process, it can reset the count of inserted pages and appropriately change the process to insert pages at specified intervals from that alternative process.

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9 or Figure 12, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that prevents the color difference monitoring chart page from being changed.

[0154] With this configuration, the user can, by operating the operation display unit 11, appropriately select not to change the color difference monitoring chart page as needed.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 3, or 9, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 interrupts the printing process when instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to perform alternative processing to maintain image quality.

[0156] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 interrupts the printing process of the image forming apparatus 1 when performing processing to maintain image quality, thereby suppressing unnecessary printing.

[0157] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 will cause the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative process if the image forming apparatus 1 has an image stabilization processing function.

[0158] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative process, thereby enabling the printing of stable images at all times.

[0159] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform additional processing each time the specified RIP processing time is exceeded.

[0160] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can shorten the RIP processing time by instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to add alternative processing each time the specified RIP processing time is exceeded, thereby exploring means to shorten the RIP processing time.

[0161] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to change to a different process if the number of prints is less than the number of prints in the previous process.

[0162] With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can explore more efficient processing by changing to a different process if the number of printed pages is less than the previous processing performed.

[0163] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, if the RIP processing delay exceeds the specified number of times, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to perform an alternative processing that takes longer than the alternative processing instructed up to that point.

[0164] With this configuration, if a delay occurs beyond a specified number of times, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can change to an alternative processing method that takes more processing time, thereby executing processing to maintain image quality as the alternative processing for that page. Then, once the RIP processing for that page is complete, printing is resumed after the alternative processing. In this way, the user does not waste time until the RIP processing is complete, as the processing to maintain image quality is executed.

[0165] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 12, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation display unit 11 that allows the user to specify in advance which alternative processing to execute.

[0166] With this configuration, the user can specify in advance which alternative process to execute by operating the operation display unit 11, allowing them to freely select from various alternative processes, which is convenient.

[0167] Furthermore, the alternative processing execution method of the present invention comprises the steps of: a RIP processing unit 21 performing RIP processing on print data; a print instruction unit 23 instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to print the RIP data; a delay detection unit 27 detecting a page in which the RIP processing has been delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job; and an alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of the page in question and execute an alternative processing.

[0168] In this configuration, the alternative processing execution method of the present invention, when the delay detection unit 27 detects a page in which the RIP processing is delayed, instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of that page and execute alternative processing. Therefore, the method of the present invention can effectively utilize the waiting time for RIP processing by performing image quality status confirmation processing, image quality correction processing, and maintenance processing instead when a delay occurs in RIP processing. As a result, the present invention can utilize the waiting time until the RIP processing is completed and printing resumes when printing is interrupted due to a delay in the RIP processing of a specific page during on-the-fly printing.

[0169] Furthermore, the alternative processing execution program of the present invention causes the computer to execute the following steps: a procedure for RIP processing print data; a procedure for instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to print the RIP data; a procedure for detecting a page in which the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job; and a procedure for interrupting the printing process of the page in question and causing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute an alternative process.

[0170] In this configuration, when the delay detection unit 27 detects a page where the RIP processing is delayed, the alternative processing execution program of the present invention instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to interrupt the printing process of that page and execute alternative processing. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the RIP processing, the present invention can effectively utilize the waiting time for the RIP processing by executing image quality status confirmation processing, image quality correction processing, and maintenance processing instead. As a result, when the RIP processing of a specific page is delayed during on-the-fly printing and printing is interrupted, the present invention can utilize the waiting time until the RIP processing is completed and printing resumes.

[0171] [Differentiation] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0172] For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 is an inkjet printer, the image forming unit 12 has an ink head and a wipe unit. The ink head and wipe unit require periodic cleaning. Therefore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 (see Figure 3) may instruct the image forming apparatus 1 to perform parts cleaning as an alternative process. With this configuration, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 can improve the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 by having it perform parts cleaning as an alternative process.

[0173] Furthermore, the alternative processing shown in Figure 6 and the RIP delay processing shown in Figure 10 may also be performed as part cleaning, such as head cleaning and wipe cleaning. In this case, the printing process (paper feeding and transport) is stopped before the alternative processing is performed. Since the cleaning process takes several minutes, the RIP data for the remaining pages can be created during that time. With this configuration, parts cleaning includes head cleaning and wipe cleaning, and by performing these, sharp printing can be achieved.

[0174] Furthermore, it is preferable that the alternative processing instruction unit 28 instructs the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel (skip) the next scheduled cleaning if head cleaning or wipe unit cleaning is performed as an alternative processing. In this configuration, if head cleaning or wipe unit cleaning is performed as an alternative process, the next scheduled cleaning is canceled, allowing for efficient cleaning.

[0175] Furthermore, the RIP delay processing shown in Figures 5 and 10 may be replaced by image stabilization processing. In this case, the printing process (paper feeding and transport) is stopped before the replacement processing is executed. Since image stabilization processing takes several minutes, the RIP data for the remaining pages can be created during that time.

[0176] Therefore, the alternative processing instruction unit 28 (see Figure 3) may be configured to cancel (skip) the next scheduled image stabilization process if it has instructed the image forming apparatus 1 to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative process. With this configuration, if image stabilization processing is performed as an alternative process, the next scheduled image stabilization processing can be canceled, thus enabling efficient and effective image stabilization processing.

[0177] Furthermore, if head cleaning, wipe cleaning, and image stabilization are performed using alternative processes, it will result in a delay when looking at a single job, but when considering the total usage of the image forming apparatus 1, there will be no difference in the work completion time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 Controllers 11 Operation display section 21 RIP Processing Unit 23 Print instruction section 27 Delay detection unit 28 Alternative Processing Instruction Unit 100 Image Forming Systems

Claims

1. A RIP processing unit that processes print data, A print instruction unit that instructs the image forming apparatus to print RIP data, During on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of a print job, a delay detection unit detects pages where the RIP processing is delayed, The image forming apparatus includes an alternative processing instruction unit that causes the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform an alternative process, Image forming system.

2. The alternative processing instruction unit, while executing the alternative processing, continues the RIP processing for the page where the RIP processing was delayed and for the pages following that page. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The alternative processing instruction unit, once the RIP processing of the page in which the RIP processing was delayed is completed, instructs the image forming apparatus to resume printing the page as soon as the currently running alternative processing is finished. The image forming system according to claim 1.

4. The alternative processing instruction unit, when detecting that the RIP processing on the back side cannot be completed in time for double-sided printing, instructs the image forming apparatus to perform alternative processing before the start of printing on the front side. The image forming system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned alternative processing consists of processing for monitoring the maintenance of image quality and correction processing, and the printing process of the image forming apparatus is not interrupted when the alternative processing is performed. The image forming system according to claim 1.

6. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform nozzle defect detection processing as an alternative processing, The image forming apparatus prints a nozzle defect detection processing chart and performs the nozzle defect detection processing. The image forming system according to claim 1.

7. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert and print a nozzle defect detection chart as an alternative process, and if a nozzle defect is detected, to perform a correction process and then reprint a confirmation nozzle defect chart. The image forming system according to claim 6.

8. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the page immediately scheduled for insertion if, in a job configured to insert a nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals, the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process. The image forming system according to claim 6.

9. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to reset the insertion page count and change the alternative processing to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at the specified intervals if the nozzle defect detection chart is printed as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert the nozzle defect detection chart at specified intervals. The image forming system according to claim 6.

10. The image forming apparatus has an operation display unit that prevents the nozzle defect detection chart insertion page from being changed. The image forming system according to claim 1.

11. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert a sample print as an alternative process, which reprints the same page as the previously printed page and ejects it into a separate tray. The image forming system according to claim 1.

12. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job set to insert a specified number of sample prints at intervals. The image forming system according to claim 11.

13. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to reset the page count and change the alternative processing to insert sample prints at specified intervals if a sample print is inserted as an alternative process in a job that is set to insert sample prints at specified intervals. The image forming system according to claim 11.

14. It has an operation display that allows you to prevent changing the sample print insertion page. The image forming system according to claim 11.

15. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process if color difference monitoring is set for the job. The image forming system according to claim 1.

16. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to insert and print a color difference monitoring chart as an alternative process, and if the color difference is greater than the specified value when compared with the color difference monitoring chart printed before the start of printing, it instructs the apparatus to perform a correction process. The image forming system according to claim 15.

17. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to cancel the immediately following scheduled insertion page if, in a job configured to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals, the color difference monitoring chart is inserted as an alternative process. The image forming system according to claim 15.

18. The alternative processing instruction unit, when a job is set to insert a color difference monitoring chart at specified intervals, resets the insertion page count and changes the alternative processing to insert the chart at specified intervals. The image forming system according to claim 15.

19. It has an operation display that prevents the color difference monitoring chart page from being changed. The image forming system according to claim 15.

20. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process when performing alternative processing to maintain image quality. The image forming system according to claim 1.

21. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform parts cleaning as an alternative process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

22. The aforementioned parts cleaning includes head cleaning and wipe cleaning. The image forming system according to claim 21.

23. The alternative processing instruction unit can, if it instructs the image forming apparatus to perform parts cleaning as an alternative process, cancel the next scheduled cleaning. The image forming system according to claim 21.

24. The alternative processing instruction unit, if the image forming apparatus has an image stabilization processing function, will cause it to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

25. The alternative processing instruction unit can, if it instructs the image forming apparatus to perform image stabilization processing as an alternative process, cancel the next scheduled image stabilization processing. The image forming system according to claim 24.

26. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform an additional alternative processing each time the specified time for RIP processing is exceeded. The image forming system according to claim 1.

27. The alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to change to a different process if the number of printed pages is less than the number of pages printed in the previous process. The image forming system according to claim 1.

28. If the RIP processing delay exceeds a specified number of times, the alternative processing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to perform an alternative processing that takes longer than the previously instructed alternative processing. The image forming system according to claim 1.

29. It has an operation display unit that allows the user to specify in advance which alternative process to execute. The image forming system according to claim 1.

30. The RIP processing unit performs a RIP process on the print data, The printing instruction unit instructs the image forming apparatus to print the RIP data, The delay detection unit detects pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job. The alternative processing instruction unit includes the step of instructing the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform an alternative process, Alternative processing method.

31. On the computer, Procedure for RIP processing of print data, Procedure for instructing an image forming apparatus to print RIP data, A procedure for detecting pages where the RIP processing is delayed during on-the-fly printing, which starts printing without waiting for the completion of the RIP processing of the print job. A procedure for causing the image forming apparatus to interrupt the printing process of the page and perform an alternative process, An alternative execution program to carry out the task.

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