Image forming system, image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system that is excellent in operability when reading a plurality of types of sheets to acquire parameters.SOLUTION: An image forming system has: an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet; a reading device that conveys a document placed on a placement part to read an image; means that causes the image forming device to execute processing of sequentially outputting a first output object in which an image having a predetermined pattern is formed on a sheet of a first type and a second output object in which an image having the predetermined pattern is formed on a sheet of a second type; means that causes the reading device to execute processing of sequentially conveying the first output object and the second output object from the placement part to read a first image and a second image; and means that acquires a first parameter based on the first image and acquires a second parameter based on the second image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system that performs a process for adjusting the position at which an image is formed on a sheet. The image forming apparatus used in the image forming system can be applied to various devices including a copier, a printer, a FAX machine, and a multifunction machine including these. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printing devices (image processing devices) that form images on sheets (paper) have utilized a function for adjusting the position at which an image is formed on a sheet (hereinafter referred to as "print position adjustment"). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for acquiring print position adjustment parameters by printing adjustment marks on a sheet, reading them with a reading device, and acquiring the positional relationship between the marks and the edge of the paper. In addition, as an example of a reading device, an automatic document feeder for sheets called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) is described. The print position adjustment parameters are parameters that are affected by the cut shape of each cut sheet. Therefore, the task of acquiring print position adjustment parameters is performed for each type of sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-111628 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improvement in terms of operability in the configuration of Patent Document 1, in which a sheet on which adjustment marks are formed is set in the ADF and the image is read to obtain adjustment values, because in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when it is desired to obtain print adjustment values ​​for multiple types of sheets, it is necessary to repeat the process of setting a sheet on which adjustment marks are printed in the ADF and reading the image for each type of sheet.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides: With one read command, Multiple types of sheets The first image and the second image are extracted from the plurality of types of sheets. reading Take the first Parameters and the second parameter Get structure The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Image formation for forming an image on a sheet means and transporting the document placed on the placement section. a conveying means for conveying the document conveyed by the conveying means; Read the image means and a process of successively outputting a first output product having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a first type of sheet and a second output product having the image of the predetermined pattern formed on a second type of sheet is called the image forming process. means and a means for causing the a reception means for receiving a read instruction, and a single read instruction received by the reception means, The first output and the second output are transferred from the placement unit. By the conveying means The process of conveying the image and reading the first image and the second image is performed as the reading process. means and means for acquiring a first parameter based on the first image and acquiring a second parameter based on the second image. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, With one read command, Multiple types of sheets The first image and the second image are extracted from the plurality of types of sheets. reading Take the first Parameters and the second parameter Get That can. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen of a cassette library. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an editing screen for paper attributes. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing management data of a cassette library. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a print position adjustment chart. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for measuring the relative mark position. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of top, bottom, left, and right ROI images. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a vertical paper edge detection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a print position adjustment process in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 12(a) to 12(c) are diagrams showing instruction screens for print position adjustment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a horizontal paper edge. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a scanner guide; [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing the front side of the adjustment chart, and Fig. 16(b) is a diagram showing the back side of the adjustment chart. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a print position adjustment process in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an adjustment chart reading screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a usage sequence in the third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a usage sequence in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a print position adjustment process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of deriving different width mixed loading in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] Example 1 <Image forming system> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system (printing system) according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the printing system according to this embodiment is composed of an image forming apparatus 100 and a host computer 101. The image forming apparatus 100 and the host computer 101 are connected to each other by a communication line 102. Note that a plurality of host computers, image forming apparatuses, etc. may be connected.

[0011] The host computer 101 can obtain input information from an operator via an input device (not shown), create a print job to be sent to the image forming apparatus 100, and send it to the image forming apparatus 100. The controller 110 performs various data processing and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation panel 120 is a display unit that displays information, and is also a reception unit that receives various operations from the operator using a touch panel. As described later, the paper size information 121 obtains the size and position adjustment amount of the print paper from the cassette library via the operation panel. The image reading unit 130 is a reading device that scans an original document using an optical sensor and obtains scanned image data. As described later, the print position measurement process 131 obtains the relative coordinates of the print position for the read image of the print result of the print position adjustment chart. The paper feed unit 140 is a paper feed device (paper storage unit, sheet storage unit) that includes multiple paper feed cassettes (140-1, 140-2, 140-3, 140-4, 140-5). Each paper feed cassette can store various types of printing paper. Each paper feed cassette can separate only the topmost sheet of paper stored therein and transport it to image forming unit 150. Image forming unit 150 is an image forming device that physically prints image data on printing paper. Reference numeral 160 denotes the printed result. Next, the configuration of the controller 110 will be described. The I / O control unit 111 controls communication with an external network. The ROM 112 is a ROM that stores various control programs. The RAM 113 is a RAM that reads and records the control programs stored in the ROM 112. The CPU 114 is a CPU that executes the control programs read into the RAM 113 and controls image signals and various devices in an integrated manner. The HDD 115 is a HDD used for the purpose of temporarily or long-term storage of large amounts of data such as image data and print data. Each module is connected to each other via a system bus 116. Furthermore, the system bus 116 connects the controller 110 to each device in the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 113 also functions as a main memory and a work memory for the CPU 114. Furthermore, the control programs and the operating system are stored in the HDD 115 in addition to the ROM 112. Furthermore, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store image forming apparatus mode setting information from the operation panel 120.

[0012] <Image forming device> The image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 100 has a housing 201, which contains mechanisms constituting an engine section and an engine control section that controls each printing process performed by each mechanism (e.g., paper feed process, etc.). It also contains a control board storage section that stores a printer controller.

[0013] The mechanisms constituting the engine section include forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning with a laser beam, visualizing the electrostatic latent image, and multiply transferring the visual image onto the intermediate transfer body 252. An optical processing mechanism for further transferring the multiply transferred color image onto a sheet P, a fixing processing mechanism for fixing the toner image transferred onto the sheet P, a sheet P feeding processing mechanism, and a sheet P transport processing mechanism are provided.

[0014] The optical processing mechanism includes a laser driver that drives a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) in a laser scanner unit 207 to turn on and off in response to image data supplied from a printer controller 203. The laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser is deflected in the scanning direction by a rotary polygon mirror 208. The laser beam deflected in the main scanning direction is guided to a photosensitive drum 205 via a reflecting polygon mirror 209, and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 205 in the main scanning direction. Meanwhile, an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning exposure with a laser beam, which is charged by a primary charger 211, is visualized into a toner image by a toner supplied by a developing device 212 described later. The visualized toner image on the photosensitive drum 205 is then transferred (primary transfer) onto an intermediate transfer body 252 to which a voltage having the opposite characteristics to that of the toner image is applied (first transfer). When forming a color image, each color is sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer body 252 from a Y (yellow) station 220, an M (magenta) station 221, a C (cyan) station 222, and a K (black) station 223. As a result, a full-color visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer body 252.

[0015] Next, the sheet P fed from any one of the paper feed units 140 (140-1, 140-2, 140-3, 140-4, 140-5) is transported. Then, the sheet P is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 252 by the transfer roller 251, and at the same time, a bias having opposite characteristics to the toner is applied to the transfer roller 251, thereby forming a visible image on the intermediate transfer body 252. This visible image is transferred (secondary transfer) onto the sheet P, which is transported by the paper feed processing mechanism in synchronization with the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the sheet P.

[0016] After the secondary transfer, the sheet P passes through the fixing device 260, whereby the toner transferred onto the sheet P is heated and melted, and fixed as an image onto the sheet P. In the case of double-sided printing, the sheet passes through the inversion section 270, where it is switched back and reversed, and is introduced again into the transfer section 240, whereby the back-side image is transferred onto the sheet P. The sheet P then passes through the fixing device 260 in the same manner as above, whereby the toner image on the sheet P is heated and fixed, and the sheet is discharged to the paper discharge section 280, completing the printing process. Multiple sheets can be stacked in the paper discharge section.

[0017] <Image reading section> The image reading unit is composed of a document table 230, a pickup roller 231, a conveying roller 232, a roller 233, a light source 234, a second reading unit 235, a paper discharge roller 238, a reading unit 236, and a document 237. The document 237 loaded on the document table 230 is sent to the reading path one by one by the pickup roller 231. The picked-up document 237 is conveyed in the path direction via the conveying roller 232. The document 237 reaches the reading position through the path, and the image information added to the front side of the document 237 is read by the light source 234 and the reading unit 236. After that, when the document 237 reaches the reading position of the reading unit 235, the image information on the back side of the document 237 is read by the second reading unit 235. The second reading unit 235 is, for example, a CIS. After that, the document 237 is discharged by the paper discharge roller 239.

[0018] By repeating the above operation, the documents placed on the document table 237 have their front and back images read in one transport.

[0019] Although the most preferred example is one in which both sides of the document are read in one transport, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as both sides of the document can be read, a reading device equipped with a reversing transport mechanism may be used.

[0020] <Cassette Library> The paper sheets used for printing in the image forming apparatus 100 are managed by an operator using a database called a cassette library. The cassette library is stored in the HDD 115 or RAM 113, and is read and written as necessary by each software module. The detailed configuration of the cassette library will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0021] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an interface screen for an operator to perform operations such as editing the cassette library in the printing system of this embodiment. A screen 300 shows the entire interface screen that the CPU 114 displays on the operation panel 120.

[0022] Reference numeral 310 denotes a cassette list, which displays a list of various types of paper stored in each of the paper feed cassettes 140. In the cassette list 310, paper attributes as shown in columns 311 to 317 for each paper feed cassette 140 are presented to the operator as accompanying information. Column 311 indicates each paper feed cassette number. The paper feed cassette number corresponds to the paper feed cassette 140 of the image forming apparatus. Column 312 indicates the name of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 140. The paper name is a name (identification information) designated by an operator or the like so that each paper can be identified from the others. Columns 313 and 314 respectively indicate the paper length in the sub-scanning direction and the paper length in the main scanning direction of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 140. Here, the sub-scanning direction refers to the paper transport direction, and the main scanning direction is perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. Column 315 indicates the basis weight of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 140. Column 316 indicates the surface quality of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 140. Here, surface quality is an attribute that indicates the physical characteristics of the paper surface, such as "coated" in which the surface is coated to increase glossiness, or "embossed" in which the surface has unevenness. Column 317 indicates the color of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette 140 (the color of the paper itself). Also, on the operation panel 120, by touching a portion of the cassette list 310 where any paper feed cassette is displayed, that paper feed cassette can be selected. The selected paper feed cassette is highlighted (inverted). FIG. 3 shows, as an example, the state in which "DEF Paper Color 81" is selected. Also, when the number of paper feed cassettes recorded in the cassette library is greater than the number of paper feed cassettes that can be displayed at one time in the cassette list 310, a scroll bar 318 is used. The operator can select any paper feed cassette by operating the scroll bar 318.

[0023] The edit button 320 is a button for editing the paper attributes of the paper feed cassette 140 selected in the cassette list 310. When the edit button 320 is pressed, an interface screen such as that shown in Fig. 4 is displayed. The print position adjustment button 321 is a button for executing the print position adjustment described later.

[0024] <Cassette library editing interface> 4 is a schematic diagram showing an interface screen for an operator to edit paper attributes corresponding to paper feed cassette 140 in the printing system of this embodiment. Screen 400 is the entire interface screen displayed on operation panel 120 by CPU 114, and includes text boxes 401-408.

[0025] Text boxes 401 to 404 are text boxes for inputting paper attributes, such as paper name, paper length in the sub-scanning direction, paper length in the main scanning direction, and basis weight. Input into the text boxes is performed using a software keyboard (not shown) or a numeric keypad provided on operation panel 120.

[0026] Combo boxes 405 and 406 are for specifying the surface properties of the paper and the color of the paper itself. The combo boxes can specify one from a list of surface properties and colors that are registered in advance and that the image forming apparatus 100 can support.

[0027] When the edit end button 407 is pressed, the paper attributes input at that time are confirmed and saved in the cassette library. The interface screen 400 is then closed, and the screen returns to the cassette library edit screen 300. When the back button 421 is pressed, the paper attribute editing process is stopped, the interface screen 400 is closed, and the screen returns to the cassette library edit screen 300.

[0028] <Contents of the cassette library> 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cassette library stored in the HDD 115 etc. Although a schematic diagram is used here for the sake of explanation, in reality the cassette library is stored as digital information in XML, CSV or the like.

[0029] Cassette information 501-505 each represent a paper feed cassette registered in the cassette library. Column 511 represents the paper feed cassette number. Columns 512-518 represent paper attributes specified by the operator for each paper feed cassette in column 511. Column 512 represents the paper name. Columns 513-517 are paper attributes that indicate the physical characteristics of the paper, and represent the paper length in the sub-scanning direction, paper length in the main scanning direction, basis weight, and surface quality, respectively.

[0030] Columns 520 and 521 indicate the amount of print position deviation for the front and back sides of the paper loaded in each paper feed cassette, respectively. The amount of print position deviation here indicates the amount of position deviation from the ideal print position, and in this embodiment, it is composed of the items of lead position, side position, main scanning magnification, and sub-scanning magnification. During actual printing, the image forming apparatus 100 adjusts based on these amounts of print position deviation so that printing is performed at the ideal print position (i.e., adjusts to cancel the amount of print position deviation) and prints. The lead position and side position indicate the amount of print position deviation in the sub-scanning direction and main scanning direction, respectively, for the paper. The lead position is adjusted by changing the print start position of the image with the leading edge of the paper in the paper transport direction as the starting point, and the side position is adjusted by changing the print start position of the image with the left edge of the paper in the paper transport direction as the starting point. The sub-scanning direction magnification indicates the deviation of the image length in the sub-scanning direction (magnification relative to the ideal length). The main scanning direction magnification indicates the deviation of the image length in the main scanning direction (magnification relative to the ideal length). The skew indicates the degree of parallelism to any one side of a rectangular piece of paper. The trapezoidal degree is the degree of parallelism between the leading and trailing edges of an image printed on the paper, and the squareness indicates the degree of rectangularity of the image printed on the paper.

[0031] These print position deviation amounts are calculated by printing an adjustment chart (image of a specific pattern) on which specific marks are arranged, and detecting the positions of the marks on the printed adjustment chart. An example of an adjustment chart will be explained using Fig. 6. Note that the initial values ​​of these print position deviation amounts are 0 for each item, and the initial values ​​are used when new paper information has just been registered in the cassette library, or when paper loaded in the paper feed cassette has been registered but the print position has not been adjusted.

[0032] <Print position adjustment> When the button 321 is pressed, the CPU 114 displays the print position adjustment screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12A on the operation panel 120. The print position adjustment screen 1200 is a schematic diagram showing an interface screen for selecting the paper feed cassette 140 for which the print position adjustment is to be performed, and includes buttons 1201 to 1207. In the print position adjustment screen 1200, it is possible to specify the paper feed cassette to be the target of the print position adjustment. Buttons 1201 to 1205 are displayed corresponding to the paper feed cassette numbers in column 311 of the cassette list, and when selected by the operator, they are highlighted (inverted) like button 1203. Button 1206 is a button for returning to the screen 300. Button 1207 is a button for specifying all cassettes as the target of the print position adjustment, and when selected, all paper feed cassettes of buttons 1201 to 1205 are selected. Button 1208 is a button for executing the print position adjustment process for the selected paper feed cassette (a start instruction button). When the button 1208 is pressed, the CPU 114 starts a print position adjustment process, which will be described later.

[0033] <Print position adjustment chart and measurement details> 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an adjustment chart used for adjusting the print position. When a button 1208 is pressed, the adjustment chart is printed by an instruction from the CPU 114.

[0034] Reference numeral 601 denotes the printed adjustment chart. Marks 602 to 605 denote marks printed at specific positions on the adjustment chart. The marks are printed in a total of eight places, at the four corners of both the front and back sides of the adjustment chart, and the images are arranged so that, if the print positions are ideal, the marks are printed at positions that are a fixed distance away from each of the four corners of the paper. The amount of deviation in the print positions can be found by measuring the relative positions from the four corners of the paper on the adjustment chart.

[0035] In this embodiment, the areas indicated by (A) to (H) in Fig. 6 are measured. (A) to (H) are all distances from the marks 602 and 605 to the nearest edge of the paper, and in this embodiment, the specified distances for (A) to (H) are 10 mm.

[0036] <Print position measurement unit operation> The calculation methods for (A) to (H) will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. Note that for the positional relationship of each paper edge (sheet end) mentioned in the flowchart below, please refer to the schematic diagram in Fig. 6.

[0037] In step 801 (hereinafter, referred to as S801, etc.), the CPU 114 obtains a read image of the adjustment chart via the image reading unit .

[0038] In S802, the CPU 114 acquires the positions of the marks 602 to 605 from the read image. The mark positions are expressed as two-dimensional coordinates in the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) directions of the scanned image, with the upper left coordinate set as the origin (0,0). The mark positions may be expressed as the coordinates of the center of gravity of the mark, or may be calculated with sub-pixel accuracy. Furthermore, the detection process of the marks may be performed by a pattern matching method.

[0039] In S803, the CPU 114 acquires the paper size of the adjustment chart from the cassette library 500. Specifically, information 513 on the paper length in the sub-scanning direction (mm) and information 514 on the paper length in the main scanning direction (mm) are acquired.

[0040] In S804, the CPU 114 detects the upper left vertical edge and the upper right vertical edge of the paper. The information on the edges is used to calculate the distances (B) and (D). The details of this process will be described later.

[0041] In S805, the CPU 114 detects the lower left vertical edge and the lower right vertical edge. The information on the edges is used to calculate the distance (F) and the distance (H). The details of the process are the same as in S804.

[0042] In S806, the CPU 114 detects the upper left and lower left horizontal edges of the paper. The information on the edges is used to calculate the distances (A) and (E). The details of this process will be described later.

[0043] In S807, the CPU 114 detects the upper right horizontal edge and the lower right horizontal edge of the paper. The information on the edges is used to calculate the distance (C) and the distance (G). The details of the process are the same as those of S806.

[0044] In S808, the CPU 114 calculates the relative position of the mark from the detected eight paper sides. In this process, the CPU 114 calculates the distances (A) to (H) by calculating the normal distance from the marker center coordinates to the linear expression (ρ=xcosθ+ysinθ) of each paper side.

[0045] <Vertical paper edge detection process> The process of detecting the vertical paper edge performed in steps S803 and S804 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0046] In S1001, the CPU 114 acquires left and right ROI (Region Of Interest) images based on the mark position acquired in S802. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the left ROI image and the right ROI image when detecting the top left vertical edge and the top right vertical edge. In this embodiment, a region 0.5 mm long horizontally and 1.7 mm long vertically is extracted as the left ROI image, centered on a point 1.0 mm left and 1.0 mm down from the center coordinates of the top left mark. Also, a region 0.5 mm long horizontally and 1.7 mm long vertically is extracted as the right ROI image, centered on a point 1.0 mm right and 1.0 mm down from the center coordinates of the top right mark. The method of acquiring the left and right ROIs when extracting the bottom left vertical edge and the bottom right vertical edge is the same.

[0047] In S1002, the CPU 114 applies an edge detection filter to each of the left and right ROI images acquired in S1001. In this embodiment, the following kernel k is applied as the edge detection filter.

[0048]

number

[0049] The edge detection filter is not limited to the kernel k. A horizontal Laplacian filter or a differential filter may be used. In the following, the image after the edge detection filter is applied is described as Ie(x,y). Note that x and y are coordinate indices.

[0050] <Horizontal paper edge detection process> The process of detecting the horizontal paper edge performed in S806 and S807 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0051] In S1301, the CPU 114 acquires the upper and lower ROI images based on the mark position acquired in S802. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the upper ROI image and the lower ROI image when detecting the upper left horizontal edge and the lower left vertical edge. In this embodiment, an area 1.7 mm long horizontally and 0.5 mm long vertically is extracted as the upper ROI image, centered on a point 1.0 mm to the right and 1.0 mm up from the center coordinates of the upper left mark. Also, an area 1.7 mm long horizontally and 0.5 mm long vertically is extracted as the lower ROI image, centered on a point 1.0 mm to the right and 1.0 mm down from the center coordinates of the lower left mark. The method of acquiring the upper and lower ROIs when extracting the upper right horizontal edge and the lower right horizontal edge is the same.

[0052] In S1302, the CPU 114 applies an edge detection filter to each of the upper and lower ROI images acquired in S1001. In this embodiment, upper and lower differential filters are used as the edge detection filters, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other filters such as a vertical Laplacian filter may also be used.

[0053] <Print position adjustment process flow> The operator starts the print position adjustment process by selecting at least one paper feed cassette on the interface screen shown in Fig. 12(a) and pressing a button 1208. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 114 during the print position adjustment process.

[0054] In S1101, the CPU 114 prints the adjustment chart shown in FIG. 6 on both sides using the paper loaded in the paper feed cassette 140 received in S1101, and proceeds to S1102. Here, in order to determine which paper feed cassette the printed adjustment chart was printed from and whether the paper is on the front or back side, the paper feed cassette number (identification information), paper orientation, and front and back sides are printed as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16(a) shows an example in which the front side is printed from paper feed cassette No. 4, and FIG. 16(b) shows an example in which the back side is printed from paper feed cassette No. 1, and it is possible to determine the paper feed cassette number, paper orientation, and front and back sides. Note that what is printed is not limited to letters, numbers, and marks. Since it is only necessary to determine which paper feed cassette the paper is output from and whether the paper is on the front or back side, other printing methods such as barcodes may be used. Also, instead of the cassette number, identification information for identifying the paper type itself may be added.

[0055] In S1102, the CPU 114 scans both sides of the adjustment chart printed in S1101 using the image reading unit 130, and the process proceeds to S1103.

[0056] In S1103, the CPU 114 reads the cassette number and the front and back sides of the paper from the adjustment chart based on the image analysis of the image scanned in S1102, and the process proceeds to S1104.

[0057] In S1104, the CPU 114 calculates each item of the print position deviation amount in the print position measurement unit from the image analysis of the scanned image determined to be the front side in S1103, and stores it in the print position deviation amount (front side) 520 of the cassette library corresponding to the cassette number read in S1103, and proceeds to S1105.

[0058] In S1105, the CPU 114 calculates each item of the print position deviation amount in the print position measurement unit from the image analysis of the scanned image determined to be the back side in S1103, similarly to S1104, and stores it in the print position deviation amount (back side) 521 of the cassette library corresponding to the paper feed cassette number, and proceeds to S1106.

[0059] In S1106, if there is an adjustment chart that has not been completely read, the CPU 114 reads the next adjustment chart in S1102, and when all adjustment charts have been read, the series of processes ends.

[0060] <Usage sequence> 7 is a sequence diagram showing a series of processes in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the main communication takes place between the operator and the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the process starts with the cassette library editing screen 300 being displayed.

[0061] First, when the operator presses the print position adjustment button 321 in S701, the image forming apparatus 100 determines to start print position adjustment, and in S702, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the print position adjustment screen 1200 via the CPU 114.

[0062] Next, in step S703, when the operator designates a paper feed cassette and presses a button 1208, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a print position adjustment process via the CPU 114.

[0063] Next, in S704, the image forming apparatus 100 outputs the adjustment chart by executing the process of S1101 via the CPU 114. The output adjustment chart (printed material) is placed one on top of the other on the paper discharge unit 280. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 displays an adjustment chart reading screen 1800 via the CPU 114. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the adjustment chart reading screen.

[0064] Next, in S705, the operator places the adjustment chart output in S704 on the document stand 230 (placing unit) of the image reading unit 130. Then, when the operator presses a button 1801, the process proceeds to S706.

[0065] Next, when the button 1801 is pressed by the operator, the image forming apparatus 100 reads the adjustment chart set in the image reading unit 130 in S705 via the CPU 114 in S706, and executes S1102.

[0066] Next, in S707, the image forming apparatus 100 performs print position adjustment via the CPU 114, and executes the print position adjustment process S1103 to S1106, thereby storing the print position deviation amount (parameters, adjustment values) for each paper feed cassette in the cassette library.

[0067] In this embodiment, the print position adjustment for the paper feed tray is performed as described above. Then, using the print position deviation amount registered for each paper feed tray, image formation is performed as follows.

[0068] Next, in S708, the user instructs the host computer 101 to execute print job 1, which specifies paper feed cassette 1, and print job 2, which specifies paper feed cassette 2.

[0069] Next, in S709, the host computer 101 transmits print job 1 and print job 2 to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0070] Next, in S710, the image forming apparatus 100 executes print job 1 using the paper in the paper feed cassette 1. At this time, the print position deviation amount registered in the paper feed cassette 1 is read from the cassette library 500 and applied to the execution of print job 1.

[0071] Next, in S711, the image forming apparatus 100 executes print job 2 using the paper in the paper feed cassette 2. At this time, the print position deviation amount registered in the paper feed cassette 2 is read from the cassette library 500 and applied to the execution of print job 2.

[0072] Next, in S712, the image forming apparatus 100 provides the deliverables generated by the execution of the print jobs 1 and 2.

[0073] With the above process, the operator only needs to scan multiple paper feed cassettes once to calculate the print position deviation amount for each selected paper feed cassette and store it in the cassette library, thus reducing the operator's workload and enabling highly accurate front / back print position adjustment.

[0074] Example 2 In the first embodiment, a method for adjusting the print position of multiple paper feed cassettes at once has been described, but there are cases where different paper sizes are loaded in the paper feed cassettes. FIG. 12B is an example of a print position adjustment screen when the operator is about to adjust the print position of multiple paper feed cassettes when the paper feed cassettes are loaded with the paper shown in Table 1. In this case, printing is performed in order from paper feed cassettes 1, 2, and 3, and print position adjustment is performed. However, if small-sized paper exists between large-sized paper, it is inconvenient that the operator cannot easily carry the printed adjustment chart when setting it in the image reading unit 130 in the usage sequence S705. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process for changing the print order is added for the selected paper feed cassette.

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] <Flow of print position adjustment process in the second embodiment> 17 is a flow chart showing the operation of the CPU 114 during the print position adjustment process in this embodiment. The processes in S1102 to S1106 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] First, in step S1701, the CPU 114 acquires the paper size of the paper feed cassette for which print adjustment is to be performed, selected on the print position adjustment screen 1200. The paper size is acquired from the paper attribute information of the paper feed cassette in the cassette library stored in the HDD 115 or the like, and the paper length in the main and sub-scanning directions is acquired.

[0078] Next, in S1702, the CPU 114 determines the print order based on the paper size acquired in S1701, and sorts the print order of the paper feed cassettes in descending order of the paper length in the sub-scanning direction acquired in S1701.

[0079] In addition, since it is sufficient to sort in ascending order of paper size, it is also possible to sort in ascending order of paper length in the main scanning direction. In the example of Table 1, since cassette 2 is the shortest, printing is performed in the order of cassette 2, cassette 1, and cassette 3.

[0080] Note that the order of printing on sheets of the same size is not limited to this, as long as the sheets are sorted in descending order of size.

[0081] Next, in S1101, the CPU 114 performs the same process as in the first embodiment according to the print order sorted in S1702.

[0082] This makes it easier for the operator to carry the printed adjustment chart when setting it in the image reading unit 130, thereby improving the convenience for the operator.

[0083] Example 3 In the first embodiment, a method for adjusting the print position of multiple paper feed cassettes at once has been described, but there are cases where different paper sizes are loaded in the paper feed cassettes. FIG. 12B shows an example in which an operator is about to adjust the print position of multiple paper feed cassettes. In this case, printing is performed in order from paper feed cassettes 1, 2, and 3, and print position adjustment is performed. Here, the image reading unit 130 is provided with a mechanism called a guide that prevents skew during paper transport. FIG. 14 shows an example of a guide, and guides 1401 and 1402 assist the linearity of paper transport when transporting paper 1403. If printing is performed as shown in FIG. 12B above and the paper is set in the image reading unit 130, there will be paper that cannot be assisted in the linearity of paper transport by the guide, such as paper 1501 in FIG. 15 (hereinafter referred to as mixed width). Therefore, skew occurs during scanning, and the print position adjustment cannot be performed with high accuracy. It is conceivable that the operator would select the same paper size and perform print position adjustment multiple times to prevent paper types of different paper sizes from being mixed, but this would be inconvenient for the operator. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process is added to prevent the mixing of paper types of different paper widths.

[0084] <Print position adjustment> The print position adjustment in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12(a). The operations of buttons 1206 to 1208 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described. Buttons 1201 to 1205 are displayed in column 311 of the cassette list, as in the first embodiment, corresponding to the paper feed cassette numbers. In this embodiment, the behavior when buttons 1201 to 1205 are pressed by an operator is different. For example, when the button 1201 is pressed by an operator when the paper feed cassette has sheets as shown in Table 1 loaded therein, the CPU 114 executes the different width mixed stack prevention process described later. When the different width mixed stack prevention process is completed, the CPU 114 makes the paper feed cassette with the different width mixed stack unselectable among the buttons on the print position adjustment screen 1200 as shown in FIG. 12(c), and grays it out like the button 1210. In other words, the button 1210 is not allowed to be specified on this screen.

[0085] <Different width mixed load prevention processing> FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the operation of the CPU 114 during processing to prevent mixed loading of different widths in this embodiment.

[0086] In S2101, the CPU 114 acquires the paper sizes of the paper feed cassettes that can be selected on the print position adjustment screen 1200. The paper sizes of the selectable paper feed cassettes are acquired by acquiring the paper lengths in the main and sub-scanning directions from the paper attribute information of the paper feed cassettes from a cassette library stored in the HDD 115 or the like. If a paper feed cassette is selected for the first time on the print position adjustment screen 1200 after a screen transition, information on all paper feed cassettes is acquired.

[0087] In S2102, the CPU 114 searches for all paper feed cassettes with a different paper length in the main and sub-scanning directions from the paper lengths in the main and sub-scanning directions of all paper feed cassettes acquired in S2101. If multiple paper feed cassettes are selected in the print position adjustment screen 1200, the CPU 114 searches for a paper feed cassette with a different paper length in the main and sub-scanning directions based on a common length in the main and sub-scanning directions. An example will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Assume that cassette 1 and cassette 2 are selected in the print position adjustment screen 1200. In this case, the common length is the main scanning direction paper length of cassette 1 and the sub-scanning direction paper length of cassette 2, which is 297 (mm). Therefore, cassette 4 and cassette 5 can be selected because they include 297 (mm), and cassette 3 is the paper feed cassette with a different paper length in the main and sub-scanning directions.

[0088] In S2103, the CPU 114 makes the cassette that has a different main / sub-scanning paper length from the one selected on the print position adjustment screen 1200 found in S2102 unselectable, and grays out the cassette as shown by a button 1210.

[0089] <Usage sequence in the third embodiment> 20 is a sequence diagram showing a series of processes in this embodiment. S701, S702, and S704 to S707 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described. In this embodiment, most of the communication takes place between the operator and the image forming apparatus 100.

[0090] In step S2001, the user presses one of the paper feed cassette buttons 1201 to 1205 to select a paper feed cassette.

[0091] Next, in step S2002, the image forming apparatus 100 executes a process for preventing different widths from being mixed via the CPU 114.

[0092] This allows the operator to adjust the print position with high accuracy without having to change the method of executing the print position adjustment so as to avoid mixing of sheets of different widths, thereby improving convenience for the operator.

[0093] Example 4 In the third embodiment, a method for preventing mixed printing of different widths was shown, but there are cases where the operator wants to adjust the print position for paper feed cassettes that are grayed out and cannot be selected in Fig. 12(c). However, there are cases where the operator needs to execute the adjustment again, which is inconvenient for the operator. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process is added to determine the print combination so that mixed printing of different widths is not caused for paper feed cassettes selected by the operator on the print position adjustment screen 1200, and a method is shown for adjusting the print position with high accuracy in a small number of times.

[0094] <Flow of print position adjustment process in the fourth embodiment> 22 is a flow chart showing the operation of the CPU 114 during the print position adjustment process in this embodiment. The processes in S1102 to S1106 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] In S2201, the CPU 114 groups the paper feed cassettes selected on the print position adjustment screen 1200 that have the same paper size (paper of the same size). The same paper size refers to all cassettes with the same paper length in both the main and sub-scanning directions, and all cassettes that have the same paper length when the main and sub-scanning directions are reversed. This is because the paper is set in the paper feed cassettes in both vertical and horizontal orientations. An example will be described with all paper feed cassettes selected in FIG. 3. First, cassette 1 and cassette 4 are grouped together in the same group because they have the same paper size (hereinafter referred to as group A). ​​Next, cassettes with different paper orientations but the same paper size, that is, cassettes with reversed main and sub paper lengths, are grouped together in the same group. Therefore, cassettes A and cassette 5 are grouped together in the same group because they have different paper orientations but the same paper size (hereinafter referred to as group A'). Here, cassettes 2 and 3 do not have the same paper size combination, so they are grouped together in groups B and C, respectively. The grouping results are shown in Table 2.

[0096] [Table 2]

[0097] Next, in S2202, CPU 114 further groups those paper feed cassettes grouped in S2201 that have the same paper length in either the main or sub-scanning direction (have sides of the same length). Cassette 2 is grouped into a new group A'B since it has the same paper length in the sub-scanning direction (297 mm) as group A' created in S2201. On the other hand, there is no cassette 3 with the same paper length in the main or sub-scanning direction, so it is left as group C. The grouping results are shown in Table 3.

[0098] [Table 3]

[0099] Next, in S2203, the CPU 114 prints an adjustment chart for each paper feed cassette grouped in S2202. Groups A' and B are printed first, and the process proceeds to S1102. When executing S2203 again, the input CPU 114 prints the remaining group C, and then the process proceeds to S1102.

[0100] Next, in S2104, CPU 114 determines whether print position adjustment has been performed on all groups. If print position adjustment has been performed on all groups grouped in S2202, the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a group for which print position adjustment has not been performed, the process returns to S2203 and performs print position adjustment on the remaining groups.

[0101] <Usage sequence in the fourth embodiment> Fig. 19 is a sequence showing a series of processes in this embodiment. S701 to S703 are the same as in the first embodiment, so they will be omitted. In this embodiment, the main exchanges are between the operator and the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the process starts from a state where the cassette library editing screen 300 is displayed, and an example is explained using a state where all the paper feed cassettes have been selected in Fig. 3.

[0102] First, in S1901, the image forming apparatus 100 executes S2201 and S2202 via the CPU 114 to classify print groups into which different widths are not mixed.

[0103] Next, in S1902, the image forming apparatus 100 executes S2203 via the CPU 114 and outputs an adjustment chart for each grouped paper feed cassette. First, the adjustment charts for groups A' and B are output. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the adjustment chart reading screen 1800 via the CPU 114.

[0104] Next, in S1903, the operator sets the adjustment charts of groups A' and B in the image reading unit 130. Then, when the operator presses the button 1801, the process proceeds to S1904.

[0105] Next, when the operator presses button 1801, in S1904 and S1905, the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S1102 to S1106 and S2204 via the CPU 114 to adjust the print positions of groups A' and B. Then, since it is determined that print position adjustment has not been completed for all groups, the process proceeds to S1906.

[0106] Next, in S1906, the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S2203 via the CPU and outputs the adjustment chart for group C. That is, after the adjustment charts for groups A' and B have been output, the adjustment chart for group C is output. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 displays the adjustment chart reading screen 1800 via the CPU 114.

[0107] Next, in S1907, the operator sets the adjustment chart of group C in the image reading unit 130. Then, when the operator presses the button 1801, the process proceeds to S1909.

[0108] Next, when the operator presses button 1801, in S1908 and S1909, the image forming apparatus 100 proceeds to S1102 to S1106 and S2204 via the CPU 114 to adjust the print positions of groups A' and B. Then, it is determined that print position adjustment has been completed for all groups, and the process ends.

[0109] This allows the operator to adjust the print position accurately and efficiently with a single paper feed cassette selection and a minimal number of print position adjustment processes, thereby improving operator convenience.

[0110] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0111] The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus composed of a single device. For example, a device having an image reading unit 130 and a device having an image forming unit 150 may be separate devices, and these devices may be linked by communication. Also, a device performing image formation and a device performing image processing may be separate devices, and these devices may be linked by communication.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes all configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications.

[0113] The definitions of the abbreviations used in each example are as follows: ADF stands for Auto Document Feeder. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. CIS stands for Contact Image Sensor. CNN stands for Convolutional Neural Network. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values. FAX stands for facsimile. RAM stands for Random-Access Memory. ROI stands for Region Of Interest. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. DPI stands for Dots per inch. XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 100 Image forming device 130 Image reading unit 150 Image forming section 235 Second image reading unit 236 First image reading unit

Claims

1. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; A conveying means for conveying the document placed on the placement portion; a reading means for reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveying means; a means for causing the image forming means to execute a process of successively outputting a first output product having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a first type of sheet and a second output product having the image of the predetermined pattern formed on a second type of sheet; A reception means for receiving a reading instruction; a means for causing the reading means to execute a process of conveying the first output object and the second output object from the placement unit by the conveying means and reading a first image and a second image in response to a single reading instruction received by the receiving means; means for acquiring a first parameter based on the first image and a second parameter based on the second image; An image forming system comprising:

2. an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet; A conveying means for conveying the document placed on the placement portion; a reading means for reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveying means; a means for causing the image forming means to execute a process of successively outputting a first output product having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a first type of sheet and a second output product having the image of the predetermined pattern formed on a second type of sheet; A reception means for receiving a reading instruction; a means for causing the reading means to execute a process of conveying the first output object and the second output object from the placement unit by the conveying means and reading a first image and a second image in response to a single reading instruction received by the receiving means; means for acquiring a first parameter based on the first image and a second parameter based on the second image; An image forming apparatus comprising:

3. the first parameter is a parameter used when the image forming unit executes image formation using the first type of sheet, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second parameter is a parameter used when the image forming unit executes image formation using the second type of sheet.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a means for causing the image forming means to form an image on the first type of sheet whose position is adjusted based on the first parameters, and a means for causing the image forming means to form an image on the second type of sheet whose position is adjusted based on the second parameters.

5. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first parameter is acquired based at least on a positional relationship between one sheet end of the first output object and one mark formed on the first output object.

6. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first output has identification information corresponding to the first type of sheet formed thereon, and the second output has identification information corresponding to the second type of sheet formed thereon.

7. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first output product has identification information formed thereon corresponding to a first sheet storage section that stores the first type of sheet, and the second output product has identification information formed thereon corresponding to a second sheet storage section that stores the second type of sheet.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first type of sheet and the second type of sheet are sheets of the same size.

9. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first type of sheet and the second type of sheet are sheets of different sizes having sides of the same length.

10. A display unit for displaying information; a means for displaying on the display unit a first screen on which a command to start the output process can be given; a means for displaying a second screen on the display unit, the second screen being capable of being instructed to read; 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first screen is a screen that allows a plurality of sheet storage units to be designated as targets for the output process.

12. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first screen is a screen that does not allow specification of a third sheet storage unit when the first sheet storage unit has been specified.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a means for causing the image forming means to execute a process of outputting a third output object having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a third type of sheet after execution of the reading process, based on the fact that a third sheet storage section is specified in addition to the first sheet storage section and the second sheet storage section on the first screen.

14. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a transport unit that transports an original placed on a sheet placement unit, and a reading unit that reads an image of the original transported by the transport unit, comprising: a step of causing the image forming means to execute a process of successively outputting a first output product having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a first type of sheet and a second output product having the image of the predetermined pattern formed on a second type of sheet; a receiving step of receiving a reading instruction; a step of causing the reading means to execute a process of conveying the first output object and the second output object from the placement unit by the conveying means and reading a first image and a second image in response to a single reading instruction received in the receiving step; acquiring a first parameter based on the first image, and acquiring a second parameter based on the second image.

15. A controller of an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a transport unit that transports an original placed on a sheet placement unit, and a reading unit that reads an image of the original transported by the transport unit, a step of causing the image forming means to execute a process of successively outputting a first output product having an image of a predetermined pattern formed on a first type of sheet and a second output product having the image of the predetermined pattern formed on a second type of sheet; a receiving step of receiving a reading instruction; a step of causing the reading means to execute a process of conveying the first output object and the second output object from the placement unit by the conveying means and reading a first image and a second image in response to a single reading instruction received in the receiving step; acquiring a first parameter based on the first image, and acquiring a second parameter based on the second image.

Images