Image forming system

Abstract

To prevent wrong processing due to an abnormality in reference images.SOLUTION: A reader (image reading unit 130) comprises: a reading unit 130a that reads a recording medium in a direction intersecting with a conveyance direction of the recording medium; and detection means (mark position detection unit 131) that, based on read information read by the reading unit 130a, detects reference images used for cutting processing of the recording medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading device, a processing device, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that an image forming device prints a label image and a reference image (for example, a cutting position mark or eye mark) on continuous paper, and then a post-processing machine detects the reference image and cuts the continuous paper to cut out the label image (for example, Patent Document 1). However, if there is an abnormality in the reference image, there is a problem that a malfunction occurs at the post-processing position in the post-processing machine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to suppress erroneous processing due to an abnormality in the reference image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention Image forming system teeth, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; A reading device; a processing device connected downstream of the reading device in a conveying direction; An image forming system comprising: The reading device is A reading unit that reads the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting a reference image to be used in a cutting process of the recording medium based on the read information read by the reading unit, The processing device includes: a reference image detection means for detecting the reference image formed on the recording medium; a correction means for correcting the reference image detection result detected by the reference image detection means based on the detection result detected by the detection means; a processing means for cutting the recording medium at a predetermined position based on the result of the correction by the correction means; have It shall be so. Effect of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, erroneous processing due to an abnormality in the reference image can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of continuous paper. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a reading unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality in an eye mark. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing an output of a read value of a reading unit on a line AB shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of an image reading unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for determining an abnormality in an eye mark. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a continuous sheet of paper on which an image of an eye mark is formed in a light color. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of an image reading unit and a cutting unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart for estimating a mark position in the cutting section. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where two eye marks in the width direction of the continuous paper are both light in color. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a continuous sheet of paper having stains near an eye mark. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the read value of the reading unit and the threshold value for line AB of the continuous paper shown in FIG. 4(b). FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an image reading unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an inspection device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a processing device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of the state of a continuous sheet on which an image is formed by a transfer unit according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of the state of a continuous sheet on which an image is formed by a transfer unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Diagram 25] 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of the state of the continuous paper in FIG. 24 on which an image is further formed. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown below, and can be modified within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can imagine, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc., and as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved in any aspect, it is included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in each drawing, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are given the same reference numerals as far as they can be distinguished, and the description thereof will be omitted after it has been described once.

[0008] An example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least a reading device and a processing device. The upstream reading device detects an abnormality in a reference image (hereinafter referred to as an "eye mark") through a reading process, corrects the detection result of the eye mark through a detection process, and the downstream processing device performs processing based on the corrected result. The eye mark is an image used for processing the recording medium, and is, for example, an image indicating a reference position in a predetermined process (one example is a cutting position mark indicating the cutting position). Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [First embodiment] First, an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 100 includes at least an image forming unit 110 as an image forming device, an image reading unit 130 as a reading device (also called an "inspection device"), and a cutting unit 300 as a processing device (also called a "post-processing machine"). The image reading unit 130 is connected downstream in the transport direction of the image forming unit 110. The cutting unit 300 is connected downstream in the transport direction of the image reading unit 130. The image forming system also includes a medium transport unit 120 and a control unit 150.

[0010] 1 shows a state in which a continuous paper 121 is placed in an image forming system 100. In the following description, the direction intersecting the transport direction of the continuous paper 121 is referred to as the main scanning direction, and the transport direction is referred to as the sub-scanning direction. In addition, in the continuous paper 121, the direction along the transport direction is referred to as the "longitudinal direction," and the direction intersecting the transport direction is referred to as the "width direction."

[0011] (Image forming section) The image forming unit 110 includes a photoconductor drum 112 for forming a latent image corresponding to each color image, and is arranged to correspond to an image forming process using image forming materials (e.g., toners) of each color: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The photosensitive drums 112 are disposed along an intermediate transfer belt 111 which is an endless moving means. The intermediate transfer belt 111 is looped around at least one drive roller and multiple driven rollers, and moves between a primary transfer position where an image (toner image) developed on the photosensitive drum 112 is transferred, and a secondary transfer position where the image (toner image) is transferred to the continuous paper 121.

[0012] At the secondary transfer position, a transfer section 113 including a transfer roller 113a and an opposing roller 113b arranged opposite thereto is disposed. In the transfer section 113, a toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 111 to the continuous paper 121, thereby forming an image at a predetermined position on the continuous paper 121. Between the transfer roller 113a and the opposing roller 113b, a gap is formed that allows the intermediate transfer belt 111 and the continuous paper 121 to pass through while being sandwiched. While the continuous paper 121 is sandwiched in this gap, an image is transferred to a first surface (the upper surface in the figure) of the continuous paper 121 as it is transported in the transport direction.

[0013] The media transport unit 120 has a supply unit that stores the continuous paper 121, a transport path 122 along which the continuous paper 121 is transported and which is composed of an arrangement of multiple roller pairs, and a fixing roller 123 that is arranged downstream in the transport direction from the transfer unit 113.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a continuous paper 121, where (a) shows the back side of the continuous paper 121, (b) shows the front side, (c) shows the back side of the label after cutting, and (d) shows the front side of the label after cutting. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the front surface of the continuous paper 121 has a label portion 121b provided on a base material 121a.

[0015] The label portions 121b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the transport direction of the continuous paper 121. The label portions 121b have an adhesive surface and are attached to the base material 121a. The label portions 121b are not limited to this form and may be the image forming areas of the base material 121a. For example, the label portions 121b may be image forming areas that are distinguished by different colors or the like from portions of the base material 121a. The label portion 121b is conveyed with its surface facing upward in FIG.

[0016] 2(a), eyemarks m1 and m2 are provided on the back side of the continuous paper 121. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual eyemarks m1 and m2, they will be referred to as "eyemark m." The eye mark m is a position reference that the cutting unit 300 uses for alignment when cutting the continuous paper 121 in the cutting unit 300. The eyemark m is an example of a reference image, and is also called an eyemark, a black mark, or a timing mark. The eye marks m are provided at (m1, m2) on both sides in the width direction of the continuous paper 121. Also, in Fig. 2, an example is shown in which the eye marks m are provided on the back side of the area corresponding to the label portion 121b. In the image forming system 100 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when an image is formed on the base material 121a of the continuous paper 121, it is assumed that the continuous paper 121 set in the supply section has an eye mark m printed thereon in advance.

[0017] During the image forming process, under the control of a predetermined control process by the control unit 150 , the continuous paper 121 in the supply unit is fed and transported along the transport path 122 to the transfer unit 113 .

[0018] When the continuous paper 121 reaches the transfer unit 113, a transfer process is performed. That is, the continuous paper 121 is conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction while being sandwiched between the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 111, which is urged toward the opposing roller 113b by the transfer roller 113a, and the opposing roller 113b. When the continuous paper 121 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 111 and the opposing roller 113b, the image forming material on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 111 is transferred to the label portion 121b of the continuous paper 121. An image is formed on the label portion 121b of the continuous paper 121 by this transfer process. The continuous paper 121 with the image formed on the label portion 121b is further transported, and after the image on the label portion 121b is fixed by the fixing roller 123, the continuous paper 121 is transported to the image reading unit .

[0019] (Image reading section) The image reading section 130 has a reading section 130 a that reads the image of the eye mark m on the back side of the continuous paper 121 , and a reading section 130 b that reads the image of the label portion 121 b of the continuous paper 121 .

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the reading unit, where (a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of reading unit 130b, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement positions (reading positions) of reading unit 130a and mark sensor 320. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the reading unit 130b is composed of an irradiation unit 710 that irradiates light such as an LED onto the continuous paper 121 passing through the reading position, and a line image sensor in which a plurality of image pickup elements 725 that perform photoelectric conversion for each pixel are arranged one-dimensionally in the width direction of the paper. Each image pickup element outputs a signal according to the intensity of light emitted from a light source and reflected by the surface of the paper. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor is used as the line sensor. The reading unit 130b reads the image printed on the continuous paper 121 as a two-dimensional image by repeatedly reading one line of an image extending in the width direction of the paper in accordance with the paper passing movement of the continuous paper 121 through the reading position.

[0021] The image sensor 725 is an optical sensor that reads an image on the continuous paper 121 at the reading position. The background switching revolver 705 is disposed at a position facing the reading unit 130b across the transport path 122, and reflects the light irradiated onto the continuous paper 121 when an image is read.

[0022] The reading unit 130b has a glass 723 facing the background switching revolver 705. The glass 723 transmits light emitted from the irradiation unit 710 and reflected light that is the emitted light reflected by the background switching revolver 705 or paper and returns.

[0023] The reading unit 130a has the same configuration as the reading unit 130b shown in FIG. 3(a), and the background switching revolver 705 is disposed above the transport path 122, and the irradiation unit 710 and the image pickup element 725 are disposed below the transport path 122.

[0024] The continuous paper 121 that has passed through the image reading unit 130 is cut into pieces of a predetermined length by a cutting unit 300 (FIGS. 2(c) and (d)), and is discharged onto a discharge tray 126.

[0025] (Cutting section) The cutting section 300 includes a cutter 310 , a mark sensor 320 , a conveying roller 330 , and a conveying guide 340 . The mark sensor 320 is a point-type reflection sensor or a transmission sensor, and receives an electrical signal corresponding to the brightness difference between the background color of the continuous paper 121 and the eye mark m. If the received electrical signal has a signal level below a threshold value (detection reference value), the control unit 150 determines that the eye mark m is present.

[0026] 3B, the detection width in the main scanning direction is different between the reading unit 130a and the mark sensor 320. The reading unit 130a detects the entire area in the main scanning direction, and the mark sensor 320 detects a predetermined position in the main scanning direction.

[0027] The cutting unit 300 detects an eye mark m on the continuous paper 121 with a mark sensor 320, and presses a cutter 310 against the continuous paper 121 at a predetermined position based on the detected eye mark m. The cutter 310 moves in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 and enters a hole 340a in a conveying guide 340, thereby cutting the continuous paper 121 to a predetermined length (cutting out the label image).

[0028] (Control unit) The control unit 150 controls the overall operation of the image forming system 100, and controls a series of processes for forming an image on the continuous paper 121, which is a roll-shaped recording medium. The control unit 150 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and the CPU controls each part of the image forming system 100 while using the RAM as a work memory based on a program stored in the ROM, thereby executing basic processing of the image forming system 100. In addition, the control of each of the image forming unit 110, the image reading unit 130 and the cutting unit 300 may be performed, for example, by the control unit 150, or the image forming unit 110, the image reading unit 130 and the cutting unit 300 may each further include an individual control unit, with the control unit 150 serving as the main control unit and the individual control units operating based on the control of the control unit 150. An example of the schematic configuration of the image forming system 100 has been described above.

[0029] Next, abnormalities in eye marks will be described. 4 is a diagram for explaining examples of eyemark abnormalities (or defects). Fig. 4 shows an example in which eyemarks m1a-m1c and m2a-m2c are formed on the back surface 121c of the continuous paper 121, where (a) is an example in which stain W1 exists between the eyemarks, (b) is an example in which eyemark m1b is a light color, and (c) is an example in which stain W2 exists at eyemark m2b. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the output of the read value of the reading unit 130a on the line AB shown in FIG.

[0030] 4 and 5, when the position of the mark sensor 320 in the main scanning direction is located on the line AB in FIG. 4, the mark sensor 320 will be described as obtaining an output value whose magnitude changes (has a height difference) in the same way as the read value of the reading unit 130a. It is assumed that the mark sensor 320 and the reading unit 130a are located on the line AB. The line AB is the same main scanning position as the mark sensor 320, but the relationship between the line image sensor and the mark sensor 320 may be shifted in the main scanning direction due to misalignment in the main scanning direction during paper transport or misalignment between the reading unit 130a and the cutting unit 300. For this reason, the reading unit 130a may read at multiple main scanning positions in addition to the line AB to perform abnormality determination.

[0031] The line image sensor of the reading unit 130a can obtain a read image of three colors, RGB (red, green, blue). In the case of a black eye mark on a white background, the same value is obtained for each output of R, G, and B, so the detection color of the reading unit 130a may be any of R, G, and B. The detection color is information that specifies (selects) the color to be read (detected) by the reading unit 130a.

[0032] Furthermore, the RGB values ​​of the device-dependent color system may be changed to L*a*b* values ​​of a device-independent color system using the color profile (scanner profile) of the image reading unit. By using the RGB values ​​of the reading unit 130a and converting them to L*a*b* values ​​or XYZ values ​​using the scanner profile, gradation correction can be performed using absolute calculations that are device-independent.

[0033] FIG. 4(a) shows an example in which a toner stain W1 is adhered near the eye mark m2b. For example, when forming the eye mark m2b on the continuous paper 121, it is assumed that toner will adhere to the continuous paper 121 as stain W1, and in FIG. 1, residual toner that has adhered to the opposing roller 113b will adhere to the continuous paper 121 as stain W1.

[0034] At this time, the output of the read value of the reading unit 130a on the line AB in Fig. 4(a) is as shown in Fig. 5(a). As shown by the eye marks m2a, m2b, and m2c, normal eye marks are black, so that the read value obtained is below the threshold value in a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction.

[0035] On the other hand, when the stain W1 is black toner, the reading value is below the threshold value like the eye marks m2a, m2b, and m2c, but the width is smaller than that of the eye marks m2a, m2b, and m2c.

[0036] Since the read value of the stain W1 is the same as the marks m2a, m2b, and m2c, if the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300 detects the stain W1 as a mark, the continuous paper 121 will be cut at the wrong position (the position of W1).

[0037] FIG. 4(b) shows an example in which the color of the eye mark m1b is lighter than the colors of the eye marks m1a and m1c. At this time, the output of the read value of the reading unit 130a on the line AB in Fig. 4(b) is as shown in Fig. 5(b). As shown by the eye marks m1a and m1c, normal eye marks are black, so that the read value obtained is below the threshold value in a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction.

[0038] On the other hand, if the color of the eye mark m1b is light, the read value of the reading unit 130a does not fall below the threshold value. Since the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300 cannot detect the eye mark m1b as a mark, there is a risk that the sheet will not be cut at the position of the eye mark m1b.

[0039] FIG. 4C shows an example in which stains on the light side, such as stain W2 made of white toner, are attached to the eye mark m2b. For example, when forming eye mark m2b on the continuous paper 121, it is assumed that white toner will adhere to the area of ​​eye mark m2b as stain W2, or in Figure 1, residual white toner that was adhered to the opposing roller 113b will adhere to eye mark m2b as stain W2. At this time, the output of the read value of the reading unit 130a on the line AB in Fig. 4(c) is as shown in Fig. 5(c). As shown by the eye marks m2a, m2b, and m2c, normal eye marks are black, so that the read value obtained is below the threshold value in a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction.

[0040] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4(c), when bright dirt such as dirt W2 is attached to the eye mark m2b, the dirt part appears bright. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5(c) of the abnormal mark 2, the output value of the dirt W2 part exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, the width of the eye mark m2b is shortened by the width of the dirt W2. The mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300 cannot correctly detect the eye mark m2b as a mark.

[0041] The above-mentioned eye mark abnormalities are not limited to toner abnormalities, but also include ink stains, eye marks that are printed lightly, and the like. As described above, if there is an abnormality in the eye mark m, a malfunction will occur in the processing device. Therefore, it is desirable for the reading device to detect the abnormality in the eye mark and output the detection result. Therefore, in this embodiment, the upstream image reading unit 130 detects an abnormality in the eye mark m, outputs the detection result, and notifies the user of the abnormality in the eye mark.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a functional example of the image reading unit 130A of the first embodiment for detecting and outputting an abnormality in an eye mark. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of determining an abnormality in an eye mark. The image reading unit 130A includes a reading unit 130a, a mark position detection unit 131, a memory 133, and an output unit 135.

[0043] The reading unit 130a reads the continuous paper 121 as a recording medium. The mark position detection unit 131, as a detection means, detects the eye mark m from the read information read by the reading unit 130a (read values ​​at each position in the main scanning direction, for example, the read value of the line AB is shown in FIG. 5). The mark position detection unit 131 detects, for example, the position of the eye mark m and determines whether there is an abnormality in the detected eye mark.

[0044] The memory 133 is a storage area for recording in advance information used to determine whether an eyemark is abnormal. The memory 133 holds, for example, information about the positions of the multiple eyemarks m in the sub-scanning direction and a threshold value as shown in FIG. 5. The information about the positions in the sub-scanning direction is, for example, the sub-scanning direction width between adjacent eyemarks m (also referred to as the "sub-scanning distance"). The information stored in the memory 133 may be information about the eyemarks m of the continuous paper 121 contained in the supply section (for example, information about the positions in the sub-scanning direction, a threshold value, and the shape of the eyemark). The memory 133 may also hold information about the positions of the multiple eyemarks m in the main scanning direction and a threshold value.

[0045] The output unit 135 is an output means for outputting the detection result of the mark position detection unit 131. For example, when the output unit 135 is notified of an abnormality in the eye mark by the mark position detection unit 131, the output unit 135 outputs information related to the abnormality in the eye mark to a predetermined output destination (such as a display unit of the device, a notification to a user's terminal, or the cutting unit 300). The output method may be a method of outputting information to the output destination via a wired connection, or a method of outputting information to the output destination via a wireless connection.

[0046] Next, an example of an operation in which the image reading unit 130A of the present embodiment determines whether an eye mark is abnormal will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] When the continuous paper 121 passes the reading unit 130a, the reading unit 130a reads the back side 121c of the continuous paper 121 and generates read information (S11). In detail, the reading unit 130a, for example, optically scans the back surface 121c of the continuous paper 121, focuses the reflected light from the continuous paper 121 on the light receiving surface of the line sensor, reads the image (eye mark m) of the continuous paper 121, and generates reading information (read image data) of the eye mark m based on the reading result. The reading unit 130a sends (outputs) the read information to the mark position detection unit 131.

[0048] Based on the printing information such as the shape of the eye mark m, the size of the label part 121b in the transport direction and the size in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction, etc., the mark position detection unit 131 grasps the ideal position of the eye mark m, and performs abnormal condition judgment for that position (or the surrounding area including the ideal position). The above printing information is stored in memory in advance.

[0049] Next, the mark position detection unit 131 determines whether the eye mark m read by the reading unit 130a satisfies an abnormality condition (S12). For example, when the read value of the eye mark m read by the reading unit 130a corresponds to the determination method shown in Table 1, the mark position detection unit 131 determines that the eye mark is abnormal. An example of the types of eyemark abnormalities and the determination method is shown in Table 1. Here, the sub-scanning distance and threshold value of a normal eyemark m in FIG.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] <Eye mark color is light> The eye mark m is generally printed in black and detected by the mark sensor 320 (reflective sensor), but if the black is light, it may not be detected and may result in a false detection. Therefore, if the eye mark is detected with a brightness above a certain level, the mark position detection unit 131 will determine this as a false detection (determine that it is not an eye mark). For example, this is the case with the eye mark m1b shown in FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 5(b).

[0052] <Black toner loss> The back surface 121c of the continuous paper 121 is the base color of the paper except for the eye mark m, but becomes dark due to stains such as toner drop. Therefore, if there is an area below the threshold, the mark position detection unit 131 determines that the stain is due to toner drop, etc. For example, there is a stain W1 near the eye mark m2b as shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a).

[0053] <White toner loss> There is also a problem with a pattern in which bright dust particles are attached to an area where a dark-colored eye mark m is formed, making it impossible to detect the eye mark m. If the dust particles exceed the threshold and do not appear dark, this will result in a false detection, and the mark position detection unit 131 will determine that the eye mark is abnormal. For example, this is the case of eye mark m2b shown in FIG. 4(c) and FIG. 5(c).

[0054] If the mark position detection unit 131 determines that the eyemark m is abnormal (Y in step S12), the mark position detection unit 131 stores information about the abnormal eyemark in memory. This information includes, for example, the position of the abnormal eyemark (whether it is on the left or right side of the main scanning direction relative to the transport direction, and how many positions from a predetermined position in the transport direction it is), a read value that exceeds a threshold at the eyemark position (m1b in FIG. 4(b)), a position and read value that falls below the threshold other than the ideal eyemark position (W1 in FIG. 4(a)), etc. Then, the output unit 135 notifies the user that the eyemark is abnormal and the information about the abnormal eyemark (S13). The output unit 135 outputs and displays the abnormality of the eye mark on, for example, the display unit of the device or the user's terminal (S13). If there is no abnormality in the eye mark (N in step S12), the process ends.

[0055] In this manner, according to this embodiment, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the eye mark can be detected based on the reading result of the reading unit 130a.

[0056] In this embodiment, the output unit 135 may notify the output destination to refer to the acquired information stored in the memory 133 instead of outputting the acquired information. Furthermore, the mark position detection section 131 may not store the acquired information in the memory 133, and the output section 135 may output the output information received from the mark position detection section 131 to the output destination.

[0057] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. The configuration of the image forming system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an abnormality in an eye mark is detected by the upstream image reading unit 130, and the detection result of the eye mark detected by the mark sensor 320 (reference image detection result) is corrected in the downstream cutting unit 300, and processing is performed based on the corrected result. In detail, when there is an abnormality in the eye mark or when the area around the eye mark is dirty, in the second embodiment, the cutting unit 300 estimates the mark position.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a continuous paper 121 on which an image of an eye mark is formed in a light color. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an example of functions of the image reading unit 130B and the cutting unit 300B. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing how the cutting section 300B estimates the mark position.

[0059] The continuous paper 121 shown in Fig. 8 has a light-colored eye mark m1b among a plurality of eye marks m. Note that Fig. 8 is a diagram in which a description of this embodiment is added to the continuous paper 121 shown in Fig. 4(b).

[0060] The image reading unit 130B includes a reading unit 130a, a mark position detection unit 131, a reading control unit 132, a memory 133, and a mark position storage unit . The reading control unit 132 controls the reading unit 130a. The reading control unit 132 performs, for example, initial settings of the reading units 130a and 130b, settings for the light intensity and gain of the illumination of the reading units, settings for adjustment operations such as shading and AGC (Auto Gain Control), and execution of reading operations. In addition, the reading control unit 132 controls the operations (for example, start of reading, end of reading) of the reading units 130a and 130b so that the continuous paper 121 is read as it passes through the reading units 130a and 130b.

[0061] The mark position storage unit 134 serves as an output means and outputs the detection result of the mark position detection unit 131. For example, the mark position storage unit 134 receives the detection result related to the eye mark detected by the mark position detection unit 131, stores it in a memory area, and notifies the cutting unit 300B of the detection result. The memory area is an area that can be referenced by the mark position storage unit 134, and is disposed within the image reading unit 130B or in a location other than the image reading unit 130B that can be referenced by the mark position storage unit 134. In addition, it is preferable that the memory area can be referenced from a unit other than the image reading unit 130, such as the cutting unit 300.

[0062] The cutting unit 300 includes a cutter 310 , a cutter control unit 311 , a mark sensor 320 , and a mark detection unit 321 . The mark sensor 320 serves as a reference image detection means and detects an eye mark m formed on the recording medium. The cutter 310 and the cutter control unit 311 function as a processing unit and process the recording medium at a predetermined position based on the detection result detected by the mark sensor 320 . The mark detection unit 321 serves as a correction unit and corrects the detection result. The mark detection unit 321 detects the eye mark m, for example, based on the detection result of the mark sensor 320. The mark detection unit 321 holds in advance a threshold value for detecting the eye mark m.

[0063] Next, an example of an operation for detecting a plurality of eyemarks m on the continuous paper 121 shown in Fig. 8 and correcting an eyemark that cannot be read normally (here, eyemark m1b) will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Descriptions of operations similar to those in Fig. 6 will be omitted where appropriate. When the continuous paper 121 shown in FIG. 8 passes through the reading unit 130a, the reading unit 130a reads the back surface 121c (eye mark m) of the continuous paper 121 and generates read information (S21). The mark position detection unit 131 detects an eye mark that cannot be read normally from the read information read by the reading unit 130a, obtains information (detection result) about the detected eye mark, and sends it to the mark position storage unit 134.

[0064] In detail, the mark position detection unit 131 detects a plurality of eyemarks m from the read information, for example, and obtains position information (position information of eyemark m1b) that specifies which position of which label part 121b an eyemark m1b that cannot be read normally corresponds to among the detected plurality of eyemarks m. In addition, the mark position detection unit 131 measures the sub-scanning distance Y1 between the right eyemark m2b corresponding to eyemark m1b and the immediately preceding eyemark m2a, using the read information.

[0065] The mark position storage unit 134 stores the position information of the eye mark m1b and the sub-scanning distance Y1 received from the mark position detection unit 131 in a storage area. The mark position storage unit 134 outputs the position information of the unreadable eye mark m1b and the sub-scanning distance Y1 to the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300 (S22). Note that the mark position storage unit 134 also functions as an output unit.

[0066] Next, when the continuous paper 121 passes the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300 , the mark sensor 320 receives an electrical signal according to the difference in brightness between the background color of the continuous paper 121 and the eye mark m, and sends it to a mark detection unit 321 . If the received electrical signal has a signal level below a threshold (detection standard), the mark detection unit 321 determines that the eyemark m is present, and detects the eyemark m (S23).

[0067] Here, in the continuous paper 121 of FIG. 8, the color of the left eye mark m1b is light, so the mark detection unit 321 cannot detect the eye mark m1b. Therefore, the mark detection unit 321 detects the eye mark m1a adjacent to the eye mark m1b using the position information of the eye mark m1b and the sub-scanning distance Y1 received from the mark position storage unit 134, and then adds the sub-scanning distance Y1 from the eye mark m1a to calculate the position where the eye mark m1b is located, and outputs the position information of each eye mark m including the eye mark m1b to the cutter control unit 311. Here, the sub-scanning distance Y1 may be stored in the memory 133 in advance, or may be a measurement of the distance Y1 between the eye marks m1a, m1b and the eye marks m2a and m2b corresponding to each other in the main scanning direction. The cutter control unit 311 controls the cutter 310 so as to cut the continuous paper 121 at predetermined lengths based on the received position information of each of the eye marks m, including the eye mark m1b (S24).

[0068] According to this embodiment, even if there is an eye mark m that cannot be read normally by the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300, the mark detection unit 321 can determine the position of the eye mark m1b and cut it by calculating the position information of the eye mark m1b that cannot be read normally using the information received from the mark position detection unit 131.

[0069] Note that this embodiment is not limited to the form in which the position information and sub-scanning distance Y1 of the eye mark m1b that cannot be read properly are output from the mark position storage unit 134 of the image reading unit 130 to the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300. For example, the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300 may acquire (read) information from the mark position storage unit 134 of the image reading unit 130. Also, the mark position storage unit 134 may send the detection result related to the eye mark to the cutting unit 300 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be notified from a control unit or cutting unit within the device.

[0070] Also, in FIG. 8, the eye mark m1b is described as having a light color, but this process can be used when the eye mark m is covered with light dirt (dirt W2 in FIG. 4(c)).

[0071] Next, an example of operation in a case where the position of the eye mark that cannot be read normally is different from that in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. FIG. 11 shows a case where the two eye marks in the main scanning direction (the direction intersecting with the transport direction of the continuous paper 121) are both light in color. In this case, based on the results of reading by the reading unit 130a, the sub-scanning distance Y1 between the eye marks m1a and m1b and the sub-scanning distance Y2 between the eye marks m2a and m2b are stored in the mark position storage unit 134 from the mark position detection unit 131. The mark position storage unit 134 outputs to the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300 information on the positions of the eye marks m1c and m2c that cannot be read normally and the sub-scanning distances Y1 and Y2.

[0072] The mark detection unit 321 calculates that the eye mark m1c is located at a position obtained by adding the sub-scanning distance Y1 from the eye mark m1b, and that the eye mark m2c is located at a position obtained by adding the sub-scanning distance Y2 from the eye mark m2b, and outputs this result to the cutter control unit 311. The cutter control unit 311 controls the cutter 310 so as to cut the continuous paper 121 at predetermined lengths based on the received positions of the eye marks m1c and m2c.

[0073] By doing this, even if both of the two eye marks m in the main scanning direction cannot be read correctly by the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300, the continuous paper 121 can be cut by estimating the position as described above.

[0074] FIG. 12 shows an example of a continuous sheet of paper 121 having stains such as toner drops near the eye marks. 5(a), if the stain W1 is the same black color as the eyemark, the read value output by the reading unit 130a will be below the threshold value. Therefore, if the determination is based solely on whether the read value is below the threshold value, the mark position detection unit 131 will detect the stain W1 as the eyemark m.

[0075] Therefore, if the read value output from the reading unit 130a is at a position different from the sub-scanning direction width of a normal eye mark, it is advisable to perform a masking process when detecting the eye mark m in the cutting unit 300 so that the stain W1 is not detected as an eye mark. For example, the mark position detection unit 131 stores in the mark position storage unit 134 information on the presence of stain W1, which indicates that stain W1 is not a normal eye mark, and the distance from the eye mark m2a to the stain W1, based on the reading information read by the reading unit 130a and the sub-scanning direction width stored in the memory 133.

[0076] Next, the mark position storage unit 134 outputs to the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300 information on the presence of the stain W1 and the distance from the eye mark m2a to the stain W1. The mark detection unit 321 sets a mask range based on the received information so as not to detect the stain W1. In this way, even if the mark sensor 320 detects the stain W1 within the mask range, the mark detection unit 321 does not detect it as the eye mark m. Therefore, the mark detection unit 321 outputs to the cutter control unit 311 that the cutting position is the eye mark m2b next to the eye mark m2a. Based on the positions of the received eye marks m2a and m2b, the cutter control unit 311 controls the cutter 310 to cut the continuous paper 121 at predetermined length intervals.

[0077] The mark detection unit 321 performs correction on the detection results detected by the mark sensor 320 to remove any detection results that are determined not to be eye marks. In this way, the continuous paper 121 can be cut at an appropriate position without detecting the stain W1 as an eye mark.

[0078] [Third embodiment] The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the detection standard for the mark sensor 320 to detect the eye mark is changed in the cutting unit 300 to correct the detection result of the eye mark. The third embodiment is described using the image reading unit 130B and cutting unit 300B of the second embodiment. The configuration of the image forming system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0079] 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of operation in which the mark sensor 320 detects an eye mark by changing the threshold value for eye mark detection in the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300B. The example of operation in FIG. 13 uses the continuous paper 121 shown in FIG. 4(b). FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the read value of the reading unit 130a and the threshold value on the line AB of the continuous paper 121 shown in FIG. 4(b). Here, when the position of the mark sensor 320 in the main scanning direction is located on the line AB in FIG. 4(b), it is assumed that an output value similar to the read value in FIG. 14 is obtained.

[0080] An example of the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In Fig. 13, the eyemark that cannot be read normally is designated as eyemark m1b. Furthermore, the mark detection unit 321 holds a plurality of thresholds (threshold 1, threshold 2) in advance. Alternatively, the mark position storage unit 134 (or memory 133) of the image reading unit 130B may hold a plurality of thresholds in advance, and the mark detection unit 321 may receive the plurality of thresholds from the mark position storage unit 134. Descriptions of operations similar to those in FIG. 6 and FIG. 10 will be omitted where appropriate.

[0081] When the continuous paper 121 passes the reading unit 130a, the reading unit 130a reads the back side 121c (eye mark m) of the continuous paper 121 and generates read information (S31). The mark position detection unit 131 detects an eye mark that cannot be read normally from the read information read by the reading unit 130 a, obtains information about the detected eye mark, and sends it to the mark position storage unit 134.

[0082] In detail, the mark position detection unit 131 detects a plurality of eyemarks m from the read information, for example, and obtains position information (position information of eyemark m1b) that specifies which position of which label part 121b an eyemark m1b that cannot be read normally corresponds to among the detected plurality of eyemarks m, as well as the read value of each eyemark m. In addition, the mark position detection unit 131 measures the sub-scanning distance Y between each of the eyemarks m in the sub-scanning direction using the read information.

[0083] The mark position storage unit 134 stores the position information of the eye mark m1b, the read value of each eye mark m, and the sub-scanning distance Y received from the mark position detection unit 131 in a storage area. The mark position storage unit 134 outputs the position information of the eye mark m1b, the read value of each eye mark, and the sub-scanning distance Y to the mark detection unit 321 of the cutting unit 300 (S32).

[0084] If there is no read value of each eye mark that exceeds threshold 1 by a predetermined width (N in S33), mark detection unit 321 sets the detection standard of the read value of mark sensor 320 to threshold 1 (S35). If the read values ​​of each eye mark are greater than threshold 1 and threshold 2 by a predetermined amount (Y in S33 and N in S34), the mark detection unit 321 sets the detection standard for the read values ​​of the mark sensor 320 to threshold 1 (S35). If the read value of each eye mark is above threshold 1 by a predetermined width and below threshold 2 by a predetermined width (Y in S33 and Y in S34), the mark detection unit 321 sets the detection standard of the read value of the mark sensor 320 to threshold 2 (S36).

[0085] Next, when the continuous paper 121 passes the mark sensor 320 of the cutting unit 300, the mark sensor 320 receives an electrical signal according to the difference in brightness between the background color of the continuous paper 121 and the eye mark m (S37). If the signal level of the received electrical signal is below a threshold (threshold 1 set in S35 or threshold 2 set in S36), the mark detection unit 321 determines that eye mark m is present. In FIG. 4(b), the eye mark m1b on the left side is light in color, but because the threshold for the read value is set to threshold 2, the mark detection unit 321 can detect that there is an eye mark at the position of eye mark m1b.

[0086] The mark detection unit 321 outputs the position information of each of the eye marks m, including the eye mark m1b, to the cutter control unit 311. The cutter control unit 311 controls the cutter 310 so as to cut the continuous paper 121 at predetermined lengths based on the received position information of each of the eye marks m (S38).

[0087] In this way, even if the color of the eye mark m of the continuous paper 121 is light, by changing the threshold value of the read value of the mark sensor 320, it is possible to cut the continuous paper 121 based on the light-colored eye mark.

[0088] In this embodiment, an example of operation in which the mark detection unit 321 switches the detection standard using multiple thresholds has been described. However, the mark position detection unit 131 of the image reading unit 130 may select a threshold to be used as the detection standard from multiple thresholds. At this time, it is assumed that the memory 133 of the image reading unit 130B stores a plurality of threshold values ​​(threshold value 1, threshold value 2, etc.) as detection standards for the mark sensor 320 in advance.

[0089] The mark position detection unit 131 detects a plurality of eyemarks m from the read information read by the reading unit 130a, and obtains position information (position information of eyemark m1b) that specifies which position of which label part 121b an eyemark m1b that cannot be read normally corresponds to among the detected plurality of eyemarks m, as well as the read value of each eyemark m. In addition, the mark position detection unit 131 measures the sub-scanning distance Y between each of the eyemarks m in the sub-scanning direction using the read information. The mark position detection unit 131 may, for example, make a judgment between step S33 and step S34 in FIG. 13, select threshold 1 or threshold 2 as the detection criterion for the mark sensor 320, and send the selected threshold to the mark position storage unit 134, which then notifies the mark detection unit 321.

[0090] In addition to the above-mentioned processing, the mark position detection unit 131 detects whether there are any eyemarks that cannot be read normally even when the threshold value selected as the detection criterion is used, and if there are any eyemarks that cannot be read normally (for example, due to the presence of dirt), it outputs the threshold value selected as the detection criterion for the mark sensor 320, position information of the eyemarks that cannot be read normally, the read value of each eyemark, and the sub-scanning distance Y to the mark detection unit 321.

[0091] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The fourth embodiment will be described using the image reading unit 130B and the cutting unit 300B of the second embodiment. The configuration of the image forming system 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the image reading unit according to the fourth embodiment. The line image sensor of the reading unit 130a can obtain a read image in three colors, RGB (red, green, blue). Here, depending on the combination of the background color and the color of the eye mark m, there may be cases where contrast is not obtained and the eye mark cannot be detected.

[0092] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the reading control unit 132 of the image reading unit 130 may set the detection color of the reading unit 130a depending on the combination of the background color and the eye mark color. The reading control unit 132 acquires color information on the background color of the continuous paper 121 and the color of the eye mark m that are read by the image reading unit 130 (S41). The color information may be acquired, for example, by a user inputting information or by reading information (such as a two-dimensional code) printed on the continuous paper 121. Next, the reading control unit 132 sets the detection color of the reading unit 130a from the color information (S42).

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] Table 2 shows examples of the colors of the sensor of the reading unit 130a for detecting anomalies. In the case of a combination that obtains a reading value that is independent of color, such as a combination of a white background (surface of the continuous paper 121) and a black eye mark, the detection color of the line image sensor may be any color of RGB. On the other hand, if the eye mark is white against a bluish background, it is difficult to obtain contrast if the detection color of the line image sensor is blue, so detection is performed using the complementary color R (red).

[0095] In this way, by switching the detection color of the line image sensor in the reading unit 130a depending on the background color and the color of the eye mark, the reading unit 130a can appropriately detect the eye mark. The above is merely an example, and detection can be performed using the read value of the image color that provides the best contrast between the background color and the eye mark color.

[0096] [Fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an inspection device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0097] This embodiment differs from each of the above-mentioned embodiments in that the image forming unit 110 as an image forming device, the image reading unit 130 as an inspection device (reading device), and the cutting unit 300 as a processing device (post-processing machine) are configured separately.

[0098] 17 and 18, the image reading unit 130 has an inspection control unit that controls the entire inspection device, and the cutting unit 300 has a process control unit that controls the entire processing device. The inspection control unit and the process control unit execute basic processes of each device in the same manner as the above-mentioned control unit 150. The image reading unit 130 may have the same function as the image reading unit 130A or the image reading unit 130B in the above embodiments, and the cutting unit 300 may have the same function as the cutting unit 300B.

[0099] 16 pays out paper from a continuous paper 121 on which an eye mark m is formed, forms an image on the label portion 121b, and then discharges and winds up the paper. Unlike the above-described embodiments, the eye mark m is formed on the same surface as the label portion 121b.

[0100] Next, the continuous paper 121 on which the image is formed in Fig. 16 is set in the inspection device shown in Fig. 17. The continuous paper 121 is fed, and the eye marks are detected by the reading unit 130b having a line image sensor similar to that of the embodiment described above, and the presence or absence of abnormalities in the eye marks is detected. The continuous paper 121 that has passed the reading unit 130b is inspected, discharged, and wound up.

[0101] Then, the continuous paper 121 inspected in Fig. 17 is set in the processing device shown in Fig. 18. The continuous paper 121 is fed, and after the eye mark is detected by the mark sensor 320 (a point-type reflection sensor or a transmission sensor), it is cut into pieces of a predetermined length by the cutting section 300 and discharged onto the discharge tray 126.

[0102] In this embodiment as well, the eye mark detection and cutting control of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied.

[0103] 16 is not limited to a configuration in which a continuous paper 121 on which an eye mark m is formed on the same side as the label portion 121b is used to form an image on the label portion 121b. For example, the transfer unit 113 may transfer the eye mark m and an image onto the label portion 121b onto the same side of the continuous paper 121. Alternatively, an eye mark may be image-formed on the back surface 121c of the continuous paper 121, the continuous paper may be wound up, and the continuous paper 121 may be reset, after which it is unwound so that the base material 121a faces upward, an image may be formed on the label portion 121b, and the continuous paper may be wound up.

[0104] [Sixth embodiment] The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the functions of the inspection device described in the fifth embodiment are integrated into a processing device. The cutting section 300C as a processing device is an example of a configuration in which a reading section 130b that reads the base material 121a of the continuous paper 121 and a processing control section 151 that controls the entire cutting section 300C are added to the cutting section 300 of FIG.

[0105] In the sixth embodiment, the configuration can be as shown in the block diagram of Fig. 20. The cutting unit 300C combines the functions of the image reading unit 130B and the cutting unit 300B shown in Fig. 9. Note that the mark position storage unit 134 may be omitted, and the mark position detection unit 131 may be connected to the mark detection unit 321 (correction means).

[0106] In this embodiment as well, the eye mark detection and cutting control of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied.

[0107] [Seventh embodiment] The seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of the state of the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the transfer unit of the seventh embodiment. In each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming unit 110 forms images using toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The image forming unit 110D as an image forming apparatus of this embodiment forms images using five colors including white (W).

[0108] In this embodiment, the eye mark m and the label portion 121b are formed on the same side of the continuous paper 121. Therefore, the inspection device and processing device can be the inspection device in Fig. 17 and the processing device in Fig. 18, or the processing device in Fig. 19.

[0109] The image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 21 can form an image on the continuous paper 121 as shown in Fig. 22 or Figs. 24 and 25 described later. The base material 121a (front surface) of the continuous paper 121 is a color different from the color of the label portion 121b and the eye mark m. The continuous paper 121 may have an adhesive surface on the back surface of the base material 121a and be bonded to the back surface 121c of the continuous paper 121, or the back surface of the base material 121a may not have an adhesive surface.

[0110] 22 shows that the continuous paper 121 is fed, the transfer unit 113 forms the background area of ​​the label part 121b and the eye mark m in white, and an image is formed in the background area of ​​the label part 121b. Also, the eye mark m is circular, not rectangular (as in the above-mentioned embodiments). Note that the eye mark m is arranged on only one side of the continuous paper in the main scanning direction, but may be arranged on both sides of the continuous paper in the main scanning direction as in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0111] After the image is formed, the continuous paper 121 is subjected to an inspection process (inspection device) and then cut by a processing device. The inspection process and processing device may be, for example, the inspection device shown in Fig. 17 and the processing device shown in Fig. 18, or the processing device shown in Fig. 19 may be applied. In this embodiment as well, the eye mark detection and cutting control of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be applied. The color of the background area and the eye mark m of the label part 121b in FIG. 22 may be a color other than white.

[0112] [Eighth embodiment] The eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of the state of the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the transfer unit of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of the state of the continuous paper after an image has been further formed on the continuous paper of FIG. In the above-described embodiments, the eye mark m is used as a reference mark when cutting by the processing device. In this embodiment, the eye mark m is used as a reference mark when forming an image on the label portion 121b.

[0113] The processing device 400 of this embodiment differs from the above-described image forming units 110 and 110D in that it includes a mark sensor 320 and an image forming unit 110D. The processing device 400 forms an image in the label area of ​​the continuous paper 121 by the image forming unit 110D forming an image based on the detection result of the mark sensor 320. Image forming unit 110D forms images using five colors including yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K) toner, and white (W).

[0114] As shown in FIG. 24, the transfer unit 113 transfers the background area of ​​the label portion 121b and the eye mark m in white onto the unwound continuous paper 121. The eye mark m is circular and is formed on only one side in the main scanning direction. The base material 121a (front surface) of the continuous paper 121 is a color different from the colors of the label portion 121b and the eye mark m. The image forming process shown in FIG. 24 may be performed by the image forming unit 110 in FIG. 16. The background area of ​​the label portion 121b and the eye mark m may be a color other than white. Next, after the image formation of the label portion 121b and the eye mark m, the paper is discharged and wound up.

[0115] Thereafter, the continuous paper 121 is set in an inspection device shown in FIG. 17, the image-formed eye mark m is inspected, and the continuous paper 121 is wound up.

[0116] The continuous paper 121 is then reset in the processing device 400. The eye marks m of the fed continuous paper 121 are detected by the mark sensor 320. Here, by applying the above-described embodiments, the results detected by the mark sensor 320 in FIG. 23 are corrected based on the results of inspection by the inspection device shown in FIG. 17. After the corrected information of the eye marks m is detected, the continuous paper 121 is transported a predetermined distance (or a predetermined time), and an image (ABC) is formed and superimposed on the background area of ​​the label portion 121b, as shown in FIG. 25.

[0117] In this way, the transfer unit 113 of the processing device 400 functions as a processing unit that processes the continuous paper 121 as a recording medium at a predetermined position based on the detection result detected by the mark sensor 320.

[0118] After the image is formed in the label area, the continuous paper 121 can be cut, for example, by a processing device shown in FIG.

[0119] In this way, by correcting the results detected by the mark sensor 320 in FIG. 23, it is possible to form an image at an appropriate position on each label 121b.

[0120] If the continuous paper 121 to be reset in the cutting unit 300 is one that has been determined by the inspection device shown in Fig. 17 to have all of its eye marks m normal, it may be transported a predetermined distance (or a predetermined time) after each eye mark is detected by the mark sensor 320 in Fig. 23, and an image (ABC) may be formed superimposed on the background area of ​​the label part 121b as shown in Fig. 25. In other words, the detection results of each eye mark detected by the mark sensor 320 are not corrected.

[0121] In this embodiment, the eye mark and the label portion 121b are on the same side of the continuous paper 121. Therefore, the inspection device and processing device may be the inspection device in Fig. 17 and the processing device in Fig. 18, or the processing device in Fig. 19. Furthermore, continuous paper 121 may have an adhesive surface on the back surface of base material 121a and be bonded to back surface 121c of continuous paper 121, or may not have an adhesive surface on the back surface of base material 121a.

[0122] [Ninth embodiment] The ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. The processing device 410 of this embodiment is obtained by adding the above-mentioned reading unit 130b to the processing device 400 of FIG. The processing device 410 has an example of a function configured by replacing the reading unit 130a of the image reading unit 130A shown in FIG. 6 with a reading unit 130b.

[0123] In the processing device 410 (or the image forming unit 110, 110D), as shown in FIG. 24, the transfer unit 113 transfers the background area and eye mark m of the label portion 121b in white onto the fed continuous paper 121.

[0124] Thereafter, the continuous paper 121 is set in the processing device 410 shown in Fig. 26. The continuous paper 121 is fed, and the eye mark is detected by the reading unit 130b in the same manner as in the eighth embodiment described above, to detect whether or not there is an abnormality in the eye mark m.

[0125] Next, the mark sensor 320 detects each eye mark m. As in the above-described eighth embodiment, the results detected by the mark sensor 320 are corrected. After the corrected eye mark information is detected, the continuous paper 121 is transported a predetermined distance (or a predetermined time), and an image (ABC) is formed and superimposed on the background area of ​​the label portion 121b, as shown in FIG. After the image is formed in the label area, the continuous paper 121 can be cut, for example, by a processing device shown in FIG.

[0126] In this way, by inspecting the eye mark m with the reading unit 130b and correcting the result detected by the mark sensor 320, it is possible to form an image at an appropriate position on each label unit 121b.

[0127] [Tenth embodiment] The tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the tenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 110E serving as an image forming apparatus is of an inkjet recording type rather than an electrophotographic type. Liquid ejection heads 112K, 112C, 112M, and 112Y that eject liquid as the printing unit 112 print at least one of the above-mentioned eye mark m, the background area of ​​the label portion 121b, and image formation on the label portion 121b.

[0128] The continuous paper 121 printed in FIG. 27 can be processed by employing the inspection device in FIG. 17 and the processing device in FIG. 18, or by employing the processing device in FIG. Moreover, the image forming section 110 in FIG. 1 may be replaced with the image forming section 110E in FIG.

[0129] In the image forming unit 110E of this embodiment, the toner stain W1 described in FIG. 4 is regarded as ink stain from the printing unit 112, and the light-colored eye mark is regarded as a small amount of ink adhering from the printing unit 112, making it possible to apply each of the above-mentioned embodiments and to apply eye mark detection and cutting control.

[0130] Each process of the mark position detection unit 131, the reading control unit 132, the output unit 135, the mark position storage unit 134, the mark detection unit 321, etc., described in each of the above embodiments, can be realized, for example, by a program. Each process may be configured to be realized by the control unit 150 (or an inspection control unit, a process control unit, etc.). Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned processes may be realized by combining hardware and software, with part of the process being performed by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0131] As described above, according to each of the above embodiments, an abnormality in an eye mark is detected by the upstream reading unit, the detection result of the eye mark detected by the downstream mark sensor is corrected, and processing is performed based on the corrected result. In this way, processing at an incorrect position due to an abnormality or dirt in the eye mark or dirt near the eye mark can be suppressed. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be implemented by combining one or more of them as appropriate. For example, the mark position detection unit 131 may combine a process for when the color of the eye mark is light and a process for when the continuous paper 121 is dirty. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 100 Image forming system 110 Image forming section 130, 130A, 130B Image reading unit (reading device) 130a, 130b Reading unit 131 Mark position detector 132 Reading control unit 133 Memory 134 Mark position storage section 135 Output Section 150 Control section 151 Processing control section 300 Cutting section (processing device) 310 Cutter 311 Cutter control section 320 Mark Sensor 321 Mark detection unit 400, 410 Processing device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0133] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-104357 A

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; A reading device; a processing device connected downstream of the reading device in a conveying direction; An image forming system comprising: The reading device is A reading unit that reads the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting a reference image to be used in a cutting process of the recording medium based on the read information read by the reading unit, The processing device includes: a reference image detection means for detecting the reference image formed on the recording medium; a correction means for correcting the reference image detection result detected by the reference image detection means based on the detection result detected by the detection means; a processing means for cutting the recording medium at a predetermined position based on the result of the correction by the correction means; have 1. An image forming system comprising:

2. The reading unit reads the recording medium in a direction intersecting a conveying direction of the recording medium, The reading unit and the reference image detection unit have different detection widths in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1,

3. An output means for outputting the detection result of the detection means 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a computer.

4. The output means outputs the abnormality in the reference image as the detection result.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3.

5. The detection unit detects an abnormality in the reference image by using the read information read by the reading unit in the conveying direction at a predetermined position in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium.

5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

6. The detection means uses a plurality of thresholds for determining that the reference image is normal, and switches the plurality of thresholds based on the read information.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

7. The reading unit sets a detection color based on the color of the recording medium and the color of the reference image.

7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a printer.

8. The recording medium has a plurality of the reference images formed in a conveying direction of the recording medium, The correction means corrects the reference image detection result by using a distance between the reference images in a transport direction.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7.

9. The correction means judges whether the reference image detection result is the reference image, and when it is judged that the image is not the reference image, removes the image from the reference image detection result.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7.

10. 10. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the processing means forms a print image different from the reference image at a predetermined position on the recording medium based on the result of the correction made by the correction means.

11. The image forming unit forms the reference image on the recording medium.

11. The image forming system according to claim 1,

Images