Image forming system and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation control device, an image forming system, and a program that, in a serial tandem type image forming system, can easily perform image formation intended by a user according to the colors of coloring materials introduced into a plurality of image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: An image formation control device (control unit 24) is an image formation control device (control unit 24) that controls image formation in a serial tandem type image forming system 1 in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses (first image forming apparatus 20, second image forming apparatus 40) are connected in series, and comprises: an acquisition unit (control unit 24) that acquires information on the colors of coloring materials (toner) introduced into the plurality of image forming apparatuses; and a control unit (control unit 24) that controls image formation in the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on the information on the colors of the coloring materials acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention , painting The present invention relates to an image forming system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Tandem image forming systems, in which multiple image forming apparatuses that form images on paper are connected in series, are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such image forming systems, when multiple image forming apparatuses form images using toner (color material) of the same color, productivity can be improved compared to when an image is formed using a single image forming apparatus. Furthermore, when multiple image forming apparatuses form images using toner of different colors, it is possible to form images using multiple colors, and it is possible to produce printed materials with high added value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-133168 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the image was not formed according to the color of the toner put into the developing device of each image forming device, there was a risk that a printed matter not intended by the user would be produced, so the user had to check the color of the toner put into the developing device of each image forming device before forming the image, which was cumbersome. The invention described in Patent Document 1 is not designed for multicolor printing, and therefore cannot solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for easily forming an image as intended by a user in a serial tandem type image forming system according to the colors of color materials input to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. A pictureAn imaging system and program are provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the image forming method according to the invention described in claim 1 system teeth, A serial tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series. In There was, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the colors of color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices; a control unit that controls image formation in the plurality of image forming devices based on the information related to the color of the color material acquired by the acquisition unit. 、 Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses an image carrier; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image carrier using a color material; an identification unit that identifies the color of a color material input into the image forming apparatus; a second detection unit that detects the concentration of the colorant being added, When the density of the coloring material detected by the second detection unit is not within a predetermined range, the identification unit adjusts the density of the coloring material so that it falls within the predetermined range, and then identifies the color of the coloring material input into the image forming apparatus. .

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, a determination unit that determines whether the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are different based on the information related to the colors of the color materials; a separation unit that generates separated image data for each color of the color materials from the image data when the determination unit determines that the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are different; Equipped with The control unit causes one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to form an image based on separation image data corresponding to the color of the color material input to the one of the image forming apparatuses.

[0009] Claim 3 The invention described in claim 1 or 2 In the invention described in Each of the plurality of image forming devices has a first detection unit that irradiates a surface of the image carrier with light and detects the amount of reflected light of the light, The identification unit causes the image forming unit to form an image of a patch on the image carrier, acquires the amount of reflected light of the patch from the first detection unit, and identifies the color of the colorant input to its image forming device based on the amount of reflected light of the patch.

[0010] Claim 4 The invention described in claim 3 In the invention described in The specifying unit forms an image of a patch having a maximum amount of coloring material attached as the patch.

[0011] Claim 5 The invention described in claim 3 In the invention described in The specifying unit forms images of a plurality of patches with different amounts of color material attached as the patches.

[0012] Claim 6 The invention described in claim 1 from 5 In the invention described in any one of the above, The specifying unit specifies the color of the color material input to the image forming device at the timing when the power supply of the image forming system is turned on.

[0013] Claim 7 The invention described in claim 1 from 6 In the invention described in any one of the above, The plurality of image forming devices include a first image forming device on the upstream side in a paper transport direction and a second image forming device on the downstream side; A sheet conveying device is disposed between the first image forming device and the second image forming device, and conveys the sheet in a straight line. , and Reverse conveyance both Do It is possible to an intermediate device; Equipped with The control unit controls whether the paper is conveyed straight or inverted in the intermediate device based on whether the colors of the color materials input to the multiple image forming devices are the same or different, and based on job setting information.

[0015] Claim 8 The program of the invention described in A serial tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series. Mu's Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the colors of color materials input into the plurality of image forming devices; a control unit that controls image formation in the plurality of image forming devices based on the information related to the color of the color material acquired by the acquisition unit; an identification unit that identifies the color of a color material input into the image forming apparatus; Function as 、 Each of the plurality of image forming devices an image carrier; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image carrier using a color material; a second detection unit that detects the concentration of the colorant being added, When the density of the coloring material detected by the second detection unit is not within a predetermined range, the identification unit adjusts the density of the coloring material so that it falls within the predetermined range, and then identifies the color of the coloring material input into the image forming device. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, in a serial tandem type image forming system, it is possible to easily form an image as intended by a user in accordance with the colors of color materials input to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the first image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main parts of a control system of a second image forming apparatus. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart of a toner color specifying process in the image forming system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a toner color specifying process. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the results of detecting the amount of reflected light from a maximum toner adhesion patch. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of an image formation control process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a modified toner color specification process. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the results of detecting the amount of reflected light from a plurality of patches with different amounts of toner adhesion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 is configured in a serial tandem system in which, from the upstream side of the paper transport path, a paper feeder 10, a first image forming device 20, an intermediate device 30, a second image forming device 40, a post-processing device 50, etc. are connected in series.

[0019] When the first image forming apparatus 20 and the second image forming apparatus 40 are connected as image forming apparatuses constituting a serial tandem type image forming system, they are set as either a main apparatus that manages the image forming system as a whole, or a sub-apparatus that operates according to instructions from the main apparatus. In this embodiment, of the multiple image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system, the image forming apparatus (first image forming apparatus 20) located on the most upstream side in the paper transport direction is set as the main apparatus, and the image forming apparatuses other than the main apparatus (second image forming apparatus 40) are set as sub-apparatuses. In this embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 20 and the second image forming apparatus 40 are monochrome image forming apparatuses into which toner of one color is input, and toner can be replaced with toner of another color.

[0020] The paper feed device 10 includes a plurality of paper feed trays and a paper feed means including a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a delivery roller, etc. Each paper feed tray stores paper sheets that have been identified in advance for each type of paper (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.), and the paper sheets are transported one by one from the top by the paper feed means to the paper transport unit 232 of the first image forming device 20.

[0021] The first image forming device 20 reads an image from a document and forms the read image on paper, or receives job information (job setting information and job image data) from an external device, etc., and forms an image on paper based on the received job information, etc. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of the first image forming apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the first image forming apparatus 20 includes an image reading unit 21, an operation display unit 22, a printing unit 23, a control unit 24 which is an image formation control device, a storage unit 25, a communication unit 26, and the like.

[0022] The image reading unit 21 includes an automatic document feeder called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit, and reads images of multiple documents based on setting information received by the operation display unit 22. Documents placed on the document tray of the automatic document feeder are transported to a contact glass, which is the reading location, and images on one or both sides of the document are read by an optical system, and the document images are read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). Here, the term "image" is not limited to image data such as figures and photographs, but also includes text data such as characters and symbols.

[0023] The operation display unit 22 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 221, a touch panel provided to cover the LCD 221, various switches and buttons, a numeric keypad, a group of operation keys, etc. The operation display unit 22 receives instructions from a user and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 24, and also displays on the LCD 221 various setting screens for inputting various operation instructions and setting information, operation screens for displaying various processing results, etc., according to display signals input from the control unit 24.

[0024] The printing unit 23 performs electrophotographic image forming processing, and is configured to include various units related to print output, such as a paper feed unit 231, a paper transport unit 232, an image forming unit 233, and a fixing unit 234.

[0025] The paper feed unit 231 includes a plurality of paper feed trays and a paper feed means provided for each paper feed tray, which means includes a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a delivery roller, etc. Each paper feed tray stores paper sheets that can be fed and are identified in advance by type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.), and the paper sheets are transported one by one from the top by the paper feed means toward the paper transport unit 232.

[0026] Paper transport unit 232 transports paper transported from paper feed device 10 or paper feed unit 231 onto a paper transport path to image forming unit 233 that passes through multiple intermediate rollers, registration rollers 233a, etc., transports the paper to a transfer position in image forming unit 233, and then transports the paper to intermediate device 30. The paper waits temporarily upstream of registration rollers 233a, and then resumes transport downstream of registration rollers 233a according to the image formation timing.

[0027] Furthermore, paper transport unit 232 includes reversing unit 232b, which is configured from transport path switching unit 232a, reversing rollers, etc. Inverting unit 232b, depending on the switching operation of transport path switching unit 232a, transports the paper that has passed through fixing unit 234 to a device connected downstream without reversing it, switches back using reversing rollers, etc. to reversing the paper and then transports it to a device connected downstream, or reverses the paper that has passed through fixing unit 234 and re-feeds it to image forming unit 233 of its own device.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the image forming unit 233. The image forming unit 233 includes a photosensitive drum 233b which is an image carrier, a charging device 233c, an exposure device 233d, a developing device 233e, a transfer device 233f, a cleaning device 233g, a first detection unit 233h, etc., and forms an image on the paper surface based on the image data of the job.

[0029] In the image forming unit 233, the surface of the photosensitive drum 233b, which has been charged by the charging device 233c, is irradiated with light from the exposure device 233d according to the image data of the job, and an electrostatic latent image is written on it. Then, the developing device 233e deposits charged toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 233b on which the electrostatic latent image has been written, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image. The toner deposited on the photosensitive drum 233b by the developing device 233e is transferred to paper at a transfer position where the transfer device 233f is disposed, as the photosensitive drum 233b rotates at a constant speed. After the toner is transferred to the paper, the cleaning device 233g removes residual charge, residual toner, etc. from the surface of the photosensitive drum 233b, and the removed toner, etc. is collected in a toner collection box.

[0030] The developing device 233e also includes a second detecting section 233ea. The second detector 233ea detects the magnetic permeability of the developer in the developing device 233e, detects the toner concentration in the developer (the mixture ratio of toner to carrier in the developer), and outputs the detection result to the controller 24.

[0031] The first detection unit 233h is a light reflection sensor that irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 233b with light, detects the amount of reflected light, and outputs the detection result to the control unit . The first detector 233h may also function as a photosensitive paper wrap detection sensor that detects whether or not the paper being transported to the image forming unit 233 has wrapped around the photosensitive drum 233b. Furthermore, the first detection unit 233h may detect the amount of toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 233b (the density of the toner image) during the image correction operation or the balance adjustment operation. Depending on the density of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 233b detected by the first detection unit 233h, the amount of light (laser power, etc.) by the exposure device 233d and the development bias voltage in the development device 233e are controlled, thereby correcting the density of the image, etc.

[0032] The fixing unit 234 is composed of a fixing heater, a fixing roller, an external fixing heating unit, etc., and heat-fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper.

[0033] The control unit 24 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 24 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the first image forming apparatus 20 in cooperation with the loaded program.

[0034] Furthermore, since the first image forming apparatus 20 is set as the main machine, the control unit 24 receives signals indicating the status of each apparatus from each apparatus constituting the image forming system 1 via the communication unit 26, and performs overall control of the entire image forming system 1 based on the signals indicating the status of each apparatus. For example, when a signal indicating an error (such as a jam, paper out, or toner shortage) in the second image forming apparatus 40 is received, the control unit 24 generates a display signal or an operation instruction signal corresponding to the error, and transmits the generated signal to the operation display unit 22, the second image forming apparatus 40, etc.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 24 acquires information relating to the colors of toner (color materials) input into the multiple image forming devices (the first image forming device 20 and the second image forming device 40) from the storage unit 25. Here, the control unit 24 functions as an acquisition unit. The control unit 24 also controls image formation in the image forming apparatuses based on the information related to the color of the color material acquired by the acquisition unit, where the control unit 24 functions as a control unit. Furthermore, the control unit 24 determines whether the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are different based on the information related to the color of the color materials. Here, the control unit 24 functions as a determination unit. Furthermore, when the determination unit determines that the colors of the color materials input to the multiple image forming devices are different, the control unit 24 generates separated image data by separating the image data for each color of the color materials. Here, the control unit 24 functions as a separation unit. The control unit 24 also identifies the color of the color material input into the image forming apparatus itself, where the control unit 24 functions as an identifying unit.

[0036] The storage unit 25 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 25 stores various data including various setting information related to the first image forming apparatus 20, received job information, etc. In addition, the memory unit 25 stores normal range values ​​for the toner concentration in the developer in the developing device 233e of the first image forming device 20 and normal range values ​​for the toner concentration in the developer in the developing device 433e of the second image forming device 40. The storage unit 25 also stores threshold values ​​(threshold value A and threshold value B) for determining the toner color in the toner color identification process described later. In addition, the memory unit 25 stores information on the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40, which are identified in the toner color identification process in the image forming system described below.

[0037] Communication unit 26 is a communication interface for connecting to a network to which the devices constituting image forming system 1 are connected or for communicating with external devices. For example, communication unit 26 communicates with second image forming device 40 using a network interface card (NIC) or the like, and also performs serial communication with sheet feeding device 10 and intermediate device 30.

[0038] The intermediate device 30 is installed downstream of the first image forming device 20 and upstream of the second image forming device 40 in the paper transport direction, and transports paper transported from the first image forming device 20 to the second image forming device 40 in accordance with instructions from the first image forming device 20.

[0039] The intermediate device 30 includes a conveyance path switching unit 31a, a reversing unit 31 having a reversing roller, etc., a stacking unit 32 for storing (stacking) sheets of paper on which images have been formed, and the like.

[0040] When it is necessary to invert the front and back of the paper to be transported to the second image forming device 40, the paper transported from the first image forming device 20 is transported to the inversion section 31 by the switching operation of the transport path switching section 31a, and the paper is switched back by the inversion roller of the inversion section 31 to invert the front and back, and then transported to the second image forming device 40.

[0041] When there is no need to invert the paper, the paper transported from the first image forming device 20 is not transported to the inversion section 31 by the switching operation of the transport path switching section 31a, and is transported to the second image forming device 40 without being inverted.

[0042] Furthermore, when it is necessary to temporarily store the paper transported from the first image forming apparatus 20, the paper transported from the first image forming apparatus 20 is temporarily stored in the stack unit 32. The intermediate apparatus 30 may be provided with a paper output tray for discharging the paper transported from the first image forming apparatus 20.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of the second image forming apparatus 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the second image forming device 40 is configured with a printing unit 43, a control unit 44, a memory unit 45, a communication unit 46, etc., and cooperates with the first image forming device 20 to form an image on a paper surface.

[0044] Similar to the printing unit 23 of the first image forming device 20, the printing unit 43 is configured to include various parts related to print output, such as a paper feed unit 431, a paper transport unit with an inversion unit 432b, an image forming unit, and a fixing unit, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The control unit 44 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 44 reads out a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the second image forming apparatus 40 in cooperation with the loaded program. The control unit 44 also identifies the color of the color material input into the image forming apparatus itself, where the control unit 44 functions as an identifying unit.

[0046] The storage unit 45 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory), a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 45 stores various data including various setting information related to the second image forming apparatus 40, received job information, etc.

[0047] The communication unit 46 is a communication interface for connecting to a network to which the devices constituting the image forming system 1 are connected or for communicating with an external device. For example, the communication unit 46 communicates with the first image forming device 20 using a NIC or the like.

[0048] The post-processing device 50 is installed downstream of the second image forming device 40 in the paper transport direction, and is equipped with various post-processing units such as a sorting unit, stapler unit, punch unit, and folding unit, as well as paper output trays (large-capacity paper output tray T1 and sub-tray T2), and performs various post-processing operations on the paper transported from the second image forming device 40, and outputs the post-processed paper to the large-capacity paper output tray T1 or sub-tray T2. The large-capacity paper output tray T1 has a stage that moves up and down, and can accommodate large quantities of paper stacked on the stage. Paper is output to the sub-tray T2 exposed to the outside and visible.

[0049] Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 in this embodiment will be described. 5 shows a flowchart of the toner color identification process in the image forming system 1. The toner color identification process in the image forming system is executed by a program stored in the control unit 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20 when the image forming system 1 is installed, when maintenance of the image forming system 1 is performed, and when the power of the image forming system 1 is turned on.

[0050] First, the control unit 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20 executes a toner color identification process for the first image forming apparatus 20 (step S1).

[0051] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the toner color specification process executed in the image forming system 1. The control unit 24 controls the second detection unit 233ea of ​​the developing device 233e to obtain the detection result of the toner concentration in the developer (step S11). Next, the control unit 24 determines whether the toner concentration in the developing device 233e is within a normal range based on the detection result obtained in step S11 (step S12). The normal range is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 25. If the toner concentration in the developing device 233e is not within the normal range (step S12; NO), the control unit 24 executes a toner concentration adjustment process so that the toner concentration in the developing device 233e falls within the normal range (step S13), and then the process proceeds to step S11. In the toner concentration adjustment process, the control unit 24 replenishes developer corresponding to the detected toner concentration from a replenishing unit (not shown), and adjusts the toner concentration in the developing device 233e.

[0052] Also, if the toner concentration in the developing device 233e is within the normal range (step S12; YES), the control unit 24 controls the image forming unit 233 to form a maximum toner adhesion amount patch on the photosensitive drum 233b, where the toner adhesion amount (density) is the maximum value (step S14). Next, the control unit 24 controls the first detection unit 233h to irradiate the maximum toner adhesion amount patch formed in step S14 with light and detect the amount of reflected light (step S15).

[0053] 7 shows an example of the results of detecting the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion patch in step S15. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the detected amount of reflected light. If the candidate toner colors to be input into the first image forming device 20 are, for example, color A (black), color B (blue), and color C (red), the circle (●) shown in Figure 7 is the detection result for color A, the triangle (▲) is the detection result for color B, and the square (■) is the detection result for color C.

[0054] Next, the control unit 24 determines whether the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is less than a threshold value A based on the result of detection in step S15 (step S16). The threshold value A is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 25. The dashed line shown in FIG. 7 represents the threshold value A. If the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is less than threshold value A (step S16; YES), the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color A (step S17), as shown in FIG. 7, and terminates this process.

[0055] Furthermore, if the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is not less than threshold A (step S16; NO), control unit 24 determines whether the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is less than threshold B (step S18). Threshold B is set in advance and stored in storage unit 25. The dashed dotted line in FIG. 7 represents threshold B. If the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is less than threshold B (step S18; YES), that is, if the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is greater than threshold A and less than threshold B, the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color B, as shown in Figure 7 (step S19), and terminates this process.

[0056] Furthermore, if the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is not less than threshold B (step S18; NO), that is, if the amount of reflected light from the maximum toner adhesion amount patch is greater than or equal to threshold B, the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color C (step S20), as shown in FIG. 7, and terminates this process.

[0057] 5, next, control unit 24 controls control unit 44 to execute a toner color identification process for second image forming device 40 (step S2). The flow of the toner color identification process for second image forming device 40 is similar to the toner color identification process for first image forming device 20, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Next, the control unit 24 identifies the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 based on the toner color identification process for the first image forming device 20 executed in step S1, and acquires and identifies the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 from the second image forming device 40 based on the toner color identification process for the second image forming device 40 executed in step S2, stores these toner colors in the memory unit 25 (step S3), and terminates this process.

[0058] Next, the image formation control process executed in the image forming system 1 will be described. 8 shows a flowchart of the image formation control process. The image formation control process is executed in the image forming system 1 when an instruction for image formation of a job is received from an external device or via the operation display unit 22.

[0059] First, the control unit 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20 acquires information on the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming apparatus 20 identified in the toner color identification process in the image forming system and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming apparatus 40 from the storage unit 25 (step S31). Note that in step S3 of the toner color identification process in the image forming system, the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming apparatus 40 may not be acquired from the second image forming apparatus 40, and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming apparatus 40 may be acquired in step S31 of the image formation control process.

[0060] Next, based on the information on the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 obtained in step S31, the control unit 24 determines whether the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 are the same color (step S32). If the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is the same as the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 (step S32; YES), the control unit 24 transmits image data of the job for which image formation has been instructed to the first image forming device 20 and the second image forming device 40 (step S33).

[0061] Next, the control unit 24 determines whether the job is single-sided printing or not based on the setting information of the job for which image formation has been instructed (step S34). If the job is single-sided printing (step S34; YES), the control unit 24 controls the printing unit 23 to form an image of the job on the front side of the paper (one side of the paper) based on the image data of the received job, and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the intermediate device 30 (step S35). Next, the control unit 24 controls the intermediate device 30 to invert the sheet on which the image has been formed in the first image forming device 20 and transport it to the second image forming device 40 (step S36). Next, the control unit 24 controls the second image forming device 40 to pass the paper transported from the intermediate device 30 through the second image forming device 40 without forming an image on it, and transport the paper to the post-processing device 50 (step S37), thereby completing this process.

[0062] Also, if the job is not single-sided printing (step S34; NO), that is, if the job is double-sided printing, the control unit 24 controls the printing unit 23 to form an image of the job on the front side of the paper (one side of the paper) based on the image data of the received job, and transports the paper with the image formed to the intermediate device 30 (step S38). Next, the control unit 24 controls the intermediate device 30 to invert the sheet on which the image has been formed in the first image forming device 20 and transport it to the second image forming device 40 (step S39). Next, the control unit 24 controls the second image forming device 40 to form an image of the job on the back side of the paper transported from the intermediate device 30 (the side opposite to the side on which the image was formed in the first image forming device 20) based on the image data of the received job, and transports the paper to the post-processing device 50 (step S40), thereby completing this process.

[0063] Furthermore, if the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 are not the same color (step S32; NO), the control unit 24 generates separated image data from the image data of the job for which image formation has been instructed, separated by the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 and the toner color of the toner input into the second image forming device 40 (step S41). Specifically, for example, if the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color A and the toner input into the second image forming device 40 is color B, separated image data of color A is generated by separating color A from the image data of the job formed using colors A and B, and separated image data of color B is generated by separating color B from the image data. Next, the control unit 24 transmits the separation image data generated in step S41 to the first image forming device 20 and the second image forming device 40, respectively, according to the toner color of the toner that has been input (step S42). Specifically, for example, if the toner input to the first image forming device 20 is color A and the toner input to the second image forming device 40 is color B, the control unit 24 transmits the separation image data of color A to the first image forming device 20 and the separation image data of color B to the second image forming device 40.

[0064] Next, the control unit 24 determines whether the job is single-sided printing or not based on the setting information of the job for which image formation has been instructed (step S43). If the job is a single-sided print (step S43; YES), the control unit 24 controls the printing unit 23 to form an image of the job separated by toner colors on the front side of the paper (one side of the paper) based on the received separation image data, and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the intermediate device 30 (step S44). Next, the control unit 24 controls the intermediate device 30 to convey the paper on which the image has been formed in the first image forming device 20 straight to the second image forming device 40 (step S45). Next, the control unit 24 controls the second image forming device 40 to form an image of the job separated by toner color based on the received separation image data on the surface of the paper transported from the intermediate device 30, then inverts the paper and transports it to the post-processing device 50 (step S46), thereby completing this process.

[0065] Also, if the job is not single-sided printing (step S43; NO), that is, if the job is double-sided printing, the control unit 24 controls the printing unit 23 to form an image of the job separated by toner colors on both sides of the paper based on the received separation image data, and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the intermediate device 30 (step S47). Next, the control unit 24 controls the intermediate device 30 to invert the sheet on which the image has been formed in the first image forming device 20 and transport it to the second image forming device 40 (step S48). Next, the control unit 24 controls the second image forming device 40 to form an image of the job separated by toner color based on the received separation image data on both sides of the paper transported from the intermediate device 30, and transports the paper to the post-processing device 50 (step S49), thereby completing this process.

[0066] (Variation) Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the above embodiment. The configuration of the image forming system 1 of this modification is the same as that of the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment. The storage unit 25 of this modification stores setting values ​​(setting values ​​A and B) for determining the toner color in the toner color identification process.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the toner color specification process of this modified example, which is executed in the image forming system 1. In the toner color specifying process of this modified example, the control unit 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20 performs steps S51 to S53 similar to steps S11 to S13 of the toner color specifying process of the above embodiment. If the toner concentration in the developing device 233e is within the normal range (step S52; YES), the control unit 24 controls the image forming unit 233 to form multiple patches with different toner adhesion amounts (densities) on the photosensitive drum 233b (step S54). Next, the control unit 24 controls the first detection unit 233h to irradiate light onto the patches with different amounts of toner adhesion formed in step S54, and detect the amount of reflected light (step S55).

[0068] 10 shows an example of the results of detecting the amount of reflected light from multiple patches with different amounts of toner adhesion in step S55. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the horizontal axis represents the amount of toner adhesion, and the vertical axis represents the detected amount of reflected light. For example, if the candidate toner colors to be input to the first image forming device 20 are color A (black), color B (blue), and color C (red), the circle (●) shown in Fig. 10 is the detection result for color A, the triangle (▲) is the detection result for color B, and the square (■) is the detection result for color C. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the respective detection results are connected by solid lines.

[0069] Next, the control unit 24 determines whether the amount of reflected light increases at a set value B for the amount of toner adhesion from patches with a low toner adhesion amount to patches with a high toner adhesion amount based on the results detected in step S55 (step S56). The set value B is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 25. The dashed dotted line in FIG. 10 represents the set value B. If the amount of reflected light is increasing at the set value B (step S56; YES), the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color C (step S57), as shown in FIG. 10, and terminates this process.

[0070] Furthermore, if the amount of reflected light does not increase at the set value B (step S56; NO), the control unit 24 determines whether the amount of reflected light increases at the set value A for the amount of toner adhesion from patches with low toner adhesion to patches with high toner adhesion based on the results detected in step S55 (step S58). The set value A is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 25. The dashed line in FIG. 10 represents the set value A. Note that a predetermined margin may be provided for the set values ​​A and B. If the amount of reflected light is increasing at the set value A (step S58; YES), the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color B (step S59), as shown in FIG. 10, and terminates this process.

[0071] Also, if the amount of reflected light does not increase at the set value A (step S58; NO), the control unit 24 determines that the toner color of the toner input into the first image forming device 20 is color A (step S60), as shown in Figure 10, and terminates this process.

[0072] As described above, the image forming control device (control unit 24) of this embodiment is an image forming control device (control unit 24) that controls image formation in a serial tandem type image forming system 1 in which multiple image forming devices (first image forming device 20, second image forming device 40) are connected in series, and is equipped with an acquisition unit (control unit 24) that acquires information related to the color of colorant (toner) input to the multiple image forming devices, and a control unit (control unit 24) that controls image formation in the multiple image forming devices based on the information related to the color of the colorant acquired by the acquisition unit. Therefore, in a serial tandem type image forming system, it is possible to provide an image forming control device that can easily perform image formation as intended by the user according to the colors of color materials input into multiple image forming devices.

[0073] In addition, the image forming control device of this embodiment is equipped with a judgment unit (control unit 24) that judges whether the colors of the color materials input to the multiple image forming devices are different based on information related to the colors of the color materials, and a separation unit (control unit 24) that generates separated image data from the image data separated for each color of the color materials when the judgment unit judges that the colors of the color materials input to the multiple image forming devices are different, and the control unit causes one of the multiple image forming devices to form an image based on the separated image data corresponding to the color of the color material input to that one of the multiple image forming devices. Therefore, it is possible to cause the image forming apparatus to form an image based on the separated image data corresponding to the color of the color material input to the image forming apparatus.

[0074] Furthermore, the image forming system 1 of this embodiment is an image forming system 1 that includes an image forming control device (control unit 24) and multiple image forming devices (first image forming device 20, second image forming device 40) connected in series, and each of the multiple image forming devices includes an image carrier (photosensitive drum 233b, photosensitive drum 433b), an image forming unit 233, 433 that forms an image on the image carrier using a colorant, and an identification unit (control unit 24, control unit 44) that identifies the color of the colorant input into the image forming device itself. Therefore, the color of the coloring material input into the image forming apparatus can be easily identified.

[0075] Furthermore, in the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, each of the multiple image forming devices has a first detection unit 233h, 433h that irradiates light onto the surface of the image carrier and detects the amount of reflected light of the light, and the identification unit causes the image forming unit 233, 433 to form an image of a patch on the image carrier, obtains the amount of reflected light of the patch from the first detection unit 233h, 433h, and identifies the color of the colorant input to the image forming device itself based on the amount of reflected light of the patch. Therefore, since the color of the color material input into the image forming device can be identified using the first detection unit 233h, 433h that functions as a photosensitive paper wrapping detection sensor, etc., it is not necessary to provide a dedicated sensor for identifying the color of the color material input into the image forming device.

[0076] Furthermore, in the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, the specifying unit forms an image of a patch having the maximum amount of coloring material attached as the patch. Therefore, the color of the color material input into the image forming apparatus can be easily identified based on the maximum toner adhesion amount patch.

[0077] In the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, the specifying unit forms images of a plurality of patches with different amounts of color material attached as the patches. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the color of the coloring material input into the image forming apparatus based on a plurality of patches with different amounts of toner attached.

[0078] In the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, the specifying unit specifies the color of the color material input to the image forming device at the timing when the power of the image forming system 1 is turned on. Therefore, since it is possible to specify the color of the color material input into the image forming apparatus before forming an image of a job, it is possible to form an image according to each color.

[0079] In addition, the image forming system 1 of this embodiment includes, as multiple image forming devices, a first image forming device 20 on the upstream side in the paper transport direction and a second image forming device 40 on the downstream side, and an intermediate device 30 arranged between the first image forming device 20 and the second image forming device 40 and which either transports paper in a straight manner or in a reverse manner, and the control unit controls whether the paper is transported in a straight manner or in a reverse manner in the intermediate device 30 based on whether the colors of the colorants input into the multiple image forming devices are the same or different and on the job setting information. Therefore, it is possible to transport paper in accordance with the colors of the coloring materials input into the plurality of image forming devices.

[0080] Furthermore, in the image forming system 1 of this embodiment, each of the multiple image forming devices has a second detection unit 233ea, 433ea that detects the concentration of the colorant input, and if the concentration of the colorant detected by the second detection unit 233ea, 433ea is not within a predetermined range, the identification unit adjusts the concentration of the colorant so that it falls within the predetermined range, and then identifies the color of the colorant input to the image forming device itself. Therefore, it is possible to form an image of a patch with an accurate amount of toner adhesion, and it is possible to more accurately identify the color of the color material input to the image forming control device itself.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the image forming device (first image forming device 20) located at the most upstream side in the paper transport direction is set as the main device, and the image forming device other than the main device (second image forming device 40) is set as the sub-device, but this is not limited to this. The main device and the sub-device may be located at any position in the paper transport direction.

[0082] In the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the image forming control device may exist independently of the image forming device (first image forming device 20 or second image forming device 40).

[0083] In the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the identifying unit (control unit 24, control unit 44) identifies the color of the toner input into its own image forming device using the amount of reflected light detected in the toner color identifying process, but this is not limited to this. The identifying unit may identify the color of the toner input into its own image forming device using other methods.

[0084] Furthermore, in the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the first image forming apparatus 20 and the second image forming apparatus 40 are each supplied with toner of one color, but this is not limiting. The developing device of the image forming apparatus may be configured to be capable of supplying toner of multiple colors. In this case, in steps S14 and S54 of the toner color specification process, patches of the supplied toner of the multiple colors are formed. Alternatively, either the first image forming apparatus 20 or the second image forming apparatus 40 may be a full-color image forming apparatus that does not allow replacement of toner with toner of another color. In this case, the toner color identification process is performed only in the monochrome image forming apparatus that allows replacement of toner with toner of another color. For example, in a case where a full-color image forming apparatus capable of printing with toner of colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) and a monochrome image forming apparatus loaded with toner of a special color (e.g., gold, white, etc.) are connected in series tandem, in step S41 of the image formation control process, the control unit 24 generates separated image data in which YMCK is separated from the image data of the job, and separated image data in which the special color is separated.

[0085] Furthermore, in steps S36 and S46 of the image formation control process executed in the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the paper is inverted and conveyed, but this is not limitative.

[0086] In addition, in step S35 of the image formation control process executed in the image forming system 1 of the above embodiment, the first image forming device 20 forms an image on the front side of the paper, and in step S37 the second image forming device 40 transports the paper without forming an image, but this is not limited to this. The first image forming device 20 may transport the paper without forming an image in step S35, and the second image forming device 40 may form an image on the front side of the paper in step S37. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Image forming system 10 Paper feeder 20 First image forming device 21 Image reading unit 22 Operation display section 221 LCD 23 Printing Department 231 Paper feed section 232 Paper transport unit 232a Conveyor path switching unit 232b Reversal section 233 Image forming unit 233a Resist Roller 233b Photosensitive drum 233c Charging device 233d Exposure equipment 233e Developing device 233ea Second detection unit 233f Transcription device 233g cleaning device 233h First detection unit 234 Fixing part 24 control unit (image formation control device, acquisition unit, control unit, determination unit, separation unit, identification unit) 25 Memory section 26 Communications Department 30 Intermediate device 31 Reversal section 31a Conveyor path switching unit 32 Stack section 40 Second image forming device 43 Printing Department 433e Developing device 431 Paper feed section 432b Reversal section 435 Bypass route section 435a Conveyor path switching unit 44 Control unit (specific unit) 45 Storage section 46 Communications Department 50 Aftertreatment device T1 large-capacity output tray T2 Sub-tray

Claims

1. An image forming system of a serial tandem type in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the colors of color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices; a control unit that controls image formation in the plurality of image forming devices based on the information related to the color of the color material acquired by the acquisition unit, Each of the plurality of image forming devices an image carrier; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image carrier using a color material; an identification unit that identifies the color of a color material input into the image forming apparatus; a second detection unit that detects the concentration of the color material being added, The image forming system is configured such that, if the concentration of the colorant detected by the second detection unit is not within a predetermined range, the identification unit adjusts the concentration of the colorant so that it falls within the predetermined range, and then identifies the color of the colorant input into its own image forming device.

2. a determination unit that determines whether the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are different based on the information related to the colors of the color materials; a separation unit that generates separated image data for each color of the color materials from the image data when the determination unit determines that the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are different; Equipped with The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes one of the plurality of image forming devices to form an image based on separation image data corresponding to the color of the color material input to the one of the image forming devices.

3. Each of the plurality of image forming devices has a first detection unit that irradiates a surface of the image carrier with light and detects the amount of reflected light of the light, The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification unit causes the image forming unit to form an image of a patch on the image carrier, acquires the amount of reflected light of the patch from the first detection unit, and identifies the color of the color material input to the image forming device based on the amount of reflected light of the patch.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the specifying unit forms an image of a patch having a maximum amount of coloring material attached as the patch.

5. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the specifying unit forms a plurality of patches with different amounts of colorant applied as the patches.

6. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the specifying unit specifies the color of the color material input to the image forming device at the timing when the power of the image forming system is turned on.

7. the plurality of image forming devices include a first image forming device on the upstream side in a paper conveyance direction and a second image forming device on the downstream side; an intermediate device disposed between the first image forming device and the second image forming device, capable of both straight conveyance and reverse conveyance of paper; Equipped with 7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls whether the intermediate device conveys the paper in a straight or reverse direction based on whether the colors of the color materials input to the plurality of image forming devices are the same or different and on job setting information.

8. A computer of a serial tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the colors of color materials input into the plurality of image forming devices; a control unit that controls image formation in the plurality of image forming devices based on the information related to the color of the color material acquired by the acquisition unit; an identification unit that identifies the color of a color material input into the image forming apparatus; It functions as Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses an image carrier; an image forming unit that forms an image on the image carrier using a color material; a second detection unit that detects the concentration of the coloring material being added, The identification unit is a program that, if the concentration of the color material detected by the second detection unit is not within a predetermined range, adjusts the concentration of the color material so that it falls within the predetermined range, and then identifies the color of the color material input into its image forming device.

Images