Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, adjustment chart generating method, and adjustment chart generating program

Abstract

To accurately set a post-processing position.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: a printer unit 10 that forms a print image on a recording medium; and a post-processing setting unit 31 that can set information on a processing position of post-processing performed on the recording medium on which the print image is formed. The printer unit 10 creates a composite image of the print image and reference lines indicating the processing position of the post-processing as an adjustment chart for adjusting the processing position of the post-processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an adjustment chart generating method, and an adjustment chart generating program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inline post-processing devices have been known that process business cards, tickets, coupons, etc. by post-processing printed materials to desired positions, such as trimming positions, folding positions, and perforation positions. Since there are mechanical differences between post-processing devices, it is necessary to adjust the post-processing positions for each post-processing device. Therefore, many techniques are known that perform post-processing on a recording medium on which a specific adjustment chart is formed, measure an adjustment value from the difference between the processed position on the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is formed and a drawn reference position, and then perform the adjustment.

[0003] However, even if the post-processing position is adjusted based on the reference position drawn on a specific adjustment chart, the post-processing position on the actual printed material may deviate from the desired position. Therefore, instead of using a specific adjustment chart, the trimming position and crease position of the actual printed material may be set in advance, and the post-processing position may be adjusted using an adjustment chart on which reference lines are drawn at the set positions.

[0004] Also disclosed is a technology in which, when adjusting the post-processing position, an actual printed matter is scanned, and an image obtained by combining the image of the scanned printed matter with a mark for the post-processing position when post-processing is performed is displayed on a preview screen (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the image forming device described in Patent Document 1, a reading means inputs an image, a folding setting means sets folding conditions, and a preview display control means controls to display an image of one section when folded according to the folding conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-201761 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, conventionally, post-processing positions are adjusted using a specific adjustment chart or an adjustment chart on which a reference line is drawn at the post-processing position. However, if a post-processing position is set incorrectly, a problem occurs in that the post-processing position does not match the desired position even when the post-processing position is adjusted using an adjustment chart on which a reference line is drawn at the post-processing position. In such cases, it is difficult for a user to determine that the post-processing position has been set incorrectly from an adjustment chart on which only a reference line is drawn, which results in a problem in which the user cannot feel at ease.

[0007] As mentioned above, a technology has been proposed that allows users to check and adjust the post-processing position by displaying on a preview screen an image that combines the image of the scanned printout with a marker for the post-processing position when post-processing is performed (Patent Document 1). However, with this technology, the post-processing position is adjusted based on the image of the scanned printout, so that if, for example, the paper expands or contracts when printing the original image, the post-processing position may shift from the desired position. Furthermore, with this technology, the marker for the post-processing position may become invisible due to the influence of the density, complexity, etc. of the image of the scanned printout, which can lead to problems such as incorrect setting of the post-processing position or inability to determine the shift in the post-processing position.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable the post-processing position to be set correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a printing device unit that forms a print image on a recording medium, and a post-processing setting unit that can set information regarding a processing position for post-processing that is performed on the recording medium on which the print image has been formed, and the printing device unit: Transparency increasedA composite image of the print image and the reference line indicating the post-processing position is generated as an adjustment chart for adjusting the post-processing position. and drawing a predetermined number of adjustment lines having lengths equivalent to the reference lines at positions on the adjustment chart that are parallel to the reference lines and spaced a predetermined distance inward from the reference lines. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention having the above configuration, the post-processing position can be set correctly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a problem of adjusting the post-processing position when a setting error occurs in the post-processing position; [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the problem of adjusting the post-processing position due to the influence of the density of the printed image. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an adjustment chart setting screen in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of an adjustment chart generated in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a comparison between an adjustment chart before and after increasing the transparency of a printed image, which are generated in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a comparison between an adjustment chart before and after changing the thickness of a reference line, which are generated in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an adjustment chart generation process performed in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device according to a first modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An image forming apparatus and an adjustment chart generating method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following example.

[0013] First, before explaining the image forming apparatus and the method for generating an adjustment chart of this embodiment, we will explain the problems of adjusting the post-processing position when a setting error in the post-processing position occurs in the past, and the problems of adjusting the post-processing position due to the influence of the density of the printed image.

[0014] [Post-processing position adjustment issue when post-processing position is incorrectly set] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the problem of adjusting the post-processing position when a mistake is made in setting the post-processing position. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of performing a two-sheet division process on a printed material. FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an original image of a printed material to be divided into two sheets. FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing an adjustment chart on which reference lines and adjustment lines indicating the two-sheet division processing positions are printed. FIG. 1(c) is a diagram showing the cutting position when a printed material of the original image shown in FIG. 1(a) is divided into two sheets using the adjustment chart shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0015] The size of the original image 100 shown in Figure 1(a) is 420 mm in the length Y in the transport direction of the recording medium such as paper or film, and 297 mm in width X in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the "transport cross direction"). As shown in Figure 1(a), the upper and lower halves of the original image 100 are the same image. For example, a process (two-sheet division process) is set for dividing the upper and lower halves into two deliverables each for the printed matter of the original image 100, and an adjustment chart for adjusting the set two-sheet division process position is shown in Figure 1(b).

[0016] The adjustment chart 101 shown in FIG. 1(b) is an adjustment chart for dividing a recording medium into two sheets in the conveyance direction and the cross-conveyance direction of the recording medium. The adjustment chart 101 is composed of six straight reference lines L1 to L6 that indicate the cutting position for dividing the recording medium into two sheets, and straight adjustment lines that are parallel to each reference line in each of the two parts P1 and P2 divided by the six reference lines L1 to L6. The adjustment lines are auxiliary lines for adjusting the post-processing position, and as shown in FIG. 1(b), three adjustment lines are provided for each reference line in each of the parts P1 and P2. In part P1, adjustment lines L11 to L13 corresponding to reference line L1, adjustment lines L21 to L23 corresponding to reference line L2, adjustment lines L51 to L53 corresponding to reference line L5, and adjustment lines L61 to L63 corresponding to reference line L6 are printed. Also, in part P2, adjustment lines L31 to L33 corresponding to the reference line L3, adjustment lines L41 to L43 corresponding to the reference line L4, adjustment lines L54 to L56 corresponding to the reference line L5, and adjustment lines L64 to L66 corresponding to the reference line L6 are printed.

[0017] The cutting position for dividing the sheet into two is set by inputting, for example, the cutting position from the leading edge of the recording medium in the transport direction, the cutting position from both ends of the recording medium in the cross-transport direction, the size of the original image 100, and the distance between parts P1 and P2 to be divided into two sheets on a post-processing position setting screen (not shown) provided for setting the post-processing position. When the cutting position for dividing the sheet into two sheets is set correctly, the distance between the reference line at the leading edge of the recording medium in the transport direction (e.g., reference line L1 shown in FIG. 1B) and the reference line at the trailing edge of the recording medium in the transport direction (e.g., reference line L4 shown in FIG. 1B) is the same as the length Y (420 mm) of the original image 100. Similarly, the distance between the two reference lines at both ends of the recording medium in the cross-transport direction (e.g., reference lines L5 and L6 shown in FIG. 1B) is the same as the width X (297 mm) of the original image 100.

[0018] The adjustment chart 101 shown in FIG. 1(b) is an adjustment chart generated when the user mistakenly sets the length Y (420 mm) of the original image 100 to "430 mm" when setting the cutting position for dividing the original into two sheets. Therefore, on the adjustment chart 101, the distance between the reference line L1 and the reference line L4 is "430 mm." The length of the recording medium in the transport direction on the adjustment chart 101 is, for example, "450 mm." Because the length of the original image mistakenly set by the user is longer than the actual length of the original image, the reference lines L2 to L4 are shifted from the desired cutting position to the rear end of the recording medium in the transport direction. Furthermore, due to the shift of the reference lines L2 to L4, the adjustment lines provided for each of the reference lines L2 to L4 are also shifted.

[0019] However, it is difficult to determine the misalignment of the reference lines and adjustment lines described above because only the reference lines and adjustment lines are drawn on the adjustment chart 101. Therefore, when a user checks the adjustment chart 101 shown in FIG. 1(b), there is a high possibility that the user will not recognize the misalignment of the reference lines and will simply use the adjustment chart 101 to adjust the cutting position.

[0020] The printed material 102 shown in FIG. 1(c) is a print of the original image 100 after the cutting position has been adjusted using the adjustment chart 101. The printed material 102 shows cutting positions D1 to D6 adjusted based on the reference lines L1 to L6 shown in FIG. 1(b). That is, in the two-sheet division process, the printed material 102 is cut at the cutting positions D1 to D6. Note that because the reference lines L2 to L4 are shifted from the desired cutting positions toward the rear end of the recording medium in the conveyance direction, the cutting positions D2 to D4 corresponding to the reference lines L2 to L4 are also shifted from the desired cutting positions toward the rear end of the recording medium in the conveyance direction. When the user views the finished product after the printed material 102 has been divided into two sheets, it is only when the user can discover the error in the setting of the cutting positions that the cutting positions were incorrect. Note that the cutting positions D1 to D6 are not actually displayed.

[0021] As described above, it is difficult for a user to detect a setting error in the post-processing position from an adjustment chart such as adjustment chart 101, i.e., an adjustment chart on which only a reference line indicating the post-processing position is drawn. Therefore, if a setting error in the post-processing position occurs, all adjustments of the post-processing position using such an adjustment chart will be wasted. Note that the possibility of a setting error in the post-processing position increases when, for example, there are many cutting positions, such as when cutting business cards on all four sides, or when there are many setting items, such as printing settings that must be adjusted to match the post-processing position. In cases where such setting errors are likely to occur, adjustments using an adjustment chart on which only a reference line is drawn cannot provide a sense of security to the user.

[0022] [Post-processing position adjustment problem due to the influence of print image density] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the problem of adjusting the post-processing position due to the influence of the density of the printed image. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of adding a fold to a printed material. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram illustrating a scanned image of the printed material to be added with a fold. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram illustrating the fold position set for the printed material. FIG. 2(c) is a diagram illustrating a composite image of the scanned image of the printed material and an image showing the fold position set for the printed material.

[0023] Scanned image 200 of the printed material shown in Figure 2(a) includes white image portions P21, P23, and P25, hatched image portion P22, and black image portion P24. Image 201 shown in Figure 2(b) is the same size as scanned image 200 of the printed material shown in Figure 2(a), and shows fold positions F1 to F3 that were set for the printed material that was the source of scanned image 200.

[0024] A technique has been disclosed in which a composite image of a scanned image of a printed matter and an image indicating the fold positions is displayed on a preview screen in order to confirm or adjust the fold positions when folding a printed matter. For example, in this technique, when confirming or adjusting the processing positions for folding the printed matter of scanned image 200 shown in Fig. 2(a) at fold positions F1 to F3 shown in Fig. 2(b), a composite image of scanned image 200 and an image indicating fold positions F1 to F3 is generated and displayed on the preview screen.

[0025] Image 202 shown in FIG. 2(c) is a composite image of scanned image 200 shown in FIG. 2(a) and an image showing fold positions F1-F3 shown in FIG. 2(b). Reference lines FF1-FF3 indicate fold positions F1-F3, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2(c), in image 202, reference lines FF1-FF3 are displayed superimposed on hatched image portion P22, white image portion P23, and black image portion P24, respectively. Because the density of black image portion P24 is high, reference line FF3 displayed superimposed on this image portion is not visible. Furthermore, because the image of hatched image portion P22 is complex, reference line FF1 displayed superimposed on this image portion is difficult to see. Note that the above-described problem also exists, for example, when image 202 is printed on a recording medium rather than displayed as a preview image.

[0026] Therefore, as described above, when checking or adjusting the post-processing position using a composite image of a scanned image of the printed material and an image indicating the post-processing position, the image indicating the post-processing position may not be clearly visible due to the influence of the density, complexity, etc. of the printed image, which may result in problems such as incorrect setting of the post-processing position or inability to determine the misalignment of the post-processing position.

[0027] [Configuration of image forming device] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a multi-function peripheral (MFP) equipped with multiple functions, such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a network function, a box function, and a post-processing function. As shown in Fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printing device unit 10, a post-processing unit 20, an operation display unit 30, and a control unit 40 (see Fig. 4 described later) that controls the operation of these components described below. In the image forming apparatus 1, the printing device unit 10 and the post-processing unit 20 are connected in this order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium.

[0029] The printing device unit 10 is an example of an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium by, for example, electrophotography. The printing device unit 10 is composed of components necessary for image formation and prints the image on a recording medium specified in a print job. Specifically, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photosensitive drum charged by a charging device with light corresponding to the image from an exposure device, and then a developing device develops the image by attaching charged toner to the photosensitive drum. The toner image is then primarily transferred to a transfer belt, and then secondarily transferred from the transfer belt to a recording medium, and the toner image on the recording medium is then fixed by a fixing device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the user sets the post-processing position for each print job, for example, on a post-processing position setting screen (not shown) displayed on the operation and display unit 30. The user also sets the adjustment chart setting information, which will be described later, on an adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later. When the user wants to check or adjust the post-processing position for a specific print job, the user uses the operation and display unit 30 to activate the post-processing position adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0031] The post-processing position adjustment mode is an operating mode of the image forming apparatus 1 that is enabled before actual printing when adjusting the post-processing position. In the post-processing position adjustment mode, the printing unit 10 generates an adjustment chart for adjusting the post-processing position based on the set post-processing position information and the adjustment chart setting information described below, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 (described later), and prints the generated adjustment chart on a recording medium. Here, the printing unit 10 can generate an adjustment chart by combining a printed image with increased transparency and a reference line. The user checks whether or not the post-processing position is misaligned using the printed adjustment chart. If there is a misalignment in the post-processing position, the user fine-tunes the post-processing position on a post-processing position adjustment screen (not shown).

[0032] In the printing device section 10, the recording medium on which the image is formed, including the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is printed, is discharged to the post-processing section 20.

[0033] The post-processing unit 20 performs post-processing on the recording medium ejected from the printing device unit 10 at a set post-processing position. If "Yes" is set in the post-processing execution setting section U16 of the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later, the post-processing unit 20 performs the set post-processing on the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is printed. On the other hand, if "No" is set in the post-processing execution setting section U16 of the adjustment chart setting screen U1, which will be described later, the post-processing unit 20 ejects the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is printed to the ejection tray without performing post-processing on it. If the user adjusts the post-processing position on the post-processing position adjustment screen, the post-processing unit 20 performs post-processing at the adjusted post-processing position in accordance with instructions from the control unit 40, which will be described later. The recording medium on which post-processing has been performed is ejected to the ejection tray.

[0034] The operation display unit 30 is composed of a display unit consisting of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and an operation unit including various operation keys, touch sensors, etc. that can accept instructions, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. from the user. The display unit and a part of the operation unit (touch sensors) are integrally configured as, for example, a touch panel. The operation display unit 30 generates operation signals that represent the content of operations input by the user to the operation unit, and supplies these operation signals to a control unit 40, which will be described later. Furthermore, the operation display unit 30 displays various operation setting screens, user setting information, etc. on the display unit based on display signals supplied from the control unit 40, which will be described later.

[0035] The display unit of the operation display unit 30 displays, for example, a post-processing position setting screen (not shown), an adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5 (described later), and a post-processing position adjustment screen (not shown). The post-processing position setting screen and post-processing position adjustment screen operated by the user may each be configured to be provided for each type of post-processing, or may be configured so that the processing positions for all types of post-processing can be set or adjusted on a single screen. The operation unit may also be configured as a mouse, tablet, or the like, and configured separately from the display unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, the operation display unit 30 has, as its functional components, a post-processing setting unit 31 and a post-processing position adjustment unit 32, as shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later.

[0037] The post-processing setting unit 31 displays, for example, a post-processing position setting screen on the display unit, which allows the user to set information regarding the processing position of post-processing to be performed on the recording medium, and an adjustment chart setting screen U1, which will be described later. The post-processing setting unit 31 also supplies setting information input by the user via the operation unit on the post-processing position setting screen and the adjustment chart setting screen U1, which will be described later, to the control unit 40, which will be described later.

[0038] The post-processing position adjustment unit 32, for example, displays a post-processing position adjustment screen on the display unit, which allows the processing position of post-processing to be adjusted, and supplies setting information input by the user on the post-processing position adjustment screen via the operation unit to the control unit 40 described below.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 includes not only the various components described in Fig. 1 but also a control unit 40, a storage unit 50, and a communication unit 60. A bus 70 electrically connects the components together and is a signal path through which signals are input and output between the components.

[0040] The control unit 40 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43. The control unit 40 performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 40 is described as an independent component, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 40 may be included inside the printing device unit 10.

[0041] The CPU 41 controls the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the CPU 41 controls the process of forming an image on a recording medium, the process of generating an adjustment chart (described later), etc. in the printing device unit 10. The CPU 41 also controls the post-processing unit 20 to perform specified post-processing on the recording medium on which the image has been formed.

[0042] The ROM 42 is configured by a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory, and stores programs and data that the CPU 41 executes and references.

[0043] The RAM 43 is configured by a storage medium such as a volatile memory, and temporarily stores information (data) necessary for each process performed by the CPU 41.

[0044] The storage unit 50 is configured as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium storing a program executed by the CPU 41, and is configured as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 50 stores programs for the CPU 41 to control various components, an OS (Operating System), controller programs, and other data. The storage unit 50 also stores information on post-processing positions set on a post-processing position setting screen (not shown) and adjustment chart setting information (described below) set on an adjustment chart setting screen U1 (described below). Some of the programs and data stored in the storage unit 50 may be stored in the ROM 42. The computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium storing the program executed by the CPU 41 is not limited to an HDD and may be, for example, a solid-state drive (SSD), a compact disc (CD)-ROM, a digital versatile disc (DVD)-ROM, or other recording medium.

[0045] The communication unit 60 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and establishes a connection with an external information processing device (not shown), such as a PC (Personal Computer) terminal or a tablet, and transmits and receives various data, such as print jobs, from the external information processing device.

[0046] [Example of the adjustment chart setting screen] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an adjustment chart setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the adjustment chart setting screen U1 includes a print image transparency setting section U11, a print image color setting section U12, a reference line color setting section U13, an adjustment line color setting section U14, a reference line thickness setting section U15, a post-processing execution setting section U16, an “OK” button U17, and a “Cancel” button U18, all of which are user-operated. The configuration of the adjustment chart setting screen U1 is not limited to these. For example, additional settings, such as a section for setting the drawing style of the reference line (e.g., solid or dashed), a section for setting the adjustment line thickness, and the like, may be provided as needed. Furthermore, the adjustment chart setting screen U1 is displayed by the post-processing setting unit 31, and various information data entered on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 is supplied to the control unit 40 by the post-processing setting unit 31. Therefore, the post-processing setting unit 31 has a function for setting various information data entered on the adjustment chart setting screen U1.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the name of the adjustment chart setting screen U1, "Adjustment Chart Setting Screen," is displayed at the top of the screen. Below the name of the screen, a print image transparency setting section U11, a print image color setting section U12, a reference line color setting section U13, an adjustment line color setting section U14, a reference line thickness setting section U15, and a post-processing execution setting section U16 are displayed in this order from top to bottom. Additionally, an "OK" button U17 and a "Cancel" button U18 are displayed side by side at the bottom of the adjustment chart setting screen U1. Each of the various setting sections (U11 to U16) is composed of the name of a setting item and an input section for a setting value. The input section for a setting value is composed of, for example, a text box into which a setting value can be input.

[0048] The print image transparency setting unit U11 is a functional unit for setting the transparency of the print image, and the transparency setting value is in units of "%." In the example shown in FIG. 5, a setting value of "50"% is input to the input unit of the print image transparency setting unit U11. By providing the print image transparency setting unit U11, for example, by appropriately increasing the transparency of the print image, even reference lines that overlap with areas of high complexity or high density of the print image can be clearly seen. The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set the transparency of the print image in the adjustment chart input from the print image transparency setting unit U11.

[0049] The print image color setting unit U12 is a functional unit for setting whether the print image is to be drawn in color or monochrome. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the setting value "monochrome" is input to the input unit of the print image color setting unit U12. The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set the color of the print image in the adjustment chart input from the print image color setting unit U12.

[0050] The reference line color setting unit U13 is a functional unit for setting the drawing color of the reference line. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a setting value of "red" is input to the input unit of the reference line color setting unit U13. By providing the reference line color setting unit U13, for example, when the print image is printed in monochrome, the reference line can be made clearer on the adjustment chart by setting the drawing color of the reference line to "red." The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set the drawing color of the reference line on the adjustment chart input from the reference line color setting unit U13. Here, when the color of the print image is set to monochrome, the printing device unit 10 draws the reference line with the drawing color set to color. Furthermore, when the color of the print image is set to color, the printing device unit 10 draws the reference line with the drawing color set to black.

[0051] The adjustment line color setting unit U14 is a functional unit for setting the drawing color of the adjustment line. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the setting value "black" is input to the input unit of the adjustment line color setting unit U14. By providing the adjustment line color setting unit U14, the drawing color of the adjustment line can be set so as to be distinguishable from the drawing color of the reference line. The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set the drawing color of the adjustment line in the adjustment chart input from the adjustment line color setting unit U14.

[0052] The reference line thickness setting unit U15 is a functional unit for setting the thickness of the reference line, and the unit of the set value of the reference line thickness is "pt." In the example shown in FIG. 5, a set value of "5" pt is input into the input unit of the reference line thickness setting unit U15. By providing the reference line thickness setting unit U15, the thickness of the reference line can be increased, thereby making the reference line clearer on the adjustment chart. The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set the thickness of the reference line in the adjustment chart input from the reference line thickness setting unit U15.

[0053] The post-processing execution setting unit U16 is a functional unit for setting whether or not to perform post-processing on a recording medium on which an adjustment chart is printed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the setting value "No" is input into the input unit of the post-processing execution setting unit U16. By providing the post-processing execution setting unit U16, for example, it is possible to not perform post-processing on a recording medium on which an adjustment chart is printed, and to check whether or not there is a misalignment in the post-processing position based on the relative position between the reference line on the printed adjustment chart and the printed image. The post-processing setting unit 31 can then set whether or not to perform post-processing on a recording medium on which an adjustment chart input from the post-processing execution setting unit U16 has been formed.

[0054] The "OK" button U17 is a user interface that is operated by the user when reflecting the various setting values ​​input in the various setting sections (U11 to U16) in the adjustment chart. After the user inputs the respective setting values ​​in the various setting sections, when the user performs a predetermined operation, such as pressing the "OK" button U17, using the operation section of the operation display section 30, the various setting values ​​set in the adjustment chart setting screen U1 are output to and saved in the storage section 50 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0055] The "Cancel" button U18 is a user interface that is operated by the user when the user does not want the various setting values ​​input in the various setting sections (U11 to U16) to be reflected in the adjustment chart. After the user inputs the respective setting values ​​in the various setting sections, when the user performs a predetermined operation, such as pressing the "Cancel" button U18 using the operation section of the operation display section 30, the various setting values ​​set on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 are cleared.

[0056] Hereinafter, the various setting values ​​set in the various setting sections (U11 to U16) of the adjustment chart setting screen U1, i.e., print image transparency, print image color, reference line color, adjustment line color, reference line thickness, and setting information on whether or not to perform post-processing, will be collectively referred to as “adjustment chart setting information.” Note that the adjustment chart setting information set on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 may be set commonly for all print jobs, or may be set for each print job.

[0057] [Adjustment chart configuration example] Next, an example of the configuration of an adjustment chart generated by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an adjustment chart generated by the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 6 will be described using the same process as the two-sheet division process for a recording medium on which an original image 100 is printed, as described in FIG. 1. Therefore, the size of the adjustment chart 300 shown in FIG. 6, the two parts to be divided, the reference line for the cutting position, and the adjustment line are the same as the size of the adjustment chart 101 shown in FIG. 1(b), the two parts to be divided, the reference line for the cutting position, and the adjustment line, respectively, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The printed image shown in FIG. 6 is the original image 100 shown in FIG. 1(a) with increased transparency. The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an adjustment chart generated when the user mistakenly set the length Y (420 mm) of the original image 100 to "430 mm" when setting the cutting position for the two-sheet division, similar to the two-sheet division process described in FIG. 1.

[0058] The printing device unit 10 draws a predetermined number of adjustment lines parallel to the reference lines at positions a predetermined distance from the reference lines on the adjustment chart 300. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the adjustment chart 300 is composed of a printed image with increased transparency, reference lines L1 to L6 drawn as straight lines and indicating the cutting positions for dividing the sheet into two, and three adjustment lines at a predetermined distance from each reference line and parallel to each reference line for each of the two parts P1 and P2 divided by the six reference lines L1 to L6.

[0059] For example, from the positional relationship between reference line L4 and the printed image included in part P2 in adjustment chart 300, it is immediately clear that reference line L4 is deviated from the desired cutting position, i.e., from the trailing end of the printed image included in part P2 in the conveying direction of the recording medium. Also, for example, because reference line L3 is drawn superimposed on the printed image included in part P2, it is immediately clear that reference line L3 is deviated from the desired cutting position.

[0060] That is, the adjustment chart generated by the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is drawn with a reference line indicating the post-processing position and a printed image, so the user can immediately determine whether there is a deviation in the reference position from the relative position of the reference line on the adjustment chart and the printed image, and can set the post-processing position correctly. Also, the printed image drawn on the adjustment chart generated by the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment has increased transparency, so even the reference lines and adjustment lines (e.g., reference line L3 and adjustment lines L31 to L33) that overlap with high-density parts of the printed image are clearly visible.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a comparison between an adjustment chart before and after increasing the transparency of a print image in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a process similar to the two-sheet cutting process for a recording medium on which a print image has been formed, as described in FIG. 6. The adjustment chart shown in FIG. 7 is configured similarly to the adjustment chart 300 shown in FIG. 6, and each component is assigned the same reference numeral as the reference numeral of the adjustment chart 300, so duplicated explanations of the reference numerals will be omitted. The adjustment chart shown in FIG. 7 is generated when the user correctly sets the cutting position for two-sheet cutting. Therefore, the reference lines for each cutting position shown in FIG. 7 are not shifted from their desired positions. FIG. 7(a) illustrates an adjustment chart before increasing the transparency of a print image. FIG. 7(b) illustrates an adjustment chart after increasing the transparency of a print image.

[0062] FIG. 7(a) shows an adjustment chart 400 that is generated when, for example, the input section of the print image transparency setting section U11, the input section of the print image color setting section U12, the input section of the reference line color setting section U13, the input section of the adjustment line color setting section U14, the input section of the reference line thickness setting section U15, and the input section of the post-processing execution setting section U16 are set to "50"%.

[0063] FIG. 7(b) shows an adjustment chart 401 generated when, for example, the setting value of the print image transparency setting section U11 on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5 is changed from 50% as described in FIG. 7(a) to 80% and the setting values ​​of the other setting sections (U12 to U16) are set to the same as those described in FIG. 7(a).

[0064] 7(a) and 7(b), it can be seen that the reference lines and adjustment lines on the adjustment chart 401 are clearer than the reference lines and adjustment lines on the adjustment chart 401. In other words, by increasing the transparency of the print image, it is possible to increase the visibility of the reference lines and adjustment lines at the post-processing position. Therefore, by appropriately increasing the transparency of the print image in accordance with the complexity, density, etc. of the print image on the adjustment chart setting screen U1, it is possible to make the reference lines and adjustment lines drawn superimposed on the print image in the adjustment chart clearly visible.

[0065] Furthermore, as explained in Fig. 7(a), when the color of the print image is set to monochrome, the visibility of the reference line in the adjustment chart can be increased by, for example, changing the setting value of the reference line color setting section U13 from "black" to "red" on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in Fig. 5. Note that the setting value of the reference line color setting section U13 is not limited to "black" and "red" and can be changed to any color.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between an adjustment chart before and after changing the thickness of the reference line indicating the post-processing position in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The example illustrated in FIG. 8 illustrates a process similar to the two-sheet cutting process for a recording medium on which a print image has been formed, as described in FIG. 6. The adjustment chart illustrated in FIG. 8 is configured similarly to the adjustment chart 300 illustrated in FIG. 6, and each component is assigned the same reference numeral as the corresponding component of the adjustment chart 300, so duplicated explanations of the reference numerals will be omitted. The adjustment chart illustrated in FIG. 8 is generated when the user correctly sets the cutting position for two-sheet cutting. Therefore, the reference lines for each cutting position illustrated in FIG. 8 are not shifted from their desired positions. FIG. 8(a) illustrates an adjustment chart before changing the thickness of the reference line indicating the post-processing position. FIG. 8(b) illustrates an adjustment chart after changing the thickness of the reference line indicating the post-processing position.

[0067] The adjustment chart 500 shown in FIG. 8(a) is an adjustment chart generated when, for example, the following settings are made in the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5: "80"% is set in the input section of the print image transparency setting section U11, "monochrome" is set in the input section of the print image color setting section U12, "black" is set in the input section of the reference line color setting section U13, "black" is set in the input section of the adjustment line color setting section U14, "1" pt is set in the input section of the reference line thickness setting section U15, and "no" is set in the input section of the post-processing execution setting section U16.

[0068] The adjustment chart 501 shown in FIG. 8(b) is an adjustment chart generated when, for example, on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5, the setting value of the reference line thickness setting section U15 is changed from “1” pt described in FIG. 8(a) to “5” pt, and the setting values ​​of the other setting sections (U11 to U14, U16) are set to the same as those described in FIG. 8(a).

[0069] 8(a) and the adjustment chart 501 shown in FIG. 8(b), it can be seen that the reference lines on the adjustment chart 501 are clearer and easier to distinguish from the adjustment lines than the reference lines on the adjustment chart 500. In other words, by increasing the thickness of the reference lines at the post-processing positions, it becomes easier to distinguish the reference lines from the adjustment lines, and the visibility of the reference lines can be increased.

[0070] 5, for example, if a setting section for setting the drawing style of the reference line is provided, the reference line can be easily distinguished from the adjustment line and the visibility of the reference line can be increased by changing the drawing style of the reference line (solid line, dashed line, etc.).The post-processing setting section 31 can set the drawing style of the reference line in the adjustment chart input from the operation section.

[0071] In addition, the post-processing setting unit 31 according to this embodiment is not limited to changing the characteristics of the reference line at the post-processing position, such as the color, thickness, drawing style, etc., but can also arbitrarily change the characteristics of the adjustment line so that it is easier to distinguish from the reference line.

[0072] [Adjustment chart generation process procedure] Next, a description will be given of the adjustment chart generation process performed in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the adjustment chart generation process performed in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0073] When a user wants to check or adjust the post-processing position of post-processing to be performed for a specific print job, the user uses the operation display unit 30 to activate the post-processing position adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus 1. When the post-processing position adjustment mode is activated, the adjustment chart generation process described below starts. Note that the adjustment chart generation process described below is executed for each print job.

[0074] First, the CPU 41 of the image forming apparatus 1 acquires information on the post-processing position and adjustment chart setting information (step S1). In this process, the CPU 41 acquires, from the storage unit 50, information on the post-processing position set by the user on the post-processing position setting screen and adjustment chart setting information set by the user on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG.

[0075] Next, the communication unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 receives information about the print job for which the post-processing position is to be adjusted from the external information processing apparatus (step S2). In this process, the CPU 41 also acquires a print image from the received print job information.

[0076] Next, the CPU 41 converts the transparency of the print image based on the setting information for the transparency of the print image included in the adjustment chart setting information, i.e., the setting value of the print image transparency setting section U11 of the adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in FIG. 5 (step S3).

[0077] Next, the CPU 41 converts the color of the print image based on the print image color setting information included in the adjustment chart setting information, that is, the setting value of the print image color setting section U12 (step S4).

[0078] Next, the CPU 41 draws the reference line based on the setting information of the reference line color and the reference line thickness included in the adjustment chart setting information, that is, the setting values ​​of the reference line color setting section U13 and the reference line thickness setting section U15 (step S5).

[0079] Next, the CPU 41 draws the adjustment lines based on the setting information for the adjustment line color included in the adjustment chart setting information, that is, the setting value of the adjustment line color setting section U14 (step S6).

[0080] Next, the CPU 41 combines the print image after the conversion of the transparency and color with the drawn reference lines and adjustment lines, and generates the combined image as an adjustment chart (step S7).

[0081] Next, the CPU 41 controls the printing device unit 10 to print the generated adjustment chart on a recording medium specified in the print job (step S8).

[0082] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to perform post-processing on the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is printed (step S9).

[0083] In the process of step S9, if the setting value of the post-processing execution setting section U16 of the adjustment chart setting screen U1 included in the adjustment chart setting information is "No," the CPU 41 ends the adjustment chart generation process.

[0084] On the other hand, in the processing of step S9, if the setting value of the post-processing execution setting section U16 included in the adjustment chart setting information is "Yes", the CPU 41 controls the post-processing section 20 to perform post-processing on the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is printed (step S10).

[0085] If it is determined in the process of step S9 that post-processing is not to be performed, or after the process of step S10, the CPU 41 ends the adjustment chart generation process.

[0086] After the adjustment chart generation process is executed, the user checks the adjustment chart printed in step S8. If the user can confirm from the adjustment chart that the set post-processing position matches the desired position, the user instructs the printer to continue executing post-processing using the set post-processing position. On the other hand, if the user can confirm from the adjustment chart that the set post-processing position does not match the desired position, the user adjusts the post-processing position via the post-processing position adjustment unit 32. After adjusting the post-processing position, the user executes the adjustment chart generation process again and checks the printed adjustment chart.

[0087] [effect] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, an adjustment chart is generated by combining a printed image with increased transparency, a reference line indicating the post-processing position, and an adjustment line set relative to the reference line. With this adjustment chart, errors in setting the post-processing position can be easily identified based on the relative position between the actual printed image and the reference line, allowing the post-processing position to be set correctly. Furthermore, with this adjustment chart, because the transparency of the printed image is increased, the reference line is clearly visible, regardless of the density, complexity, etc., of the printed image.

[0088] <Various modified examples> The image forming apparatus 1 and the adjustment chart generating method according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various other modified embodiments can be adopted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0089] [Variation 1] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation display unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 displays a post-processing position setting screen, an adjustment chart setting screen U1, a post-processing position adjustment screen (not shown), and an adjustment chart generated by the printing unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the post-processing position setting screen, the adjustment chart setting screen U1, the post-processing position adjustment screen (not shown), and the adjustment chart generated by the printing unit 10 may be displayed on the display screen of an information processing device such as a PC terminal or tablet terminal connected to the printing unit 10 via a network.

[0090] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to Modification 1. As shown in Fig. 10, an information processing device 80 is connected to a printing device unit 10 of an image forming device 1 via a network. The information processing device 80 includes an operation display unit 81, a control unit 82, a storage unit 83, and a communication unit 84. A bus 85 electrically connects the components together and is a signal path through which signals are input and output between the components.

[0091] The operation display unit 81 is composed of a display unit consisting of a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL display, and an operation unit including various operation keys, touch sensors, etc. that can accept instructions, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. from the user. The display unit and operation unit may be integrated into one unit, for example, a touch panel, or the operation unit may be composed of a mouse, keyboard, etc. and configured separately from the display unit. The operation display unit 81 generates operation signals that represent the content of operations input by the user to the operation unit, and supplies the operation signals to a control unit 82, which will be described later. Based on the display signals supplied from the control unit 82, the operation display unit 81 displays various operation setting screens, user setting information, etc. on the display unit.

[0092] The display unit of the operation display unit 81 is capable of displaying a post-processing position setting screen (not shown), an adjustment chart setting screen U1 shown in Fig. 5, a post-processing position adjustment screen (not shown), and an adjustment chart, and has, as functional components, a post-processing setting unit 811 and a post-processing position adjustment unit 812. The post-processing setting unit 811 and the post-processing position adjustment unit 812 have the same functions as the post-processing setting unit 31 and the post-processing position adjustment unit 32 shown in Fig. 4, respectively, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0093] The control unit 82 includes a CPU 821, a ROM 822, and a RAM 823. The control unit 82 is configured by, for example, a microprocessor, and performs overall control of the information processing device 80.

[0094] The CPU 821 controls the operation of each unit within the information processing device 80. For example, the CPU 821 controls the communication unit 84 to transmit information about the post-processing position set on the post-processing position setting screen and adjustment chart setting information set on the adjustment chart setting screen U1 to the printing unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 821 also controls the communication unit 84 to receive, from the printing unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, a composite image of the print image and a reference line indicating the post-processing position, generated by the printing unit 10, as an adjustment chart for adjusting the post-processing position.

[0095] The ROM 822 is configured by a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory, and stores programs and data that the CPU 821 executes and references.

[0096] The RAM 823 is configured by a storage medium such as a volatile memory, and temporarily stores information (data) necessary for each process performed by the CPU 821.

[0097] The storage unit 83 is configured as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium storing a program executed by the CPU 821, and is configured as a storage device such as an HDD. The storage unit 83 stores programs for the CPU 821 to control each unit, an OS, programs for a controller, and data. The storage unit 83 also stores information about the post-processing position set on a post-processing position setting screen (not shown), adjustment chart setting information set on an adjustment chart setting screen U1, and adjustment charts received from the printing unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that some of the programs and data stored in the storage unit 83 may be stored in the ROM 822. Note that the computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium storing the program executed by the CPU 821 is not limited to an HDD and may be, for example, an SSD, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or other recording medium.

[0098] The communication unit 84 is configured with, for example, a NIC, a modem, etc., and establishes a connection with the printing unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 and transmits and receives various data to and from the printing unit 10. The communication unit 84 transmits information regarding the processing position of post-processing set by the post-processing setting unit 811 to the printing unit 10, and receives a composite image generated by the printing unit 10 as an adjustment chart for adjusting the processing position of post-processing. The adjustment chart received by the communication unit 84 is displayed on the display unit of the operation display unit 81.

[0099] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, a configuration example in which post-processing unit 20 is provided inside image forming apparatus 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, post-processing unit 20 may be provided outside image forming apparatus 1. In this case, post-processing unit 20 is connected to image forming apparatus 1.

[0100] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the adjustment chart generation process is performed by the CPU 41 of the image forming apparatus 1, that is, an example in which the adjustment chart generation function is provided inside the image forming apparatus 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the adjustment chart generation function may be provided on the cloud. In this case, a user accesses the cloud using an information processing device such as a PC terminal or tablet terminal, inputs adjustment chart setting information on the cloud, and checks the generated adjustment chart. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1...image forming apparatus, 10...printing device unit, 20...post-processing unit, 30,81...operation display unit, 31,811...post-processing setting unit, 32,812...post-processing position adjustment unit, 40,82...control unit, 41,821...CPU, 42,822...ROM, 43,823...RAM, 50,83...storage unit, 60,84...communication unit, 80...information processing device, U11...print image transparency setting unit, U12...print image color setting unit, U13...reference line color setting unit, U14...adjustment line color setting unit, U15...reference line thickness setting unit, U16...post-processing execution setting unit, 300,400,401,500,501...adjustment chart

Claims

1. a printing device unit for forming a print image on a recording medium; a post-processing setting unit that can set information regarding a processing position for post-processing to be performed on the recording medium on which the print image is formed, The printing device generates a composite image of the print image with increased transparency and a reference line indicating the processing position of the post-processing as an adjustment chart for adjusting the processing position of the post-processing, and draws a predetermined number of adjustment lines having lengths equivalent to the reference lines at positions on the adjustment chart that are parallel to the reference lines and spaced a predetermined distance inward from the reference lines. Image forming device.

2. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting the transparency of the print image in the adjustment chart. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting the color of the print image in the adjustment chart.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting a drawing color of the reference line in the adjustment chart. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. When the color of the print image is set to monochrome, the printing device draws the reference line with the drawing color set to color. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. When the color of the print image is set to color, the printing device draws the reference line with the drawing color set to black. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

7. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting the thickness of the reference line in the adjustment chart. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting a drawing mode of the reference line on the adjustment chart. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting a drawing color of the adjustment line in the adjustment chart. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. The post-processing setting unit is capable of setting whether or not to execute the post-processing on the recording medium on which the adjustment chart is formed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a post-processing position adjustment unit that can adjust the processing position of the post-processing The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. an information processing device connected to a printing device unit that forms a print image on a recording medium, the information processing device drawing a predetermined number of adjustment lines having lengths equivalent to a reference line in an adjustment chart for adjusting a processing position of a post-processing process at positions parallel to the reference line and spaced a predetermined distance inward from the reference line; a post-processing setting unit that can set information regarding a processing position for post-processing to be performed on the recording medium on which the print image is formed, transmits information about the processing position of the post-processing set by the post-processing setting unit to the printing device unit, and receives, as an adjustment chart, a composite image of the print image with increased transparency and the reference line, which is generated by the printing device unit; Information processing device.

13. 1. An adjustment chart generating method for an image forming apparatus including a printing device unit that forms a print image on a recording medium, and a post-processing setting unit that can set information regarding a processing position of post-processing that is performed on the recording medium on which the print image has been formed, comprising: The printing device generates a composite image of the print image with increased transparency and a reference line indicating the processing position of the post-processing as an adjustment chart for adjusting the processing position of the post-processing, and draws a predetermined number of adjustment lines having lengths equivalent to the reference lines at positions on the adjustment chart that are parallel to the reference lines and spaced a predetermined distance inward from the reference lines. How to generate a calibration chart.

14. An adjustment chart generation program to be implemented and executed in an image forming apparatus including a printing device unit that forms a print image on a recording medium and a post-processing setting unit that can set information regarding a processing position of post-processing to be performed on the recording medium on which the print image has been formed, A composite image of the print image with increased transparency and a reference line indicating the processing position of the post-processing is generated as an adjustment chart for adjusting the processing position of the post-processing, and a process is performed in which a predetermined number of adjustment lines having lengths equivalent to the reference line are drawn on the adjustment chart at positions parallel to the reference line and spaced a predetermined distance inward from the reference line. Adjustment chart generator.

Images