Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To adjust a print mechanism appropriately depending on the use environment (temperature, humidity).SOLUTION: A compound machine 1 comprises: a scanner mechanism 12; an ink jet print mechanism 15; a display mechanism 14; and a controller 11 for controlling the scanner mechanism 12, the print mechanism 15, and the display mechanism 14. The controller 11 comprises: a pattern storage unit 118 for associating a temperature T, a humidity H, an adjustment pattern group PG composed of a plurality of adjustment patterns and storing them; a first acquisition unit 111 for acquiring a first actual temperature TR1 and a first actual humidity HR1 from a temperature humidity sensor ST; and a data generation unit 112 for reading out an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first actual temperature TR1 and the first actual humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 from the pattern storage unit 118, and generating print data DP which includes the read adjustment pattern group PG.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method for the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that scans a test pattern that has been divided into two and printed, and corrects the printing conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-171667 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the printing device described in Patent Document 1, when a user uses an adjustment pattern to adjust parameters such as the color tone of the printing of the printing device, it is necessary to print an adjustment pattern that matches the usage environment (temperature, humidity) at that time. However, there is a limit to the number of adjustment patterns that can be printed on one sheet of paper. It is also difficult for users to visually determine which of the printed adjustment patterns is appropriate for their usage environment. These factors can make it difficult to properly adjust the printing mechanism to suit the usage environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problems includes a scanner mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes a pattern memory unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns, a first acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor, and a data generation unit that reads out from the pattern memory unit the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit, and generates print data including the read adjustment pattern group.

[0006] Another aspect of the method for controlling an image forming device that solves the above problem is an image forming device that includes a scanner mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism. The control unit includes a pattern memory unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns, and executes an acquisition step of acquiring an actual measured temperature and humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor, and a data generation step of reading from the pattern memory unit an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the actual measured temperature and humidity acquired in the acquisition step, and generating print data including the read adjustment pattern group. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a printing mechanism. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first table. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second table. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of an adjustment sheet and an adjustment pattern group. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of an adjustment sheet and an adjustment pattern group. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of an adjustment sheet and an adjustment pattern group. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of an adjustment sheet and an adjustment pattern group. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] The following describes a multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment. The multifunction device 1 corresponds to an example of an “image forming device.” The multifunction device 1 is a device that prints images such as characters and figures on a printing medium M such as printing paper. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 11, a scanner mechanism 12, an input mechanism 13, a display mechanism 14, a printing mechanism 15, an ink supply unit 16, a printing medium storage unit 17, and a temperature and humidity sensor ST.

[0010] The control unit 11 includes a processor 11A such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 11B such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls each part of the multifunction device 1. The memory 11B stores a control program PGM. The memory 11B may also include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). In the control unit 11, the processor 11A reads out the control program PGM stored in the memory 11B and executes the processing. In other words, the control unit 11 executes the processing by cooperation of hardware and software.

[0011] The processor 11A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured such that multiple processors function as the processor 11A.

[0012] In this embodiment, the processor 11A executes the control program PGM to control each unit of the multifunction peripheral 1, but is not limited to this. The control unit 11 may be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The ASIC may execute processing based on implemented functions. The control unit 11 may also be, for example, a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit may execute processing by performing signal processing.

[0013] The scanner mechanism 12 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and reads an image printed on a printing medium M such as printing paper, and generates image data. In this embodiment, the scanner mechanism 12 reads the adjustment pattern group PG shown in Figures 5 and 6 and generates an adjustment image group QG. The scanner mechanism 12 also reads the code CD shown in Figures 5 and 6 and generates a code image QC.

[0014] The input mechanism 13 includes input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided on the multifunction device 1, detects user operations on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 executes processing corresponding to the user operation based on the input signal from the input mechanism 13.

[0015] The display mechanism 14 includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), a display panel, etc., and, under the control of the control unit 11, turns on, turns off, and blinks the LEDs in a predetermined manner, displays information on the display panel, etc.

[0016] The printing mechanism 15 prints images such as characters and figures on a printing medium M such as printing paper using ink under the control of the control unit 11. The printing mechanism 15 includes a print head 151, a carriage 152, a scanning motor 153, and a transport motor 154 as components related to printing. The print head 151 is of an inkjet type and ejects ink supplied from the ink supply unit 16 toward the print medium M. A carriage 152 carries the print head 151 and scans in a main scanning direction X that intersects with a sub-scanning direction Y. The sub-scanning direction Y indicates the transport direction of the print medium M. A scan motor 153 scans the carriage 152 in the main scanning direction X. A transport motor 154 transports the print medium M in the transport direction, i.e., the sub-scanning direction Y. Printing mechanism 15 is further described with reference to FIG.

[0017] The ink supply unit 16 houses an ink tank that stores ink, and supplies ink from the ink tank to the print head 151 of the printing mechanism 15. The ink supplied by the ink supply unit 16 to the print head 151 is, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink.

[0018] The print medium storage unit 17 is configured to be able to store print medium M. When the print medium M is cut paper, the print medium storage unit 17 feeds the stored cut paper to a transport path (not shown) by transporting it with a transport motor 154. The print medium storage unit 17 may also be configured to collect printed matter, which is the print medium M after printing. The configuration for collecting printed matter may be a configuration in which cut paper is stacked and placed.

[0019] The temperature and humidity sensor ST detects, for example, the temperature T and humidity H around the print mechanism 15. The temperature and humidity sensor ST includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor is composed of a resistance temperature detector, a linear resistor, a thermistor, etc. The humidity sensor is composed of a resistance change type humidity sensor, a capacitance change type humidity sensor, etc. The temperature and humidity sensor ST is disposed, for example, inside the housing in which the printing mechanism 15 is housed. The temperature and humidity sensor ST outputs to the control unit a signal indicating the actual temperature TR measured by the temperature sensor and a signal indicating the actual humidity HR measured by the humidity sensor.

[0020] Next, the functional blocks of the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 1 will be described. The control unit 11 has the following functional blocks: a first acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a printing control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, a display control unit 117, a pattern memory unit 118, and an actual measurement value memory unit 119. When the processor 11A executes the control program PGM, the control unit 11 functions as a first acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a print control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, and a display control unit 117. When the processor 11A executes the control program PGM, the control unit 11 also causes the memory 11B to function as a pattern storage unit 118 and an actual measurement value storage unit 119.

[0021] The control unit 11 also detects ejection defects of the nozzles 39 arranged in the print head 151 of the printing mechanism 15. For example, the print head 151 is equipped with a residual vibration detection circuit (not shown), and the control unit 11 detects, via the residual vibration detection circuit, a residual vibration waveform that occurs in the drive signal path when each nozzle 39 is driven to eject, thereby detecting ejection defects of each nozzle 39. The method by which the control unit 11 detects ejection defects in the nozzles 39 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0022] The pattern storage unit 118 stores the temperature T, humidity H, and adjustment pattern groups PG in association with each other. Each adjustment pattern group PG is made up of a plurality of adjustment patterns PT. For example, each adjustment pattern group PG is made up of four adjustment patterns PT. The adjustment patterns PT include, for example, a first adjustment pattern PT1 to an eighth adjustment pattern PT8. In this embodiment, the pattern storage unit 118 stores a first table TB1, a second table TB2, and first adjustment pattern PT1 to eighth adjustment pattern PT8. The first table TB1 associates temperature T and humidity H with group identification information DPG. The second table TB2 associates group identification information DPG with adjustment patterns PT. The group identification information DPG is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG. The first table TB1 will be further described with reference to FIG. The second table TB2 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0023] The actual measurement value storage unit 119 stores the group identification information DPG1. The group identification information DPG1 is determined by the data generation unit 112 based on the actual measurement temperature TR and the actual measurement humidity HR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 and the first table TB1. In the following description, the measured temperature TR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 may be referred to as a first measured temperature TR1, and the measured humidity HR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111 may be referred to as a first measured humidity HR1. The actual measurement value storage unit 119 may store the actual measurement temperature TR and the actual measurement humidity HR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, or may store both the group identification information DPG1 and the actual measurement temperature TR and the actual measurement humidity HR. Furthermore, the actual measurement value storage unit 119 stores group identification information DPG2. The group identification information DPG2 is determined by the display control unit 117 based on the actual measurement temperature TR and the actual measurement humidity HR acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 and the first table TB1. In the following description, the measured temperature TR acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 may be referred to as a second measured temperature TR2, and the measured humidity HR acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 may be referred to as a second measured humidity HR2.

[0024] The first acquisition unit 111 acquires a first measured temperature TR1 and a first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. For example, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 when, in response to a user operation, an instruction to adjust the printing mechanism 15 is received and the control unit 11 determines that there are no nozzles 39 with ejection problems.

[0025] The data generation unit 112 reads out from the pattern storage unit 118 an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, and generates print data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG. The data generation unit 112 determines, for example, the group identification information DPG of the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 by referring to the first table TB1. Then, the data generation unit 112 reads out, from the pattern storage unit 118, the adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the determined group identification information DPG by referring to the second table TB2. In this embodiment, the adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment pattern group PG are, for example, four adjustment patterns PT. Each of the four adjustment patterns PT is one of the first adjustment pattern PT1 to the eighth adjustment pattern PT8.

[0026] The data generation unit 112 also generates a code CD indicating the group identification information DPG1. In other words, the data generation unit 112 encodes the group identification information DPG1 and converts it into a code CD. The code CD is included in the print data DP. The code CD is, for example, a two-dimensional code. The code CD is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark). In addition, the data generation unit 112 may generate a code CD indicating the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1, or may generate a code CD indicating both the group identification information DPG1 and the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. In this embodiment, the code CD is a two-dimensional code, but is not limited to this. The code CD may be, for example, a one-dimensional barcode. The processing of the data generator 112 will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The print control unit 113 causes the print mechanism 15 to print the print data DP, generating an adjustment sheet SA on which an image corresponding to the print data DP is printed on the print medium M. The print data DP includes four adjustment patterns PT. That is, the adjustment patterns PT are printed on the adjustment sheet SA. The print control unit 113 may also print the adjustment pattern PT and the code CD on the print medium M to generate an adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern PT and the code CD are printed. The adjusting sheet SA will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] The image generation unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG. The adjustment image group QG is made up of adjustment pattern images QT corresponding to each of the four adjustment patterns PT. The image generation unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to generate the adjustment image group QG, for example, when a user places the adjustment sheet SA on the document placement surface of the scanner mechanism 12 and performs an operation to execute a scan. The image generating unit 114 may also cause the scanner mechanism 12 to read the code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate a code image QC corresponding to the code CD. The adjusted image group QG corresponds to an example of an "image group."

[0029] The adjustment unit 115 adjusts the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjusted image group QG. The adjustment unit 115 adjusts the amount of ink ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 39 that make up the printing mechanism 15, for example, based on the adjusted image group QG. The adjustment unit 115 determines, for example, the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality from among the four adjustment pattern images QT included in the adjustment image group QG. The adjustment unit 115 then adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1. The adjustment unit 115 adjusts the printing mechanism 15 so that the nozzles 39 eject the ink ejection amount corresponding to the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality, for example.

[0030] The second acquisition unit 116 acquires the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG. The second acquisition unit 116 acquires the second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2, for example, when the image generation unit 114 receives an operation to execute a scan.

[0031] The display control unit 117 decodes the code image QC generated by the image generation unit 114 and converts it into group identification information DPG2. Furthermore, the display control unit 117 may decode the code image QC generated by the image generation unit 114 and convert it into a third measured temperature TR3 and a third measured humidity HR3. The third measured temperature TR3 is the measured temperature TR indicated by the code CD corresponding to the code image QC. The third measured humidity HR3 is the measured humidity HR indicated by the code CD corresponding to the code image QC. Then, when the group identification information DPG2 does not match the group identification information DPG1, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a first error message. Furthermore, when at least one of the following is true: the third measured temperature TR3 does not match the first measured temperature TR1, and the third measured humidity HR3 does not match the first measured humidity HR1, the display control unit 117 may cause the display mechanism 14 to display a first error message. The first error message includes, for example, a text image that reads, "The adjustment sheet read by the scanner is not the correct adjustment sheet. Please print a new adjustment sheet and perform the adjustment."

[0032] The display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message when at least one of the following is true: the temperature difference ΔT between the first measured temperature TR1 and the second measured temperature TR2 is equal to or greater than a first threshold SH1; or the humidity difference ΔH between the first measured humidity HR1 and the second measured humidity HR2 is equal to or greater than a second threshold SH2. The first threshold SH1 is, for example, 5°C. The second threshold SH2 is, for example, 10%. The second error message includes a text image that reads, for example, "The adjustment sheet read by the scanner was printed a long time ago. Please print the adjustment sheet again and perform the adjustment."

[0033] The first measured temperature TR1 is the measured temperature TR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, and the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured humidity HR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111. In other words, the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured temperature TR when the print control unit 113 causes the print mechanism 15 to print the code CD. Furthermore, the first measured humidity HR1 is the measured humidity HR when the print control unit 113 causes the print mechanism 15 to print the code CD. The second measured temperature TR2 is the measured temperature TR acquired by the second acquisition unit 116, and the second measured humidity HR2 is the measured humidity HR acquired by the second acquisition unit 116. In other words, the second measured temperature TR2 is the measured temperature TR when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG. Furthermore, the second measured humidity HR2 is the measured humidity HR when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the printing mechanism 15 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the printing mechanism 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing mechanism 15 includes a print medium container 17, a paper feed roller 24, a platen 26, a carriage 152, a scanning motor 153, a traction belt 32, and a guide rail 34. The paper feed roller 24 is driven by the transport motor 154. The traction belt 32 is driven by the scanning motor 153. The guide rail 34 supports the carriage 152 so that it can move in the main scanning direction X. The carriage 152 is supported by the guide rail 34 and driven in the main scanning direction X by the scanning motor 153 via the traction belt 32. The carriage 152 has the head unit 36 ​​mounted thereon.

[0035] The head unit 36 ​​includes an ink supply unit 16 and a print head 151 . The ink supply unit 16 is detachable from the carriage 152. The ink supply unit 16 has four ink tanks. Each ink tank contains ink of a different color. For example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are each contained in a different ink tank. The ink contained in the ink supply unit 16 is supplied to the print head 151.

[0036] The print head 151 has a common liquid chamber (not shown), a pressure generating chamber (not shown), a piezoelectric element (not shown), and nozzles 39. A plurality of nozzles 39 are arranged along the sub-scanning direction Y on the surface of the print head 151 facing the platen 26. Each of the pressure generating chambers and piezoelectric elements is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the nozzle 39, and a plurality of them are arranged along the sub-scanning direction Y, just like the nozzle 39. Ink supplied from the ink supply unit 16 passes through a common liquid chamber and the pressure generating chamber, and is ejected from the nozzle 39 onto the printing medium M. The piezoelectric element is a piezoelectric actuator in a bending vibration mode or a longitudinal vibration mode. When ink is supplied to the pressure generating chamber, the piezoelectric element vibrates a vibration plate that forms part of the pressure generating chamber, causing pressure fluctuations in the pressure generating chamber. By utilizing these pressure fluctuations, the print head 151 ejects ink from the nozzles 39 onto the printing medium M.

[0037] The vibration plate, which forms part of the pressure generating chamber, is in contact with the piezoelectric element and vibrates as the piezoelectric element vibrates. When the drive of the piezoelectric element stops, the vibration of the vibration plate stops. When the drive of the piezoelectric element stops, the vibration of the vibration plate does not stop immediately, and residual vibration occurs in the vibration plate. As a result, the pressure element vibrates in response to the residual vibration of the vibration plate, and a signal caused by the residual vibration is output from the piezoelectric element. The signal caused by the residual vibration indicates a back electromotive force. A residual vibration detection circuit (not shown) provided in the print head 151 detects the signal caused by the residual vibration.

[0038] For each of the piezoelectric elements provided in the print head 151, the control unit 11 detects the state of a signal corresponding to the residual vibration output from the piezoelectric element via a residual vibration detection circuit. Furthermore, the frequency characteristics of the signal waveform corresponding to the residual vibration output from the piezoelectric element differ depending on the state of the ink inside the print head 151. Ink states include a normal state, a state in which air bubbles are mixed in, a state in which the ink is viscous, and a state in which paper dust is adhered to the ink. Therefore, the control unit 11 can identify the state of the ink inside the print head 151 by analyzing the frequency characteristics of the signal waveform output from the piezoelectric element. Then, the control unit 11 detects the position of the nozzle 39 among the plurality of nozzles 39 in which the ink ejection failure is occurring, based on the state of the signal corresponding to the residual vibration output from the piezoelectric element.

[0039] The print medium M is wound around the paper feed roller 24 from the print medium storage unit 17 and fed in the sub-scanning direction Y along the surface of the platen 26. The carriage 152 is pulled by a pulling belt 32 driven by a scanning motor 153 and moves in the main scanning direction X along the guide rail 34. The print head 151 mounted on the carriage 152 also moves in the main scanning direction X. The main scanning direction X is perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0040] With this configuration, the printing mechanism 15 alternately repeats a liquid ejection operation in which the print head 151 ejects ink from the nozzles 39 while moving in the main scanning direction X, and a transport operation in which the print medium M is transported in the sub-scanning direction Y. As a result, the printing mechanism 15 prints images such as characters, figures, etc. on the print medium M. That is, the printing mechanism 15 alternately repeats movement of the print head 151 in the main scanning direction X (main scanning) and movement of the print medium M in the sub-scanning direction Y (sub-scanning). Furthermore, through these operations, the printing mechanism 15 aligns rows of dots arranged along the main scanning direction X in the sub-scanning direction Y (sub-scanning direction), thereby printing images such as characters, figures, etc. on the print medium M.

[0041] Next, the first table TB1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first table TB1. The first table TB1 is a table that associates temperature T and humidity H with group identification information DPG. As shown in Fig. 3, the temperature T is divided into three ranges, for example, "0°C or more and less than 10°C," "10°C or more and less than 20°C," and "20°C or more and less than 30°C." The humidity H indicates relative humidity and is divided into three ranges, for example, "0% or more and less than 33%, "33% or more and less than 66%, and "66% or more and less than 100%." ​​The group identification information DPG is represented by, for example, an alphabet from "A" to "I."

[0042] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the temperature T is divided into three groups and the humidity H is divided into three groups, but this is not limiting. The temperature T may be divided into, for example, four groups and the humidity H may be divided into, for example, four groups. The greater the number of groups, the more appropriately the data generation unit 112 can select the group identification information DPG. The fewer the number of groups, the more the capacity of the pattern storage unit 118 can be reduced, and the more the processing load of the data generation unit 112 can be reduced.

[0043] In this embodiment, the group identification information DPG is represented by alphabets, but is not limited to this. The group identification information DPG may be any information that identifies each adjustment pattern group PG. The group identification information DPG may be represented by numbers, for example.

[0044] The first measured temperature TR1 corresponds to an example of the temperature T. The first measured humidity HR1 corresponds to an example of the humidity H. For example, if the first measured temperature TR1 is equal to or greater than 0° C. and less than 10° C., and the first measured humidity HR1 is equal to or greater than 0% and less than 33%, the data generation section 112 selects "A" as the group identification information DPG. Also, for example, if the first measured temperature TR1 is equal to or greater than 10° C. and less than 20° C., and the first measured humidity HR1 is equal to or greater than 33% and less than 66%, the data generation section 112 selects "E" as the group identification information DPG. Furthermore, for example, if the first measured temperature TR1 is equal to or greater than 20° C. and less than 30° C., and the first measured humidity HR1 is equal to or greater than 66% and less than 100%, the data generation section 112 selects "I" as the group identification information DPG.

[0045] Next, the second table TB2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second table TB2. The second table TB2 is a table that associates the group identification information DPG with the adjustment pattern PT. 4, the second table TB2 stores four pattern numbers PN in association with one group identification information DPG. The four pattern numbers PN are a first pattern number PN1 to a fourth pattern number PN4. The pattern number PN indicates which of the first adjustment pattern PT1 to eighth adjustment pattern PT8 the adjustment pattern PT is. For example, the pattern number PN of the first adjustment pattern PT1 is "1." Also, for example, the pattern number PN of the eighth adjustment pattern PT8 is "8." In other words, the pattern number PN of the Kth adjustment pattern PTK is "K." The integer K is any integer from 1 to 8.

[0046] For example, if the group identification information DPG is "A," the first pattern number PN1 is "1," the second pattern number PN2 is "3," the third pattern number PN3 is "4," and the fourth pattern number PN4 is "5." Therefore, the data generation unit 112 generates print data DP including the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5 as the adjustment pattern group PG. In other words, the adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "A" is made up of the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5. For example, if the group identification information DPG is "E," the first pattern number PN1 is "2," the second pattern number PN2 is "4," the third pattern number PN3 is "5," and the fourth pattern number PN4 is "7." Therefore, the data generation unit 112 generates print data DP including the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7 as the adjustment pattern group PG. In other words, the adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "E" is made up of the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7.

[0047] Next, a case where the code CD is not printed on the adjustment sheet SA will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. First, the adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG. 5, a case will be described in which the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAA and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGA. The adjustment sheet SAA is the adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern group PGA is printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGA indicates the adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "A". The adjustment pattern group PGA is composed of a first adjustment pattern PT1, a third adjustment pattern PT3, a fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and a fifth adjustment pattern PT5, which are arranged in order from left to right.

[0048] 5, for convenience, the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 are shown in association with the first adjustment pattern PT1, the third adjustment pattern PT3, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, and the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, respectively. The print control unit 113 does not have to print the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 on the adjustment sheet SA.

[0049] Furthermore, a first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAA. The first mark M1 is a mark for alignment when the user causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment sheet SAA. For example, the user places the adjustment sheet SAA on the scanner mechanism 12 so that the first mark M1 is located at a corner of the reading area of ​​the document platen.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of an adjustment sheet SA and an adjustment pattern group PG. Fig. 6 illustrates a case where the adjustment sheet SA is an adjustment sheet SAE, and the adjustment pattern group PG is an adjustment pattern group PGE. The adjustment sheet SAE is an adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern group PGE is printed on a printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGE indicates an adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "E". The adjustment pattern group PGE is composed of a second adjustment pattern PT2, a fourth adjustment pattern PT4, a fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and a seventh adjustment pattern PT7, which are arranged in order from left to right.

[0051] 6, for convenience, the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 are shown in association with the second adjustment pattern PT2, the fourth adjustment pattern PT4, the fifth adjustment pattern PT5, and the seventh adjustment pattern PT7, respectively. The print control unit 113 does not have to print the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 on the adjustment sheet SA.

[0052] Furthermore, a first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAE. The first mark M1 is a mark for alignment when the user causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment sheet SAE. For example, the user places the adjustment sheet SAE on the scanner mechanism 12 so that the first mark M1 is located at a corner of the reading area of ​​the document platen.

[0053] Next, the processing of the control unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S101, the control unit 11 detects ejection defects of the nozzles 39 arranged in the print head 151 of the print mechanism 15. Next, in step S103, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is any nozzle 39 with an ejection defect. If the control unit 11 determines that there is no defective ejection nozzle 39 (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S109. If the control unit 11 determines that there is a defective ejection nozzle 39 (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the control unit 11 performs cleaning of the print head 151. Next, in step S107, the control unit 11 determines whether cleaning of the print head 151 has been completed. If the control unit 11 determines that cleaning of the print head 151 is not complete (step S107; NO), the process returns to step S105. If the control unit 11 determines that cleaning of the print head 151 is complete (step S107; YES), the process returns to step S101.

[0054] If the determination in step S103 is YES, in step S109, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. Next, in step S111, the data generation unit 112 determines an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. The data generation unit 112 also reads out the determined adjustment pattern group PG from the pattern storage unit 118. Next, in step S113, the print control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the adjustment pattern group PG to generate the adjustment sheet SA. Next, in step S115, the image generating unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate an adjustment image group QG.

[0055] Next, in step S117, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the ink ejection amount for each of the plurality of nozzles 39 that constitute the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjusted image group QG generated in step S119. Next, in step S119, the adjustment unit 115 determines whether or not the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has not been completed (step S119; NO), the process returns to step S115. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed (step S119; YES), the process then ends.

[0056] Step S109 corresponds to an example of an “acquisition step.” Step S111 corresponds to an example of a “data generation step.”

[0057] Next, printing a code CD on an adjustment sheet SA will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. First, the adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the adjustment sheet SA and the adjustment pattern group PG. 8, a case will be described in which the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAA and the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGA. The adjustment sheet SAA is the adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern group PGA is printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGA indicates the adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "A".

[0058] 8 differs from the adjustment sheet SAA shown in FIG. 5 in that a code CDA is printed in the upper right corner of the adjustment sheet SAA. The code CDA corresponds to an example of the code CD. Below, differences from the adjustment sheet SAA shown in FIG. 5 will be described, and descriptions of the same configuration as the adjustment sheet SAA shown in FIG. 5 will be omitted. The code CDA indicates the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1. The group identification information DPG1 is “A”, the first measured temperature TR1 is, for example, 5° C., and the first measured humidity HR1 is, for example, 20%.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of an adjustment sheet SA and an adjustment pattern group PG. Fig. 9 illustrates a case where the adjustment sheet SA is an adjustment sheet SAE, and the adjustment pattern group PG is an adjustment pattern group PGE. The adjustment sheet SAE is an adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern group PGE is printed on a printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGE indicates an adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification information DPG is "E".

[0060] The adjustment sheet SAE shown in Fig. 9 differs from the adjustment sheet SAE shown in Fig. 6 in that a code CDE is printed in the upper right corner of the adjustment sheet SAE. The code CDE corresponds to an example of the code CD. Below, differences from the adjustment sheet SAA shown in Fig. 6 will be described, and descriptions of the same configuration as the adjustment sheet SAA shown in Fig. 6 will be omitted. The code CDE indicates the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1. The group identification information DPG1 is “E”, the first measured temperature TR1 is, for example, 15° C., and the first measured humidity HR1 is, for example, 55%.

[0061] Next, the processing of the control unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Each of Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S201, the control unit 11 detects ejection defects of the nozzles 39 arranged in the print head 151 of the print mechanism 15. Next, in step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is any nozzle 39 with an ejection defect. If the control unit 11 determines that there is no defective ejection nozzle 39 (step S203; YES), the process proceeds to step S209. If the control unit 11 determines that there is a defective ejection nozzle 39 (step S203; NO), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, the control unit 11 performs cleaning of the print head 151. Next, in step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether cleaning of the print head 151 has been completed. If the control unit 11 determines that cleaning of the print head 151 is not complete (step S207; NO), the process returns to step S205. If the control unit 11 determines that cleaning of the print head 151 is complete (step S207; YES), the process returns to step S201.

[0062] If the determination in step S203 is YES, in step S209, the first acquisition unit 111 acquires the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. Next, in step S211, the first acquisition unit 111 causes the measurement value storage unit 119 to store the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. Next, in step S213, the data generation unit 112 determines an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1. The data generation unit 112 also reads out the determined adjustment pattern group PG from the pattern storage unit 118. The data generation unit 112 also stores group identification information DPG1 corresponding to the determined adjustment pattern group PG in the actual measurement value storage unit 119. Next, in step S215, the data generation unit 112 encodes the group identification information DPG1, the first measured temperature TR1, and the first measured humidity HR1, converting them into a code CD. The data generation unit 112 also generates print data DP including the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD. Next, in step S217, the print control unit 113 causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD to generate the adjustment sheet SA. Next, in step S219, the image generating unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA, and generates an adjustment image group QG and a code image QC.

[0063] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S221, the second acquisition unit 116 acquires a second measured temperature TR2 and a second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. Next, in step S223, the display control unit 117 determines whether or not the temperature difference ΔT between the first measured temperature TR1 and the second measured temperature TR2 is less than a first threshold value SH1. If the display control unit 117 determines that the temperature difference ΔT is equal to or greater than the first threshold SH1 (step S223; NO), the process proceeds to step S227. If the display control unit 117 determines that the temperature difference ΔT is less than the first threshold SH1 (step S223; YES), the process proceeds to step S225. Then, in step S225, the display control unit 117 determines whether the humidity difference ΔH between the first measured humidity HR1 and the second measured humidity HR2 is less than the second threshold value SH2. If the display control unit 117 determines that the humidity difference ΔH is equal to or greater than the second threshold value SH2 (step S225; NO), the process proceeds to step S227. Then, in step S227, display control unit 117 causes display mechanism 14 to display the second error message. After that, the process ends. If the display control unit 117 determines that the humidity difference ΔH is less than the second threshold value SH2 (step S225; YES), the process proceeds to step S229.

[0064] Then, in step S229, the code image QC is decoded and converted into a third measured temperature TR3 and a third measured humidity HR3. Next, in step S231, the display control unit 117 determines whether the third measured temperature TR3 matches the first measured temperature TR1. If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured temperature TR3 does not match the first measured temperature TR1 (step S231; NO), the process proceeds to step S235. If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured temperature TR3 matches the first measured temperature TR1 (step S231; YES), the process proceeds to step S233. Then, in step S233, the display control unit 117 determines whether or not the third measured humidity HR3 matches the first measured humidity HR1. If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured humidity HR3 does not match the first measured humidity HR1 (step S233; NO), the process proceeds to step S235. Then, in step S235, display control unit 117 causes display mechanism 14 to display the first error message. After that, the process ends. If the display control unit 117 determines that the third measured humidity HR3 matches the first measured humidity HR1 (step S233; YES), the process proceeds to step S237.

[0065] Then, in step S237, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the amount of ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles 39 that make up the printing mechanism 15, based on the adjusted image group QG generated in step S219. Next, in step S239, the adjustment unit 115 determines whether or not the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has not been completed (step S239; NO), the process returns to step S219 shown in Fig. 10. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed (step S239; YES), the process then ends.

[0066] Step S209 corresponds to an example of an “acquisition step.” Steps S213 and S215 correspond to an example of a “data generation step.”

[0067] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 11, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment comprises a scanner mechanism 12, an inkjet printing mechanism 15, a display mechanism 14, and a control unit 11 that controls the scanner mechanism 12, the printing mechanism 15, and the display mechanism 14. The control unit 11 comprises a pattern memory unit 118 that stores temperature T, humidity H, and an adjustment pattern group PG consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns in association with each other, a first acquisition unit 111 that acquires a first measured temperature TR1 and a first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST, and a data generation unit 112 that reads out from the pattern memory unit 118 the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, and generates print data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG.

[0068] According to this configuration, an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST is read from the pattern memory unit 118, and print data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG is generated. Therefore, it is possible to print an appropriate adjustment pattern group PG according to the usage environment (temperature, humidity), and therefore the printing mechanism 15 can be adjusted appropriately according to the usage environment.

[0069] The multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a print control unit 113 that causes the printing mechanism 15 to print the print data DP and generate an adjustment sheet SA on a printing medium M with an image corresponding to the print data DP printed thereon, an image generation unit 114 that causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA and generate an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG, and an adjustment unit 115 that adjusts the amount of ink ejected from each of the multiple nozzles 39 that make up the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG.

[0070] According to this configuration, the scanner mechanism 12 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA, generates an adjustment image group QG corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG, and adjusts the amount of ink ejected for each of the multiple nozzles 39 that make up the printing mechanism 15 based on the adjustment image group QG. Therefore, based on the adjusted image group QG, it is possible to adjust the amount of ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles 39. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the amount of ink ejected according to the usage environment (temperature, humidity).

[0071] Furthermore, the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an actual measurement value memory unit 119 that stores the group identification information DPG1 of the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, and the adjustment unit 115 determines the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality from among the multiple adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment image group QG, and adjusts the amount of ink ejection based on the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1.

[0072] According to this configuration, the adjustment unit 115 determines the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality from among the multiple adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment image group QG, and adjusts the amount of ink ejection based on the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality and the group identification information DPG1. Therefore, the printing mechanism 15 can be adjusted so that, of the multiple adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment image group QG, the ink ejection amount corresponding to the adjustment pattern PT with the best image quality is ejected from the nozzles 39. Therefore, the ink ejection amount can be adjusted appropriately according to the usage environment (temperature, humidity).

[0073] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment, the print data DP includes a code CD indicating the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, the print control unit 113 causes the print mechanism 15 to print the code CD, the image generation unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the code CD to acquire a third measured temperature TR3 and a third measured humidity HR3 corresponding to the code CD, and the control unit 11 includes a measured value memory unit 119 that stores the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired by the first acquisition unit 111, and a display control unit 117 that causes the display mechanism 14 to display a first error message when at least one of the following occurs: the third measured temperature TR3 corresponding to the code CD does not match the first measured temperature TR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119, and the third measured humidity HR3 corresponding to the code CD does not match the first measured humidity HR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119.

[0074] According to this configuration, when at least one of the following occurs: the third measured temperature TR3 corresponding to the code CD does not match the first measured temperature TR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119; and the third measured humidity HR3 corresponding to the code CD does not match the first measured humidity HR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119, a first error message is displayed on the display mechanism 14. Therefore, for example, if a user causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read an adjustment sheet SA printed by another multifunction device 1, the user can be notified that the read adjustment sheet SA is not the correct adjustment sheet SA. This improves user convenience. Also, it is possible to prevent improper adjustments from being made to the printing mechanism 15.

[0075] In addition, in the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 is equipped with a second acquisition unit 116 that acquires a second measured temperature TR2 and a second measured humidity HR2 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjusted image group QG, and when at least one of the following conditions is met: the temperature difference ΔT between the second measured temperature TR2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 and the first measured temperature TR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value SH1, and the humidity difference ΔH between the second measured humidity HR2 acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 and the first measured humidity HR1 stored in the measured value memory unit 119 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value SH2, the display control unit 117 displays a second error message on the display mechanism 14.

[0076] According to this configuration, when at least one of the following is true: the temperature difference ΔT between the second measured temperature TR2 and the first measured temperature TR1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold SH1, and the humidity difference ΔH between the second measured humidity HR2 and the first measured humidity HR1 is equal to or greater than the second threshold SH2, the display control unit 117 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. The first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 are obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST when print data DP including the adjustment pattern group PG is generated. The second measured temperature TR2 and the second measured humidity HR2 are obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST when the image generation unit 114 generates the adjustment image group QG. For example, if a long time has passed between generating the print data DP and generating the adjusted image group QG, the operating environment (temperature, humidity) may have changed. In such a case, at least one of the following conditions is true: the temperature difference ΔT between the second measured temperature TR2 and the first measured temperature TR1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value SH1, and the humidity difference ΔH between the second measured humidity HR2 and the first measured humidity HR1 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value SH2. This allows the user to be notified of the change in the operating environment. This improves user convenience. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent improper adjustments from being made to the printing mechanism 15.

[0077] In the control method for the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment, the multifunction device 1 includes a scanner mechanism 12, an inkjet printing mechanism 15, a display mechanism 14, and a control unit 11 that controls the scanner mechanism 12, the printing mechanism 15, and the display mechanism 14. The control unit 11 includes a pattern memory unit 118 that stores temperature T and humidity H in association with an adjustment pattern group PG consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns, and executes an acquisition step of acquiring a first measured temperature TR1 and a first measured humidity HR1 from the temperature and humidity sensor ST, and a data generation step of reading out from the pattern memory unit 118 the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the first measured temperature TR1 and the first measured humidity HR1 acquired in the acquisition step, and generating print data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG.

[0078] This configuration provides the same effects as the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0079] This embodiment shows one mode, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0080] In this embodiment, the "image forming apparatus" is described as a multifunction peripheral 1, but is not limited to this. The "image forming apparatus" may include a printing mechanism 15. For example, the "image forming apparatus" may be a printer. In this case, the printer must be connected to a scanner separate from the printer so that the printer can communicate with the scanner.

[0081] This embodiment describes a control method that is realized by the processor 11A provided in the multifunction device 1 executing the control program PGM, but it is also possible to configure the control program PGM that the processor 11A executes to realize the control method in the form of a recording medium on which it is recorded so as to be readable by a computer, or in the form of a transmission medium that transmits this control program PGM. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device, including portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, and card-type recording media. The recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or an HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in the multifunction device 1.

[0082] The functions of the control unit 11 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The control unit 11 may further include a co-processor such as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 may perform various controls by using both the CPU and the co-processor in cooperation with each other, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0083] The processing units in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7, 10, and 11 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the processing of the control unit 11, and are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing units in the flowcharts may be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. One processing unit may also be divided so that it includes more processes. The order of the processing may be appropriately changed or omitted as long as it does not interfere with the intent. For example, if it is clear that there are no nozzles with ejection problems, steps S101 to S107 in FIG. 7 may be omitted, and steps S201 to S207 in FIG. 10 may be omitted. Furthermore, if the time from printing the adjustment sheet to reading the image group on the adjustment sheet is short, steps S221 to S227 in FIG. 11 may be omitted.

[0084] Each functional unit shown in FIG. 1 indicates a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to configure a single processor to execute a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configuration of each of the other units of the multifunction device 1 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...Multifunction device (image forming apparatus), 11...Control unit, 11A...Processor, 11B...Memory, 111...First acquisition unit, 112...Data generation unit, 113...Print control unit, 114...Image generation unit, 115...Adjustment unit, 116...Second acquisition unit, 117...Display control unit, 118...Pattern storage unit, 119...Measured value storage unit, 12...Scanner mechanism, 13...Input mechanism, 14...Display mechanism, 15...Print mechanism, 151...Print head, 152...Carriage, 153...Scanning motor, 154...Transport motor, 16...Ink supply unit, 17...Printing medium storage unit, 36...Head unit, 39...Nozzle, DP...Print data, DPG...Group identification information, H...Humidity, HR ...measured humidity, HR1...first measured humidity, HR2...second measured humidity, HR3...third measured humidity, M...printing medium, PG, PGA, PGE...adjustment pattern group, PGM...control program, PN...pattern number, PT...adjustment pattern, QC...code image, QG...adjustment image group (image group), QT...adjustment pattern image, SA, SAA, SAE...adjustment sheet, SH1...first threshold value, SH2...second threshold value, ST...temperature and humidity sensor, T...temperature, TB1...first table, TB2...second table, TR...measured temperature, TR1...first measured temperature, TR2...second measured temperature, TR3...third measured temperature, X...main scanning direction, Y...sub-scanning direction, ΔH...humidity difference, ΔT...temperature difference.

Claims

1. a scanner mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism; The control unit a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns; a first acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and the measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit a group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired by the first acquiring unit, and generates print data including the read out group of adjustment patterns; a print control unit that causes the printing mechanism to print the print data and generates an adjustment sheet on a print medium on which an image corresponding to the print data is printed; an image generating unit that causes the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of ink ejected from each of a plurality of nozzles that constitute the printing mechanism based on the group of images; an actual measurement value storage unit that stores group identification information of the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the actual measurement temperature and the actual measurement humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit, the adjustment unit determines the adjustment pattern with the best image quality from among a plurality of adjustment patterns included in the image group, and adjusts the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern with the best image quality and the group identification information. Image forming device.

2. A printer comprising: a scanner mechanism; an inkjet printing mechanism; a display mechanism; and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism; The control unit a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns; a first acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and the measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit a group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired by the first acquiring unit, and generates print data including the read out group of adjustment patterns; a print control unit that causes the printing mechanism to print the print data and generates an adjustment sheet on a print medium on which an image corresponding to the print data is printed; an image generating unit that causes the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles that constitute the printing mechanism based on the group of images; the print data includes a code indicating the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit, the print control unit causes the print mechanism to print the code; the image generating unit causes the scanner mechanism to read the code and acquires the measured temperature and humidity corresponding to the code; the control unit includes an actual measurement value storage unit that stores the actual measurement temperature and the actual measurement humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit; a display control unit that causes the display mechanism to display a first error message when at least one of the following occurs: an actual measured temperature corresponding to the code does not match the actual measured temperature stored in the actual measured value storage unit; and an actual measured humidity corresponding to the code does not match the actual measured humidity stored in the actual measured value storage unit. Image forming device.

3. The control unit a second acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and the measured humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor when the image generation unit generates the image group, When at least one of the following is true: a difference between the measured temperature acquired by the second acquisition unit and the measured temperature stored in the measured value storage unit is equal to or greater than a first threshold; and a difference between the measured humidity acquired by the second acquisition unit and the measured humidity stored in the measured value storage unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold, the display control unit causes the display mechanism to display a second error message. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. An image forming apparatus including a scanner mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism, The control unit a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns; an acquisition step of acquiring an actual measured temperature and an actual measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating step of reading out from the pattern storage unit a group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, and generating print data including the read out group of adjustment patterns; causing the printing mechanism to print the print data to generate a calibration sheet on a print medium with an image corresponding to the print data printed thereon; causing the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; adjusting the amount of ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles constituting the printing mechanism based on the group of images; Further, the control unit an actual measurement value storage unit that stores group identification information of the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the actual measurement temperature and the actual measurement humidity acquired in the acquisition step, the adjusting step includes determining an adjustment pattern with the best image quality from among a plurality of adjustment patterns included in the image group, and adjusting the ink ejection amount based on the adjustment pattern with the best image quality and the group identification information. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

5. An image forming apparatus comprising a scanner mechanism, an inkjet printing mechanism, a display mechanism, and a control unit that controls the scanner mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the display mechanism, The control unit a pattern storage unit that stores temperature and humidity in association with an adjustment pattern group consisting of a plurality of adjustment patterns; an acquisition step of acquiring an actual measured temperature and an actual measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating step of reading out from the pattern storage unit a group of adjustment patterns corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, and generating print data including the read out group of adjustment patterns; causing the printing mechanism to print the print data to generate a calibration sheet on a print medium with an image corresponding to the print data printed thereon; causing the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; adjusting the amount of ink ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles constituting the printing mechanism based on the group of images; the print data includes a code indicating the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, Furthermore, the control unit Printing the code on the printing mechanism; reading the code with the scanner mechanism to obtain the measured temperature and humidity corresponding to the code; Furthermore, the control unit a measurement value storage unit that stores the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquisition step; a step of displaying a first error message on the display mechanism when at least one of the following occurs: the actual measured temperature corresponding to the code does not match the actual measured temperature stored in the actual measured value storage unit; and the actual measured humidity corresponding to the code does not match the actual measured humidity stored in the actual measured value storage unit. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

Images