Image forming apparatus and control method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress adjustment of a print mechanism on the basis of an adjustment pattern that is printed on an improper adjustment sheet.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, and an adjustment pattern group PG composed of a plurality of adjustment patterns and storing them; an acquisition unit 111 for acquiring an actual temperature TR and an actual humidity HR from a temperature humidity sensor ST; and a data generation unit 112 for reading out the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the actual temperature TR and the actual humidity HR acquired by the acquisition unit 111 from the pattern storage unit 118 and generating print data DP which includes the read adjustment pattern group PG and first group identification information DPG1 which is information for identifying the 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, the user needs to read the adjustment pattern printed on an adjustment sheet with a scanner. However, if the user mistakenly uses a scanner to read an adjustment pattern printed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet, there is a possibility that the printing mechanism will not be adjusted properly. [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 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 an actual temperature and an actual humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor, and a data generation unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the actual temperature and the actual humidity acquired by the first acquisition unit, and generates print data including the read adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that is information that identifies the 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 temperature and measured humidity from a temperature and humidity sensor, and a data generation step of reading from the pattern memory unit the adjustment pattern group corresponding to the actual temperature and measured humidity acquired in the acquisition step, and generating print data that includes the read adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that is information that identifies the 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] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing examples of an adjustment sheet, an adjustment pattern group, and a code. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of an adjustment sheet, an adjustment pattern group, and a code. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 8] 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 includes, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a print control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, a display control unit 116, a pattern storage unit 118, and an identification information storage unit 119. When the processor 11A executes the control program PGM, the control unit 11 functions as an acquisition unit 111, a data generation unit 112, a print control unit 113, an image generation unit 114, an adjustment unit 115, and a display control unit 116. 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 identification information 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 a group identification symbol DPS. The second table TB2 associates the group identification symbol DPS with the adjustment pattern PT. The group identification symbol DPS is a symbol that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG. In this embodiment, the group identification symbol DPS is represented by the letters "A" to "I," for example. 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 identification information storage unit 119 stores the first group of identification information DPG1 included in the print data DP. The first group of identification information DPG1 is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG. The first group identification information DPG1 is, for example, identification information for each of the plurality of adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG. The first group identification information DPG1 is, for example, the first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4. The first pattern number PN1 to the fourth pattern number PN4 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first group identification information DPG1 is used to identify each of the adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG, but this is not limiting. The first group identification information DPG1 may also be, for example, a group identification symbol DPS that corresponds to the adjustment pattern group PG. Furthermore, first group identification information DPG1 may include, for example, device identification information that identifies multifunction peripheral 1. First group identification information DPG1 may also include, for example, date and time information when data generation unit 112 generated print data DP.

[0025] The acquisition unit 111 acquires the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR 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.

[0026] The data generation unit 112 reads out from the pattern storage unit 118 the adjustment pattern group PG that corresponds to the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR acquired by the acquisition unit 111, and generates print data DP that includes the read adjustment pattern group PG. The data generation unit 112 determines, for example, a group identification symbol DPS of the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR by referring to a first table TB1. Then, the data generation unit 112 reads out, from the pattern storage unit 118, an adjustment pattern PT included in the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the determined group identification symbol DPS by referring to a 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.

[0027] The data generating unit 112 also determines the first identification information group DPG1 and generates an image indicating the first identification information group DPG1. The data generating unit 112 generates, for example, a code CD indicating the first identification information group DPG1 as an example of the image indicating the first identification information group DPG1. In other words, the data generation unit 112 determines the identification information of the multiple adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG as first group identification information DPG1. Then, the data generation unit 112 encodes and converts the first group identification information DPG1 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 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.

[0028] 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 and a code CD. That is, the adjustment patterns PT and the code CD are printed on the adjustment sheet SA. The adjusting sheet SA will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] 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. Furthermore, the image generating unit 114 causes 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."

[0030] 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. Then, the adjustment unit 115 adjusts the printing mechanism 15 so that the nozzles 39 eject an amount of ink corresponding to the adjustment pattern image QT with the best image quality.

[0031] The display control unit 116 decodes the code image QC generated by the image generation unit 114 and converts it into second group identification information DPG2. The second group identification information DPG2 is identification information for the multiple adjustment patterns PT indicated by the code CD corresponding to the code image QC. The multiple adjustment patterns PT indicated by the code CD constitute an adjustment pattern group PG. If the second identification information group DPG2 does not match the first identification information group DPG1, the display control unit 116 causes 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] If the elapsed time TE from the date and time when the print control unit 113 generated the adjustment sheet SA to the date and time when the image generation unit 114 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA is equal to or greater than a threshold time SH, the display control unit 116 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. The threshold time SH is, for example, 10 hours. The threshold time SH is set according to the quality of the print image required of the multifunction device 1. For example, if the multifunction device 1 is a business multifunction device, the quality of the print image required is higher than when the multifunction device 1 is a home multifunction device. In this case, the threshold time SH is set to, for example, 1 hour. Also, if the multifunction device 1 is a home multifunction device, the quality of the print image required is lower than when the multifunction device 1 is a business multifunction device. In this case, the threshold time SH is set to, for example, 10 hours. 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] 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 a transport motor 154. The traction belt 32 is driven by a 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.

[0034] 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, for example, four ink tanks. Each ink tank contains ink of a different color. For example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) ink are each contained in a different ink tank. The ink contained in the ink supply unit 16 is supplied to the print head 151.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 symbols DPS. As shown in Figure 3, 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." 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%." ​​Furthermore, the group identification symbol DPS is represented by, for example, letters from "A" to "I."

[0041] 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 symbol DPS. The fewer the number of groups, the more the capacity of the pattern storage unit 118 can be reduced, and the amount of processing by the data generation unit 112 can be reduced.

[0042] In this embodiment, the group identification symbol DPS is represented by alphabets, but is not limited to this. The group identification symbol DPS may be any information that identifies each adjustment pattern group PG. The group identification symbol DPS may also be represented by numbers, for example.

[0043] The measured temperature TR corresponds to an example of the temperature T. The measured humidity HR corresponds to an example of the humidity H. For example, if the measured temperature TR is equal to or greater than 0° C. and less than 10° C., and the measured humidity HR is equal to or greater than 0% and less than 33%, the data generating unit 112 selects "A" as the group identification symbol DPS. Also, for example, if the measured temperature TR is equal to or greater than 10° C. and less than 20° C., and the measured humidity HR is equal to or greater than 33% and less than 66%, the data generating unit 112 selects "E" as the group identification symbol DPS. Also, for example, if the measured temperature TR is equal to or greater than 20° C. and less than 30° C., and the measured humidity HR is equal to or greater than 66% and less than 100%, the data generating unit 112 selects "I" as the group identification symbol DPS.

[0044] 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 symbol DPS with the adjustment pattern PT. 4, the second table TB2 stores four pattern numbers PN in association with one group identification symbol DPS. 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.

[0045] For example, if the group identification symbol DPS 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 symbol DPS 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 symbol DPS 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 symbol DPS 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.

[0046] Next, the adjustment sheet SA, adjustment pattern group PG, and code CD will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the adjustment sheet SA, adjustment pattern group PG, and code CD. In FIG. 5, a case will be described in which the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAA, the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGA, and the code CD is the code CDA. Adjustment sheet SAA is an adjustment sheet SA on which an adjustment pattern group PGA is printed on printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGA indicates an adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification symbol DPS is "A." The code CDA indicates the identification information of the adjustment pattern PT included in the adjustment pattern group PGA. 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Furthermore, a first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAA, and 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. 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. The code CDA indicates the identification information of the four adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment pattern group PGA. For example, the code CDA indicates that 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."

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing another example of the adjustment sheet SA, adjustment pattern group PG, and code CD. In FIG. 6, a case will be described in which the adjustment sheet SA is the adjustment sheet SAE, the adjustment pattern group PG is the adjustment pattern group PGE, and the code CD is the code CDE. The adjustment sheet SAE is an adjustment sheet SA on which the adjustment pattern group PGE is printed on the printing medium M. The adjustment pattern group PGE indicates the adjustment pattern group PG whose group identification symbol DPS is "E." The code CDE indicates the identification information of the adjustment pattern PT included in the adjustment pattern group PGE. 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Furthermore, a first mark M1 is printed in the upper left corner of the adjustment sheet SAE, and 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. 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. The code CDE indicates the identification information of the four adjustment patterns PT included in the adjustment pattern group PGE. For example, the code CDE indicates that 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."

[0052] Next, the processing of the control unit 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Each of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 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.

[0053] If the answer is YES in step S103, then in step S109, the acquiring unit 111 acquires the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR from the temperature and humidity sensor ST. Next, in step S111, the data generating unit 112 determines an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR. The data generating unit 112 also reads out the determined adjustment pattern group PG from the pattern storage unit 118. Next, in step S113, the data generator 112 determines first group identification information DPG1 corresponding to the adjustment pattern group PG. The first group identification information DPG1 is identification information for the plurality of adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG. Next, in step S115, the data generation unit 112 encodes the first group identification information DPG1 and converts it into a code CD, and also generates print data DP including the adjustment pattern group PG and the code CD. Next, in step S117, 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 S119, 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.

[0054] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S121, the display control unit 116 calculates the elapsed time TE from the date and time when the print control unit 113 generated the adjustment sheet SA to the date and time when the image generation unit 114 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA. Next, in step S123, the display control unit 116 determines whether the elapsed time TE is less than the threshold time SH. If the display control unit 116 determines that the elapsed time TE is equal to or greater than the threshold time SH (step S123; NO), the process proceeds to step S125. Then, in step S125, display control unit 116 causes display mechanism 14 to display the second error message. After that, the process ends. If the display control unit 116 determines that the elapsed time TE is less than the threshold time SH (step S123; YES), the process proceeds to step S127.

[0055] Then, in step S127, the display control unit 116 reads out the first group identification information DPG1 from the identification information storage unit 119. Next, in step S129, the display control unit 116 decodes the code image QC and converts it into second group identification information DPG2. Next, in step S131, the display control unit 116 determines whether the second identification information group DPG2 matches the first identification information group DPG1. If the display control unit 116 determines that the second identification information group DPG2 does not match the first identification information group DPG1 (step S131; NO), the process proceeds to step S133. Then, in step S133, the display control unit 116 causes the display mechanism 14 to display the first error message. After that, the process ends. If the display control unit 116 determines that the second identification information group DPG2 matches the first identification information group DPG1 (step S131; YES), the process proceeds to step S135. Then, in step S135, 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 S119. Next, in step S137, 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 S137; NO), the process returns to step S119 shown in Fig. 7. If the adjustment unit 115 determines that the adjustment of the ink ejection amount has been completed (step S137; YES), the process then ends.

[0056] Step S109 corresponds to an example of an “acquisition step.” Steps S113 and S115 correspond to an example of a “data generation step.”

[0057] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment 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, an acquisition unit 111 that acquires the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR 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 that corresponds to the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR acquired by the acquisition unit 111, and generates print data DP that includes the read adjustment pattern group PG and first group identification information DPG1, which is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG.

[0058] According to this configuration, an adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the measured temperature TR and measured humidity HR obtained from the temperature and humidity sensor ST is read from the pattern memory unit 118, and print data DP is generated that includes the read adjustment pattern group PG and first group identification information DPG1, which is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG. Therefore, it is possible to print an appropriate adjustment pattern group PG according to the usage environment (temperature, humidity) and first group identification information DPG1, which is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG, and therefore it is possible to adjust the printing mechanism 15 appropriately according to the usage environment. Furthermore, the first group identification information DPG1 can be used to determine whether an adjustment pattern printed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet has been read by the scanner, thereby preventing the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on an adjustment pattern printed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment, the image generation unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read an image corresponding to the first group identification information DPG1 formed on the adjustment sheet SA to obtain the second group identification information DPG2, and the control unit 11 includes an identification information storage unit 119 that stores the first group identification information DPG1 included in the print data DP, and a display control unit 116 that causes the display mechanism 14 to display a first error message if the second group identification information DPG2 does not match the first group identification information DPG1.

[0062] According to this configuration, an image corresponding to the first group identification information DPG1 formed on the adjustment sheet SA is read to obtain the second group identification information DPG2, and if the second group identification information DPG2 does not match the first group identification information DPG1, a first error message is displayed on the display mechanism 14. Therefore, when the second group identification information DPG2 does not match the first group identification information DPG1, the first error message is displayed on the display mechanism 14, allowing the user to visually recognize that an inappropriate adjustment sheet SA has been read by the scanner mechanism 12. This improves user convenience. Also, it is possible to prevent the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on the adjustment pattern group PG formed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet SA.

[0063] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment, the print control unit 113 causes the print mechanism 15 to print a code CD corresponding to the first group identification information DPG1, and the image generation unit 114 causes the scanner mechanism 12 to read the code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA to obtain the second group identification information DPG2 corresponding to the code CD.

[0064] According to this configuration, the image generation unit 114 reads the code CD formed on the adjustment sheet SA and acquires the second identification information group DPG2 corresponding to the code CD. Therefore, the second identification information group DPG2 can be acquired through simple processing. Therefore, the processing of the image generation unit 114 can be simplified.

[0065] Furthermore, in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment, the first group identification information DPG1 includes identification information for each of the plurality of adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG.

[0066] According to this configuration, the first group identification information DPG1 includes identification information for each of the plurality of adjustment patterns PT that make up the adjustment pattern group PG. Therefore, it is possible to properly determine whether the second identification information group DPG2 matches the first identification information group DPG1. Therefore, it is possible to properly determine whether the adjustment sheet SA scanned by the scanner mechanism 12 is an appropriate adjustment sheet SA. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on the adjustment pattern group PG formed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet SA.

[0067] In the multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment, the first identification information group DPG1 includes device identification information for identifying the multifunction peripheral 1.

[0068] According to this configuration, the first group identification information DPG1 includes device identification information that identifies the multifunction peripheral 1. Therefore, when an adjustment sheet SA printed by another multifunction device is read, it can be determined that the second group identification information DPG2 does not match the first group identification information DPG1, which prevents the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on the adjustment pattern group PG formed on an adjustment sheet SA printed by another multifunction device.

[0069] Furthermore, in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment, the first group identification information DPG1 includes information about the date and time when the print data DP was generated.

[0070] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the adjustment sheet SA is an appropriate adjustment sheet SA based on the date and time indicated by the second group identification information DPG2 and the date and time indicated by the first group identification information DPG1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on the adjustment pattern group PG formed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet SA.

[0071] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment, if the elapsed time TE from the date and time when the print control unit 113 generates the adjustment sheet SA to the date and time when the image generation unit 114 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA is equal to or greater than the threshold time SH, the display control unit 116 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message.

[0072] According to this configuration, if the elapsed time TE from the date and time when the print control unit 113 generated the adjustment sheet SA to the date and time when the image generation unit 114 reads the adjustment pattern group PG formed on the adjustment sheet SA is equal to or greater than the threshold time SH, the display control unit 116 causes the display mechanism 14 to display a second error message. Therefore, by setting the threshold time SH to an appropriate value, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the adjustment sheet SA read by the scanner mechanism 12 is an appropriate adjustment sheet SA. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printing mechanism 15 from being adjusted based on the adjustment pattern group PG formed on an inappropriate adjustment sheet SA.

[0073] Furthermore, in the multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment, the threshold time SH is set according to the quality of the print image required of the multifunction peripheral 1.

[0074] According to this configuration, the threshold time SH is set according to the print image quality required of the multifunction device 1. Therefore, the threshold time SH can be set appropriately, and therefore, it can be set appropriately whether the adjustment sheet SA is an appropriate adjustment sheet SA or not.

[0075] 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 the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR from the temperature and humidity sensor ST, and a data generation step of reading from the pattern memory unit 118 the adjustment pattern group PG corresponding to the measured temperature TR and the measured humidity HR acquired in the acquisition step, and generating print data DP including the read adjustment pattern group PG and first group identification information DPG1, which is information that identifies the adjustment pattern group PG.

[0076] This configuration provides the same effects as the multifunction device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0077] This embodiment shows one mode, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0078] 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 be provided with a printing mechanism 15. For example, the "image forming apparatus" may be a printer. In this case, the printer must be connected to the scanner so that it can communicate with the printer.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The processing units in the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the processing of the control unit 11 easier to understand, and are not limited by the way 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 according to the processing content. One processing unit may also be divided so that it includes more processes. The order of the processing may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the intent.

[0082] 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]

[0083] 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...Display control unit, 118...Pattern storage unit, 119...Identification information 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, CD...Code, DP...Printing data, DPS...Group identification symbol, DP G1...first group identification information, DPG2...second group identification information, H...humidity, HR...measured humidity, M...printing medium, PG, PGA, PGE...adjustment pattern group, PGM...control program, PN...pattern number, PN1...first pattern number, PN2...second pattern number, PN3...third pattern number, PN4...fourth pattern number, PT...adjustment pattern, QC...code image, QG...adjustment image group (image group), QT...adjustment pattern image, SA, SAA, SAE...adjustment sheet, SH...threshold time, ST...temperature and humidity sensor, T...temperature, TB1...first table, TB2...second table, TR...measured temperature, X...main scanning direction, Y...sub-scanning direction.

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; an acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired by the acquiring unit, and generates print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; a print control unit that causes the printing mechanism to print the print data and generates an adjustment sheet on a recording 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 pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet to generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group, and also causes the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet to acquire second group identification information; 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 identification information storage unit that stores the first group identification information included in the print data; a display control unit that causes the display mechanism to display an error message when the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information, the first group identification information includes identification information of each of the plurality of adjustment patterns that make up the adjustment pattern group; 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; an acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired by the acquiring unit, and generates print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; a print control unit that causes the printing mechanism to print the print data and generates an adjustment sheet on a recording 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 pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet to generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group, and also causes the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet to acquire second group identification information; 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 identification information storage unit that stores a first group of identification information included in the print data; a display control unit that causes the display mechanism to display an error message when the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information, the first group identification information includes date and time information when the print data was generated; Image forming device.

3. 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; an acquisition unit that acquires the measured temperature and humidity from the temperature and humidity sensor; a data generating unit that reads out from the pattern storage unit an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and measured humidity acquired by the acquiring unit, and generates print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; a print control unit that causes the printing mechanism to print the print data and generates an adjustment sheet on a recording 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 pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet to generate an image group corresponding to the adjustment pattern group, and also causes the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet to acquire second group identification information; 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 identification information storage unit that stores a first group of identification information included in the print data; a display control unit that causes the display mechanism to display an error message when the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information, when the elapsed time from the date and time when the print control unit generated the adjustment sheet to the date and time when the image generation unit reads the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet is equal to or longer than a threshold time, the display control unit causes the display mechanism to display an error message. Image forming device.

4. the print control unit causes the print mechanism to print a code corresponding to the first group identification information; the image generating unit causes the scanner mechanism to read the code formed on the adjustment sheet and acquire second group identification information corresponding to the code; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first group identification information includes device identification information for identifying the image forming device; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the threshold time is set according to the print image quality required for the image forming apparatus; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

7. 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 an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, and generating print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; causing the printing mechanism to print the print data to generate an adjustment sheet on which an image corresponding to the print data is printed on a recording medium; causing the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; a step of causing the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet, thereby acquiring second group identification information; adjusting the amount of ink ejected from each of a plurality of nozzles constituting the printing mechanism based on the group of images; storing a first group of identification information included in the print data; and if the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information, causing the display mechanism to display an error message; the first group identification information includes identification information of each of the plurality of adjustment patterns that make up the adjustment pattern group; A control method for an image forming apparatus.

8. 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 an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, and generating print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; causing the printing mechanism to print the print data to generate an adjustment sheet on which an image corresponding to the print data is printed on a recording medium; causing the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; a step of causing the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet, thereby acquiring second group identification information; adjusting the amount of ink ejected from each of a plurality of nozzles constituting the printing mechanism based on the group of images; storing a first group of identification information included in the print data; and if the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information, causing the display mechanism to display an error message; the first group identification information includes date and time information when the print data was generated; A control method for an image forming apparatus.

9. 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 an adjustment pattern group corresponding to the measured temperature and the measured humidity acquired in the acquiring step, and generating print data including the read out adjustment pattern group and first group identification information that identifies the adjustment pattern group; causing the printing mechanism to print the print data to generate an adjustment sheet on which an image corresponding to the print data is printed on a recording medium; causing the scanner mechanism to read the adjustment patterns formed on the adjustment sheet and generate images corresponding to the adjustment patterns; a step of causing the scanner mechanism to read an image corresponding to group identification information formed on the adjustment sheet, thereby acquiring second group identification information; adjusting the amount of ink ejected from each of a plurality of nozzles constituting the printing mechanism based on the group of images; storing a first group of identification information included in the print data; and displaying an error message on the display mechanism when the elapsed time from the date and time when the adjustment sheet was created to the date and time when the adjustment pattern group formed on the adjustment sheet was read is equal to or greater than a threshold time and the second group identification information does not match the first group identification information. A control method for an image forming apparatus.

Images