Image forming apparatus, control method for image forming apparatus, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when printing is performed with insertion of an adjustment chart during a print job, constantly printing four-color adjustment chart results in creation of the adjustment chart in color even if pages in the print job are formed of black and white images, which leads to unnecessary toner consumption and wear of device members.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus acquires an image forming mode when printing on a predetermined number of sheets is executed, and determines a gradation pattern image according to the acquired image forming mode. When acquiring a color image forming mode, the image forming apparatus determines a color gradation pattern image, and when acquiring a black and white image forming mode, determines a black and white gradation pattern image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming Device control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus having a configuration with a plurality of print modes capable of switching the image forming means between color printing and monochrome printing is known. For example, when a certain number of monochrome image pages are continuously printed, the image forming means of the image forming apparatus is switched to a monochrome image forming mode capable of printing only with black toner. Members such as toners other than black and a photosensitive drum are temporarily stopped from being controlled. By switching the print mode, it is expected to improve productivity while suppressing mechanical deterioration. On the other hand, switching the print mode requires a long time because the forming means is changed.

[0003] Also, a printing system is known in which an in-line sensor is connected to the subsequent stage of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, and the in-line sensor reads the image on the paper formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0004] In such a printing system, by reading the density adjustment patches printed on the paper by the image forming apparatus with the in-line sensor, the adjustment result can be fed back to the printing apparatus in real time even during printing of a large number of page jobs. Although it is desirable to print the patches in the margin of the output (paper), there are cases where the adjustment patches cannot be printed depending on the type and size of the paper.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a patch is printed on a paper different from the output of a print job to generate an adjustment chart, and when the number of printed pages reaches a predetermined number during the printing of the job, the adjustment chart is inserted and printed. And Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which the density of the patches of the printed adjustment chart is read and fed back to the apparatus for density adjustment.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-122377 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a method for printing an adjustment chart consisting of four colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—regardless of the printing mode when inserting the adjustment chart, and updates the gradation correction table for each of the four colors. In monochrome image formation mode, only black toner is required for printing, so only the updated gradation correction table for black is used. Even if the gradation correction table is updated, the other toners are not used until the next color image page is printed. Therefore, constantly forming images with patches for all colors and performing reading gradation correction would unnecessarily use chromatic toners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a color printing apparatus that prints using multiple recording agents including chromatic recording agents. printing Modes and black and white printing, which uses a single-color black recording agent instead of a chromatic one. printing Image forming apparatus with switchable modes and , A printing means for printing an image, an activation means for activating the interrupt adjustment setting, and in the state where the setting is activated. Printing the image The specified number of sheets According to what was done, The printing means A grayscale pattern image Print ru control means and the aforementioned printing by means printing done The aforementioned A colorimetric means for reading and measuring the color of a grayscale pattern image, and the colorimetric means The aforementioned grayscale pattern imageGenerating means for generating gradation correction data based on color measurement results and reference values, and correction means for performing gradation correction on image data using the gradation correction data generated by the generating means, and the predetermined of mode of the image forming apparatus when printing of a predetermined number of sheets is executed is obtained, and the printing above is characterized by being If the acquired print mode is a color print mode, a color gradation pattern image including multiple patch images with gradually different densities is printed using the chromatic recording agent, and if the acquired print mode is a black and white print mode, a black and white gradation pattern image is printed using the monochrome black recording agent without using the chromatic recording agent. performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present Regarding Claim 1 invention, Printing the image the predetermined of number of sheets fruit when printing is performed The printing mode of the image forming apparatus is acquired, and the acquired image forming mode of the apparatus printing can be When it is in color print mode obtained. When a color gradation pattern image containing multiple patch images with gradually different densities is printed using a chromatic recording agent, and the printing mode of the image forming apparatus that acquired the image is monochrome printing mode, the monochrome gradation pattern image is printed using a monochrome black recording agent without using a chromatic recording agent. The above is To do so achieved. but This can be done.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system [Figure 2] Diagram for explaining the internal configuration of a printing system [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a printing system [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the execution flow in an image processing apparatus [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the execution flow of print control in an image forming apparatus [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the execution flow of interrupt adjustment in an image forming apparatus [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the execution flow for generating page images of an adjustment chart in an image forming apparatus [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the interrupt adjustment interval [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of a print management application screen [Figure 10] Diagram showing an example of a print job setting screen [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of a print job settings screen [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the layout of an adjustment chart [Figure 13] (a) is a figure showing an example of measurement value data, (b) is a figure showing an example of reference value data, and (c) is a figure showing an example of correction value [Figure 14] Flow chart showing the execution flow of generating a page image of an adjustment chart according to the third embodiment [Figure 15] Block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a printing system according to the third embodiment [Figure 16] Flow chart showing the execution flow in an image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment [Figure 17] Flow chart showing the execution flow of print control in an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment [Figure 18] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration [Figure 19] Flow chart showing the execution flow of interrupt adjustment in an image forming apparatus

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Configuration of the Printing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes an image processing apparatus 20 connected to an image forming apparatus 10 and a client PC 30 connected by a network 40 such as a LAN. The image forming apparatus 10 and the image processing apparatus 20 have a function (printing function) of forming an image on a recording medium such as paper or a plastic sheet (hereinafter referred to as "paper") according to a print request received from the client PC 30.

[0014] The configuration of the printing system is not limited to that shown in Figure 1; it is sufficient that at least one client PC 30, the image forming apparatus 10, and the image processing apparatus 20 are connected to each other via a network 40. The image processing apparatus 20 may be configured as a print server independent of the image forming apparatus 10, as shown in the figure, or it may be an integrated system in which the image forming apparatus 10 has the same functions internally. Furthermore, the network 40 may be wired or wireless.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of the printing system> Figure 18 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment. In the image forming apparatus 10, the device controller 100 is a controller that controls the devices of the image forming apparatus 10. The CPU 111 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 116 based on control programs stored in the ROM 112 or the hard disk (HDD) 114. The ROM 112 stores control programs and the like that the CPU 111 can execute. The RAM 113 mainly functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 111, and is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The hard disk (HDD) 114 stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, and the like. In this embodiment, an HDD 114 is used, but an SD card or flash memory may also be used as an external storage device. The control system I / F 115 sends and receives information necessary for print control to the image processing apparatus 20. The printer I / F 117 controls image output to the printing device 200. The operation unit I / F 119 controls the display of the display unit 132 on the operation unit 130 and the input of various setting information set in the input unit 131. The image data system I / F 120 receives image data from the image processing device 20 for transmission to the printing device 200. The sensor I / F 118 transmits operation instructions to the sensor 220 located inside the printing device 200 and receives measurement results from the sensor 220. The sensor 220 is located between the fuser and the paper output tray on the paper transport path of the printing device 200. Alternatively, it may be located on the paper transport path of a finishing device (not shown) connected downstream of the printing device 200. A measurement chart with color patches placed according to the sensor's location is printed, and as the chart passes through the sensor 220, the sensor 220 measures patch information such as spectral values, chromaticity values, and density. The measured information is used for the adjustment functions of both devices.

[0016] In the image processing device 20, the RIP controller 140 performs processing necessary for executing the printing process in the image processing device 20, such as analyzing the input print job and processing it into image data. The CPU 141 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 146 based on control programs stored in the ROM 142 or the hard disk (HDD) 144. The ROM 142 stores control programs and the like that the CPU 141 can execute. The RAM 143 mainly functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 141, and is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The hard disk (HDD) 144 stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, etc. In this embodiment, an HDD 144 is used, but an SD card or flash memory may also be used as an external storage device. The control system I / F 145 sends and receives information necessary for print control to and from the image forming apparatus 10. The image data interface 147 transmits image data to be output by the printing device 200 to the image forming apparatus 10. The operation unit interface 148 controls the display of the display unit 152 on the operation unit 150 and the input of various setting information set in the input unit 151. The network interface 149 communicates data with the external network 40 via a network cable.

[0017] Furthermore, the image processing device 20 may also have the function of submitting the same print jobs as the client PC 30, which will be described later. Print jobs are submitted to the RIP controller 140 from the operation unit 150 via the printer driver or print management application.

[0018] The client PC 30 is connected to the image processing device 20 via an external network 40. The client PC 30 submits print jobs to the image processing device 20 via a printer driver or print management application.

[0019] <Internal structure of the printing system> Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the electrophotographic printing apparatus 200 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, and the relationships between each apparatus.

[0020] In Figure 2, the area enclosed by the dashed line represents the printing device 200. The printing device 200 has four stations corresponding to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toners (recording agents). These four stations, arranged horizontally, sequentially form toner images in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Note that yellow toner, magenta toner, and cyan toner are chromatic recording agents.

[0021] Each station is equipped with a photosensitive drum 201 as an image carrier. A charger 202, exposure unit 203, developer unit 204, cleaning unit 207, and pre-exposure unit 208 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 201. The developer unit 204 is equipped with a developer roller 205 that supplies developer (toner) to the photosensitive drum 201. In the intermediate transfer unit 206, an intermediate transfer belt 209 is provided, and via the intermediate transfer belt 209, primary transfer rollers 210 are in contact with the photosensitive drum 201 at each station. Furthermore, secondary transfer inner rollers 211 and secondary transfer rollers 212 are also in contact via the intermediate transfer belt 209, and the intermediate transfer belt is arranged to rotate in the transport direction. The fixing unit 213 consists of a heating film (heating rotating body) 214, a fixing roller 215, and a pressure roller 216, which heat and pressurize the toner transferred to the paper 222 to fix it. The output roller 217 discharges the paper 222 that has passed through the fuser unit 213 into the output tray 218.

[0022] The colorimeter sensor 220 is installed between the fuser unit 213 and the paper output roller 217 so as to be able to read the printed surface, and measures the density of the patch formed on the paper 222 after fixing and notifies the controller 100 of the colorimeter data (density data). The cleaning blade 221 cleans the toner that remained on the intermediate transfer belt 209 without being transferred to the paper 222 during secondary transfer. The paper feed roller 224 feeds the paper 222 stored in the paper feed cassette 223 (paper feed stage). Although there is only one paper feed cassette 223 in Figure 2, the printing device 10 is assumed to have multiple paper feed cassettes 223 that can accommodate various paper sizes and types.

[0023] Next, the software configuration of the various devices according to this embodiment will be described.

[0024] <Software configuration of image forming apparatus> Figure 3(a) is a block diagram of the device controller 100, which is a software module configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. These software modules are stored as programs in the HDD 114 and are read into the RAM 113 by the CPU 111 and executed.

[0025] The UI control unit 301 controls the display control of the display unit 132 in the operation unit 130 and the input of various setting information set in the input unit 131 via the operation unit I / F 119.

[0026] The page image analysis unit 302 analyzes the print job received from the image processing device 20. In this embodiment, it determines whether the interrupt adjustment setting for the print job is enabled. The page image control unit 303 executes the necessary printing processes for the print job in the image forming apparatus 10. It performs processes such as density gradation correction and halftone processing to generate data that can be printed by the printing device 200. The engine control unit 304 controls a series of printing operations performed by the printing device 200. The print job is processed and printed on a page-by-page basis.

[0027] The sensor control unit 305 controls the sensor 220 to measure the density of patches formed on the printed paper for the page that has received a sensor measurement instruction, and acquires color measurement data. The data transmission / reception unit 306 controls the transmission and reception of data with the image processing device 20. The data transmitted and received includes, for example, print job data and setting registration information stored in the image forming device. The interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 307 sets the interval for interrupt printing of the adjustment chart.

[0028] Figure 8 shows an example of a UI screen for setting the interrupt adjustment interval according to this embodiment. This UI screen 801 is generated by the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 307 and displayed on the display unit 132 via the UI control unit 301. 802 represents the interval information for printing the adjustment chart necessary to perform the adjustment. The setting is accepted from the operator via the input unit 131. Here, the number of prints is specified as the interrupt interval information. In this UI screen 801, setting changes are accepted by operating buttons 803 or 804, but a UI that displays a numeric keypad and accepts numerical values ​​directly may also be used. When the operator presses the OK button 805, the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 307 notifies the interrupt adjustment execution unit 309, which will be described later, of the specified information and exits this UI screen 801. When the cancel button 806 is pressed, the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 307 immediately exits this UI screen 801.

[0029] The interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 determines the patch layout configuration of the adjustment chart to be inserted based on information from the page image analysis unit 302 and the page image control unit 304. Details will be described later. The interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 performs control for executing interrupt printing. To print the measurement chart at specified intervals, it performs processing related to printing the adjustment chart, such as counting and clearing the number of print pages and generating the adjustment chart image. The interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 acquires color measurement data (color measurement results) from the sensor 220 and calculates correction values ​​for gradation correction. It updates the gradation correction data based on the correction values.

[0030] The print mode switching unit 311 is part of the engine control unit 304 and controls the mode switching of the printing operation performed by the printing device 200. The timing of the print mode switching is determined, for example, by defining the number of consecutive pages of black and white image printing information in the engine control unit 304, and when that number is reached, the unit switches from color image formation mode to black and white image formation mode. Also, if a color page image is to be printed while in black and white image formation mode, the unit immediately switches from black and white image formation mode to color image formation mode.

[0031] Here, we will explain the print mode control provided by the printing device 200.

[0032] In this embodiment, the printing device 200 includes a color image formation mode that allows both color and black and white printing, and a black and white image formation mode that allows only black and white printing. The printing mode switching unit 311 switches between each printing mode by means described later.

[0033] In color image formation mode, image formation is performed with all photosensitive drums 201K, 201C, 201M, and 201Y (K, C, M, and Y) in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 209. All photosensitive drums 201 are in a ready state where image formation can be immediately performed. In this printing mode, both color and black and white printing are possible, but even for black and white printing, all photosensitive drums 201 are operated in a ready state.

[0034] In monochrome image formation mode, the C, M, and Y photosensitive drums 201C, 201M, and 201Y are separated from and stopped by the intermediate transfer belt 209, and image formation is performed with only the K photosensitive drum 201K in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 209. Only the K photosensitive drum 201K is ready for immediate image formation. In this printing mode, monochrome printing is possible, but color printing is not. If color printing is instructed during this printing mode control, the printing device 200 needs to switch control so that all photosensitive drums 201 are in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 209. The switching operation is performed after waiting for the image formation and transfer to paper of all pages progressing in parallel on the intermediate transfer belt 209 to be completed, and after the rotation of each photosensitive drum 201 is resumed, it is brought into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 209. Therefore, the switching operation takes a certain amount of time. In monochrome image formation mode, printing is performed using a recording agent that is only black (K).

[0035] Here, a means for controlling the black and white image formation mode by stopping the photosensitive drum 201 away from the intermediate transfer belt 209 has been described. However, the control means are not limited to this. In addition to the photosensitive drum 201, other means may also be used, such as stopping the primary transfer roller 210 away from the intermediate transfer belt 209, or reducing the power supply to the exposure device 203 or the developing device 204.

[0036] <Software configuration of the image processing device> Figure 3(b) is a block diagram of the RIP controller 140, which is a software module configuration of the image processing device 20. These software modules are stored as programs in the HDD 144 and are read into the RAM 143 by the CPU 141 and executed. The UI control unit 341 controls the display control of the display unit 152 in the operation unit 150 and the input of various setting information set in the input unit 151 via the operation unit I / F 148.

[0037] The print job management unit 342 manages print job data received from the operator. Specifically, it performs tasks such as retrieving print jobs stored on the HDD 144, reflecting changes to print job settings made by the operator, and managing the history of printed jobs. Generally, a print management application exists to allow the operator to easily perform this series of tasks.

[0038] Figure 9 shows an example of the UI screen of the print management application according to this embodiment. This UI screen 901 is managed and generated by the print job management unit 342 and displayed on the display unit 152 via the UI control unit 341. The job queue 902 represents a job queue that displays information about print jobs received by the print processing device 20. Here, the name of the print job, the number of pages and copies of the print job, information on whether the interrupt adjustment described later is enabled or not, and information on whether the print job has been processed or not are displayed. The information to be displayed is not limited to this, and any items set for the print job, such as color / monochrome information and paper information, may also be displayed.

[0039] When the operator has selected a target print job, and buttons 903 to 905 are pressed, the print job management unit 342 executes the corresponding process for each button. When the print button 903 is pressed, the printing process for the selected print job begins, and once the process is complete, the print data is sent to the image forming apparatus 10. When the properties button 904 is pressed, a UI screen for configuring the print settings of the selected print job is displayed. There are various print settings. For example, there are settings for the paper used for the print job, layout such as page imposition, and settings related to color and image processing. The print settings set here are notified to the print job management unit 342. When the delete button 905 is pressed, the data for the selected print job is deleted from the queue.

[0040] Figure 10 shows an example of a UI screen for configuring settings related to the paper size, which is one of the print settings for a print job. This UI screen 1001 is generated by the print job management unit 342 and displayed on the display unit 152 via the UI control unit 341.

[0041] In this UI, 1002 represents the paper type, 1003 represents the paper size, and 1004 represents the paper catalog information. Each is set by the operator via the input unit 151. A paper catalog is a collection of arbitrary paper information given a name, managed by the print job management unit 342, although it can also be created by the operator. When a paper catalog is selected in 1004, the paper type 1002 and size 1003 will display the information set in the paper catalog. When the OK button 1005 is pressed, the print job management unit 342 sets the entered paper information as job setting information. When the Cancel button 1006 is pressed, the print job management unit 342 exits this UI screen 1001.

[0042] The print job processing unit 343 performs the necessary processing for executing the print job, such as analyzing the print job received from the operator, expanding it into image data, and compressing / decompressing the image. The data transmission / reception unit 344 manages the transmission and reception of various data with the image forming apparatus 10. The print job data generated by the print job processing unit 343 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by the data transmission / reception unit 344. The data transmission / reception unit 344 also manages the transmission and reception of data with the client PC 30 connected via the external network 40. The interrupt adjustment setting unit 345 sets whether or not to perform interrupt adjustment for the print job. This setting is one of the print setting items that can be displayed and set by pressing the properties button 904 in the aforementioned print management application 901.

[0043] Figure 11 shows an example of a UI screen for configuring print settings for a print job according to this embodiment. This UI screen 1101 is managed and created by the interrupt adjustment setting unit 345 on the print job management unit 342 and displayed on the display unit 152 via the UI control unit 341. 1102 is a checkbox for specifying whether or not to perform interrupt adjustment. When the operator checks checkbox 1102, interrupt adjustment is enabled for the print job, and when it is unchecked, it is disabled. When the OK button 1103 is pressed, the status of the currently displayed checkbox 1102 is notified to the print job management unit 342, and this UI screen 1101 is closed. When the Cancel button 1104 is pressed, the interrupt adjustment setting unit 345 immediately closes this UI screen 1101.

[0044] <Execution flow of a print job according to Embodiment 1> The execution flow of a print job with interrupt adjustment according to this embodiment will be described below. Since the execution of the print job is processed by both the image processing apparatus 20 and the image forming apparatus 10, the process will be described in order. First, the processing of the image processing apparatus 20 will be described.

[0045] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the execution flowchart in the image processing device 20. This flowchart is realized when the program stored in the HDD 144 of the image processing device 20 is read into the RAM 143 and executed by the CPU 141. This flowchart starts when the print button 903 is pressed on the print management application UI screen 901 with a print job selected.

[0046] In S401, the print job management unit 342 reads the target print job data. In the following S402, the print job management unit 342 reads print setting information related to print settings. This includes items explained in Figures 10 and 11 above, as well as other settings such as the page layout settings for the print job and settings related to the CMS (Color Management System), such as color profiles. Furthermore, the print setting information related to print settings includes numerous items, such as settings related to image processing correction, such as halftones, and settings related to the operation of the finishing device. Of course, the print settings for a print job are not limited to the items listed here, and there are many other setting items.

[0047] In S403, the print job processing unit 343 performs RIP processing on the print job. Here, RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing of a print job involves analyzing the submitted print job, performing necessary processing such as color conversion according to the print setting information read in S402, and then converting it into rasterized image data. After this processing is completed, the print job becomes a group of image data on a page-by-page basis.

[0048] In the subsequent S404, the print job management unit 342 transmits the processed print job data to the image forming apparatus 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 344. The print job data includes the unfolded page image data as well as print job setting information necessary for processing in the image forming apparatus 10. When S404 is completed, the print job management unit 342 terminates this flowchart.

[0049] Next, the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. First, the method for switching the print mode of the print device 200 will be described.

[0050] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the execution flowchart of the print mode switching unit 311, which is part of the engine control unit 304 of the device controller 100 in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when a program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0051] This flowchart begins when the page image data processed for printing in the page image control unit 303 is executed for printing in the engine control unit 304. In the print job processing flow described later, this flowchart is executed when the process proceeds to steps S6104 and S6205.

[0052] In S501, the print mode switching unit 311 determines the color configuration (color attribute) of the read page image data. Here, the color configuration refers to the number of colors used to make up the page image data. In the print device 200 according to this embodiment, four toners, C, M, Y, and K, are available. If the page image data is composed of only K toner, the color configuration is determined to be "black and white". If the page image data contains any configuration other than "black and white," that is, any C, M, or Y toner, the color configuration is determined to be "color". If the page configuration is determined to be "color" in S501, the process proceeds to S502.

[0053] In S502, the print mode switching unit 311 determines the current print mode of the printer 200. If the print mode is determined to be color in S502, the process proceeds to S504; if it is determined to be monochrome, the process proceeds to S503. In S503, the print mode switching unit 311 switches the print mode of the printer 200 to color image formation mode via the engine control unit 304. The switching control means is as described above. Since the color composition of the page image to be printed is color, printing cannot be performed if the print mode remains monochrome image formation mode. Therefore, the print mode is switched at this timing.

[0054] In S504, the engine control unit 304 receives instructions from the print mode switching unit 311 and prints the page image to be printed. In the following S505, the print mode switching unit 311 clears the monochrome continuous counter to zero.

[0055] The monochrome continuous counter will now be explained. The monochrome continuous counter is information managed by the print mode switching unit 311, stored in the HDD 114 or ROM 112, and is defined as a condition for switching the print mode of the printer 200. In this embodiment, it is defined as information on the number of consecutive pages, for example, the value is 100 pages.

[0056] Although it has been explained that the print mode switching unit 311 holds a fixed value, this is not the only way to do so. For example, it may be possible to accept input from an operator or administrator via an operation setting screen (not shown) and set it dynamically. Furthermore, although it has been explained as information on the number of consecutive pages, it may also be possible to define different indicators, such as elapsed time or the number of jobs. The print mode switching unit 311 terminates this flow when S505 is completed.

[0057] Returning to S501, if the page composition is determined to be "black and white" in S501, the process proceeds to S506. In S506, similar to S504, the engine control unit 304 receives instructions from the print mode switching unit 311 and executes the printing of the page image to be printed. Since the color composition of the page image data is black and white, printing can be executed regardless of the color image formation mode of the print device 200.

[0058] In the following step S507, the print mode switching unit 311 determines the current print mode of the printer 200. If the print mode is determined to be color in S507, the process proceeds to S508; if it is determined to be black and white, this flow ends.

[0059] In S508, the print mode switching unit 311 increments the monochrome continuous counter. When a monochrome page image is printed while the print mode of the printer 200 is set to color image formation mode, this counter increments.

[0060] Furthermore, in S509, the print mode switching unit 311 determines whether the monochrome continuous counter has reached a predetermined number of pages. In this embodiment, the predetermined number is set to, for example, 100 pages. If the counter reaches this number, the process proceeds to S510; otherwise, this flow ends. In S510, the print mode switching unit 311 switches the print mode of the print device 200 to monochrome image formation mode via the engine control unit 304. The print mode is switched to monochrome to prevent the consumption of unused color toner and wear of materials after a predetermined number of monochrome image pages have been printed. The print processing flow for page image data has now been described. This flow is performed for all pages on which printing is performed.

[0061] Next, we will explain the execution flow of print jobs that involve interrupt adjustments.

[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the execution flowchart of a print job with interrupt adjustment in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111. This flowchart starts at S404 when the printing process of the print job in the image processing apparatus 20 is completed and the image data is received.

[0063] In S6001, the page image analysis unit 302 analyzes the received print job. Here, it checks the contents of the image data group and setting item information of the received print job. In S6002, the page image analysis unit 302 determines whether the interrupt adjustment setting is enabled. If it is enabled, the process proceeds to S6003. In S6003, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 reads the interrupt adjustment counter information and adjustment interval information from the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309.

[0064] If the interrupt adjustment setting is disabled in S6002, or after the processing in S6003 is completed, the process proceeds to S6004. In S6004, the page image control unit 303 selects the first page image data of the print job that has been received and analyzed. In the following S6005, the page image control unit 303 executes the printing process for the selected page.

[0065] Here, the page printing process performed in S6005 will be explained using Figure 19(a). Figure 19(a) is a flowchart showing the page image printing process in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0066] In S6101, the page image control unit 303 reads the grayscale correction table, which will be described later.

[0067] Next, in S6102, the page image control unit 303 performs gradation correction processing.

[0068] Here, we will explain the gradation correction process. Gradation correction is a correction process to maintain a constant output density in the image forming apparatus 10. In the printing apparatus 200, which controls toner and ink to perform printing, the output density of the print is constantly changing due to the influence of the paper being printed on and the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the apparatus is installed. Even if the page is created with the same image processing, if the output density of the printing apparatus 200 changes, there will be a difference in the output quality when printed. Gradation correction is used to ensure consistently stable output quality. Gradation correction is a process that corrects the print data so that the toner or ink component produces an optimal output as predetermined. Generally, this is achieved by having a lookup table (LUT) that converts each toner or ink component to an output signal value that is appropriate for the input signal value, and by performing correction using the LUT when the print data processing is executed. Here, the LUT for conversion is called the gradation correction table.

[0069] The principle of gradation correction processing will be explained using Figure 13. The data shown here is stored in HDD 114 and managed by page image control unit 303.

[0070] Figure 13(a) shows an example of a table that defines the target density that serves as the standard for output density for each color. Here, information on the optimal output density values ​​is defined for 10 input signals ranging from 10% to 100%. This target information may be information predetermined by the printer vendor, or it may be information registered by the operator via the control unit 130 based on actual output measurements.

[0071] Figure 13(b) shows an example of a measurement taken by printing a grayscale patch image created from 10 input signal values ​​at a certain point in time and reading its density. This measurement becomes the current output density of the printer 200. The page image control unit 303 calculates a grayscale correction table from the grayscale target (reference value) (Figure 13(a)) and the measurement (Figure 13(b)).

[0072] Figure 13(c) shows an example where the difference in density is calculated as the correction value. The difference can be used as the correction value as is, or a value obtained after certain processing, such as multiplying by a constant, can be used as the correction value. Based on this correction value, a gradation correction table is generated by associating the signal value that has the same density as the target density of the input signal value as the output signal value. In this example, 10 input signal values ​​were used for explanation, but it is not limited to this. The accuracy of the correction increases as the number of signal values ​​used increases, but the number of patches required for measurement also increases. Also, since the output density differs depending on the paper on which it is printed, there may be a gradation target and gradation correction table for each type of paper. Here, the gradation correction process for all four colors has been explained, but it is not necessary to perform all of them at once. It is possible to perform the correction on only one or more arbitrary colors. In this embodiment, if the adjustment chart configuration described later is four-color, the correction process is performed on all four colors, and if it is black and white, the correction process is performed on black only.

[0073] In accordance with the process described above, in S6102, the page image control unit 303 converts the signal values ​​of the page image to be processed using the grayscale correction table read in S6101.

[0074] In the following step S6103, the page image control unit 303 performs halftone processing. Halftone processing is a process that converts the signal values ​​of a page image, which is expressed in multiple tones, to a minimum number of tones that the printer 200 can output. It is a generally known technique that simulates multiple tones while reducing the number of tones by representing one pixel in the page image with multiple areas. In S6104, the engine control unit 304 forms the page image data, which has been converted to a state that can be printed by the printer 200, onto the paper and performs the printing process. In this embodiment, the printing mode switching unit 311 also switches the printing mode of the printer 200 according to the color configuration of the page image. The flow of the printing process is as explained in Figure 5. When the printing output of the target page is completed, this flow ends.

[0075] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 6, in the following step S6006, the page image control unit 303 determines whether the interrupt adjustment setting is enabled, just as in S6002.

[0076] If the interrupt adjustment setting is disabled in S6006, the process moves to S6007, where the page image control unit 303 determines whether the processed page is the last page of the print job. If it is determined to be the last page, this flow ends. If it is determined not to be the last page, in the following S6008, the next page is selected and the process returns to S6005. If the interrupt adjustment setting is enabled in S6006, the process proceeds to S6009. In S6009, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 performs an increment operation to increase the adjustment counter read in S6003 by one.

[0077] In S6010, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 determines whether the adjustment counter has reached the set value of the adjustment interval read in S6003. If the adjustment interval value has been reached, the adjustment page printing process is executed in S6011 and subsequent steps. If it has not been reached, the process moves to S6007 and continues as described above.

[0078] In S6010, if the adjustment counter reaches the adjustment interval value, in S6011, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 and the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 generate an interrupt adjustment page.

[0079] Here, we will explain the determination and generation of the interrupt adjustment chart executed in S6011. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the generation of the interrupt adjustment page in S6011. This flowchart is realized when the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 100 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0080] In S701, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 analyzes the page image for which the adjustment counter has reached the adjustment interval value. That is, it analyzes the page image of a predetermined number of pages. Specifically, it analyzes the color configuration information of the target page image. The color configuration information is as described in S501 above.

[0081] In S702, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 determines whether the page image's color configuration is color or black and white based on the analysis results from S701. If it is color, the process proceeds to S703; if it is black and white, it proceeds to S704. If it is determined to be color in S702, the process moves to S703, where the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects a grayscale patch for color. Grayscale patches will be described later.

[0082] If it is determined to be black and white in S702, the process moves to S704, where the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects a grayscale patch for black and white. The grayscale patch will be described later. In the following S705, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 uses the grayscale patch selected in S703 or S704 to create page image data for the adjustment chart.

[0083] Here, we will explain the pages of the adjustment chart to be generated using Figure 12. Figures 12(a) and (b) show examples of page images (grayscale pattern images) of the adjustment chart. This chart is determined and generated in the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308. Page image 1201 is an example of a page image when a grayscale patch for color is selected in S703, and page image 1211 is an example of a page image when a grayscale patch for black and white is selected in S704.

[0084] In page image 1201, gradation patches represented by four toners are placed at predetermined locations on the page (1202-1205). In this example, each toner is composed of 10 gradation patches with gradually different densities, but as explained in the gradation correction process above, the number of patches is not limited to this. Figure 2 shows the colorimetric sensor 220, which is installed on the paper transport path, and the page image is arranged so that 1202-1205 pass through the location of the installed sensor 220. Here, the sensor 220 has been described as being fixed in two locations, but the number and location of the sensors 220 are not limited to this. There may be one fixed location, four fixed locations, or one or more sensors installed in a movable state. Furthermore, the generated adjustment chart only needs to be arranged in a layout that allows the sensors 220 to read the gradation patches, depending on the number and installation status of the sensors 220. Furthermore, as part of the specifications that allow the sensor 220 to read the data, the layout of the grayscale patches placed on the adjustment chart may be changed depending on the size and type of paper.

[0085] Page image 1211 shows gradation patches, represented by a single color of black toner, placed at designated locations on the page (1212-1213). In this example, the black toner is composed of 20 gradation patches with varying densities, but as mentioned above, the number and layout of the gradation patches are not limited to this. Once the processing in S705 is complete, the processing flow moves to S6012.

[0086] In the subsequent S6012, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 executes the interrupt adjustment chart printing process. The interrupt adjustment chart printing process executed in S6012 will be explained using Figure 19(b).

[0087] Figure 19(b) is a flowchart showing the interrupt adjustment chart printing process in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when a program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0088] In S6201, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 reads the current gradation correction table. In S6202, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 executes gradation correction processing. In S6203, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 executes halftone processing. In S6204, the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 instructs the sensor control unit 305 to control the sensor 220 and measure the density of the gradation patches formed and printed on the adjustment chart 1201 or 1211.

[0089] In step S6205, the engine control unit 304 forms a page image (grayscale pattern image) of the adjustment chart onto the paper and prints it. Simultaneously, the sensor control unit 305 measures the density of the patch. In this embodiment, the print mode switching unit 311 also switches the print mode of the printer 200 according to the color configuration of the page image. The print process flow is as described in Figure 5. Once printing is complete, this flow is terminated.

[0090] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 6, in the following step S6013, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 receives the measurement result of the adjustment patch measured by the sensor 220. In the following step S6014, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 generates gradation correction data. Here, the gradation correction data generation process performed in S6014 will be explained using Figure 19(c). The principle of gradation correction is as described above.

[0091] Figure 19(c) is a flowchart showing the interrupt adjustment chart printing process in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when a program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0092] In S6301, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 reads the tone correction target corresponding to the paper on which the adjustment chart is printed from the page image control unit 303. In S6302, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 reads the measurement result of the adjustment patch from the sensor 220 received in S6013. In S6303, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 calculates the difference between the tone target and the measured value. In S6304, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 generates a new tone correction table from the calculated difference. Thus, a new tone correction table is generated each time an interrupt occurs and an adjustment chart is output.

[0093] As mentioned above, the new correction table to be generated may be changed according to the color configuration of the adjustment patch measured in S6013. In this embodiment, if the adjustment chart is configured in four colors, the gradation correction table is generated for all four colors, and if it is in black and white, it is generated for black only.

[0094] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 6, in the following S6015, the interrupt adjustment execution unit 310 updates and saves the newly generated gradation correction table. In the following S6016, the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 clears the interrupt adjustment counter and proceeds to S6007, continuing the process described above.

[0095] Therefore, by executing this flowchart, during the printing of a print job with adjustment settings enabled, an adjustment chart will be generated and printed each time the number of printed pages reaches the set adjustment interval. Based on the measurements obtained by measuring the gradation patches printed on the adjustment chart, a new gradation correction table will be continuously generated and updated. Since the updated gradation correction table is applied from the print process immediately after the update, it is possible to achieve stable output quality during the printing of the print job.

[0096] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a printing system that prints an adjustment chart during print job execution and applies the results of measuring the patch density of the chart to the gradation correction process, the gradation patches of the adjustment chart are changed according to the color configuration of the print job. This makes it possible to switch between performing color adjustments when the print job pages consist of color images and monochrome adjustments when they consist of monochrome images. As a result, unnecessary toner consumption and wear and tear on device components can be prevented.

[0097] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a flow was described in which the configuration of the grayscale patches of the adjustment chart is determined based on the analysis results of the counter-reached page image. In this embodiment, a method for determining the configuration of the adjustment chart that differs from the first embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration, software configuration, and print processing flow are the same as in the first embodiment, so the figures and descriptions are omitted. From here on, only the differences will be described. In this embodiment, the processing of interrupt adjustment page generation S6011 in the flow of Figure 6 is changed.

[0098] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the generation of the interrupt adjustment page S6011 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is realized when the program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 100 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0099] In S1401, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 checks the printing mode (image formation mode) of the printing device 200 controlled by the engine control unit 304. The printing mode (image formation mode) is dynamically switched according to the processing flow described in Figure 5, and is either in color image formation mode or monochrome image formation mode. If it is in color image formation mode, proceed to S1402; if it is in monochrome image formation mode, proceed to S1403.

[0100] If it is determined in S1401 that it is in color image formation mode, the process moves to S1402, where the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects a grayscale patch for color. If it is determined in S1401 that it is in monochrome image formation mode, the process moves to S1403, where the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 selects a grayscale patch for monochrome.

[0101] Since S1404 is the same as S705, its explanation is omitted. Also, the printing flow after the adjustment chart generation in S6011 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted.

[0102] As described above, according to this embodiment, the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 changes the gradation patch of the adjustment chart according to the printing mode of the printing device 200 controlled by the engine control unit 304. This makes it possible to switch between performing color adjustments when the print job page consists of color images and black and white adjustments when it consists of black and white images. As a result, unnecessary toner consumption and wear and tear on device components can be prevented.

[0103] Furthermore, in configurations where color / black and white printing modes can be switched, downtime occurs when switching the printing mode from black and white to color image formation mode in order to print color patches. However, according to this embodiment, the occurrence of downtime can be prevented.

[0104] [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, a configuration was described in which the generation and control of the interrupt adjustment chart for performing interrupt adjustment is performed by the device controller 100 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0105] In this embodiment, we will describe a configuration in which the interrupt adjustment chart is generated by the RIP controller 140 in the image processing device 20. From here on, only the differences will be described.

[0106] Since the hardware configuration is the same as in the first embodiment, the diagrams and descriptions are omitted.

[0107] Figure 15(a) is a block diagram of the device controller 100, which is a software module configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. These software modules are stored as programs in the HDD 114 and are read into the RAM 113 by the CPU 111 and executed.

[0108] The control of the UI control unit 1501, page image analysis unit 1502, page image control unit 1503, engine control unit 1504, and sensor control unit 1505 is the same as the control of the corresponding blocks 301 to 305 in Figure 3, so their explanations are omitted. The control of the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 1507, interrupt adjustment execution unit 1508, and print mode switching unit 1509 is the same as the control of the corresponding blocks 307, 310, and 311 in Figure 3, so their explanations are omitted.

[0109] The data transmission / reception unit 1506 controls the same data as 306 and controls data transmission and reception with the image processing device 20. The data transmitted and received includes, for example, print job data and setting registration information stored in the image forming device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 1507 and the print mode information of the print device 200 are transmitted to the image processing device 20.

[0110] Figure 15(b) is a block diagram of the RIP controller 140, which is a software module configuration of the image processing device 20. These software modules are stored as programs in the HDD 144 and are read into the RAM 143 by the CPU 141 and executed.

[0111] The control of the UI control unit 1541, the print job management unit 1542, the print job processing unit 1543, and the interrupt adjustment setting unit 1545 is the same as the control of the respective blocks 341-343 and 345, so their explanations are omitted.

[0112] The data transmission / reception unit 1544 controls the same functions as 344 and manages the transmission and reception of various data with the image forming apparatus 10. The print job data generated by the print job processing unit 1543 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by the data transmission / reception unit 1544. The data transmission / reception unit 1544 also manages the transmission and reception of data with the client PC 30 connected via the external network 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the unit receives the setting value set by the interrupt adjustment interval setting unit 1507 and the print mode information of the print device 200 from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0113] The interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 1546 is the same as the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 of the device controller 100 in Embodiments 1 and 2. It receives information necessary for determination from the image forming apparatus 10 and determines the patch layout configuration of the interrupt adjustment chart.

[0114] The interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 1547 is the same as the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 of the device controller 100 in Embodiments 1 and 2. To print the measurement chart at specified intervals received from the image forming apparatus 10, it performs processing related to counting and clearing the number of pages in the RIPped print job, generating the adjustment chart image, and inserting pages into the print job.

[0115] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the execution flowchart of a print job with interrupt adjustment in the image processing device 20 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is realized when a program stored in the HDD 144 of the image processing device 20 is read into the RAM 143 and executed by the CPU 141.

[0116] We will focus on explaining the differences between the processing flows described in Figures 4 to 6 in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0117] S1601 to S1603 are the same as S401 to S403 in Embodiments 1 and 2, so their explanation is omitted. In S1604, the print job processing unit 1543 analyzes the image page group and print setting information after RIP processing. Subsequently, in S1605 to S1607, the print job processing unit 1543 performs the same processing as in S6002 to S6004.

[0118] In S1608, the print job management unit 1542 transmits the processed page image to the image forming apparatus 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 1544. The print job data includes the unfolded page image data as well as information on the print job settings necessary for processing in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0119] Lines S1609 to S1611 are processed by the print job management unit 1542. Since these lines are the same as those executed by the page image control unit 303 in lines S6006 to S6008 in embodiments 1 and 2, their explanation is omitted.

[0120] S1612 and S1613 are processed by the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 1547. Since this is the same as what is done by the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 in S6009 and S6010 in Embodiments 1 and 2, a detailed explanation is omitted. S1614 is processed by the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 1546. This is the same as what is done by the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 in S6011 in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0121] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the interrupt adjustment chart determination is performed in the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 308 of the image forming apparatus 10 by the processing flow described in Figures 7 and 14. In this embodiment, the determination is performed in the interrupt adjustment chart determination unit 1546 of the image processing apparatus 20. The method is the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2, so a description is omitted.

[0122] In S1615, the print job management unit 1542 transmits the processed page image to the image forming apparatus 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 1544. The print job data includes the unfolded page image data as well as information indicating that it is an adjustment page. S1616 is processed by the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 1547. The description is omitted because it is the same as what the interrupt adjustment chart print control unit 309 does in S6016 in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0123] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the execution flowchart of a print job with interrupt adjustment in the image forming apparatus 10. This flowchart is realized when a program stored in the HDD 114 of the image forming apparatus 10 is read into the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0124] We will focus on explaining the differences between the processing flow described in Figures 4 to 6 in Embodiments 1 and 2. Steps S1701 and S1702 are processed by the page image analysis unit 1502 and the page image control unit 1503. Since these steps are the same as those performed by the page image analysis unit 302 and the page image control unit 303 in Steps S6001 and S6004 in Embodiments 1 and 2, we will omit their explanation.

[0125] In S1703, the page image analysis unit 1502 determines whether the selected page is an adjustment page image. This determination is made based on the information attached to the adjustment page transmitted in S1615.

[0126] If it is determined in S1703 that the page is not an adjustment page, the process proceeds to S1704, where the page image control unit 1503 executes the printing process for the target page. This is the same process as in S6005 in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the details are the same as those described in Figure 19(a), so the explanation is omitted. S1705 and S1706 are processed by the page image control unit 1502. These are the same as what the page image control unit 303 does in S6007 and S6008 in Embodiments 1 and 2, so the explanation is omitted.

[0127] S1707 is processed by the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 1547. This is the same process as that performed by the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 309 in S6011 in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the details are the same as those described in Figure 19(b), so the explanation is omitted.

[0128] S1708 to S1710 are processed by the interrupt adjustment chart printing control unit 1547. Since this is the same as what the page image control unit 303 does in S6013 to S6015 in Embodiments 1 and 2, the explanation is omitted. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the interrupt adjustment chart is generated and controlled by the image processing device 20 has been described.

[0129] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a printing system that prints an adjustment chart during print job execution and applies the results of measuring the patch density of the chart to the gradation correction process, the gradation patches of the adjustment chart are changed according to the color configuration of the print job. This makes it possible to switch between performing color adjustments when the print job pages consist of color images and monochrome adjustments when they consist of monochrome images. As a result, unnecessary toner consumption and wear and tear on device components can be prevented.

[0130] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus capable of switching between a color printing mode that prints using multiple recording agents including chromatic recording agents, and a monochrome printing mode that prints using a single-color black recording agent without using chromatic recording agents, Printing methods for printing images, An enablement method for enabling the interrupt adjustment setting, A control means that causes the printing means to print a grayscale pattern image when a predetermined number of images have been printed with the aforementioned setting enabled, A colorimetric means for reading and measuring the color of the grayscale pattern image printed by the printing means, A generation means for generating gradation correction data based on the color measurement results of the gradation pattern image by the color measurement means and reference values, The system includes a correction means that performs tone correction on image data using tone correction data generated by the generation means, The printing mode of the image forming apparatus is obtained when the predetermined number of prints has been executed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the acquired printing mode is a color printing mode, a color gradation pattern image including a plurality of patch images with gradually different densities is printed using the chromatic recording agent, and when the acquired printing mode is a black and white printing mode, a black and white gradation pattern image is printed using the monochromatic black recording agent without using the chromatic recording agent.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the acquired printing mode is the color printing mode, the plurality of patch images are printed using at least a first color recording agent and a second color recording agent different from the first color recording agent.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of recording agents including the chromatic recording agent include at least two of cyan toner, yellow toner, magenta toner, and black toner.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an operating section for receiving the predetermined number of sheets.

5. A control method for an image forming apparatus that can switch between a color printing mode, which prints using multiple recording agents including chromatic recording agents, and a monochrome printing mode, which prints using a monochrome black recording agent without using chromatic recording agents, The printing step for printing the image, The activation step to enable the interrupt adjustment settings, A control step that causes a grayscale pattern image to be printed in the printing step, in accordance with the fact that a predetermined number of images have been printed with the above setting enabled, A colorimetric step which reads and measures the color of the grayscale pattern image printed in the printing step, A generation step that generates gradation correction data based on the color measurement results of the gradation pattern image obtained in the color measurement step and reference values, The process includes a correction step in which the image data is subjected to tone correction using the tone correction data generated in the generation step, The printing mode of the image forming apparatus is obtained when the predetermined number of prints has been executed. An image forming method characterized in that, when the acquired printing mode is a color printing mode, a color gradation pattern image including a plurality of patch images with gradually different densities is printed using the chromatic recording agent, and when the acquired printing mode is a black and white printing mode, a black and white gradation pattern image is printed using the monochromatic black recording agent without using the chromatic recording agent.

6. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images