JP2015118108A - Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, image forming system, image forming method, information processing method, image forming program, and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus configured to reduce the space formed in a blank sheet when a reference image is formed on a continuous sheet for adjusting image quality, an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, an information processing method, an image forming program, and an information processing program.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a receiving section which receives a normal page image formed by arranging a plurality of unit images L in a predetermined area S, and a correction page image formed by arranging an image-quality correction pattern C to be used for image-quality correction in place of the unit image L in a part of the predetermined area S; an image forming section which forms the received normal page image and correction page image on a repeated transfer belt; a read section which reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt; and a correction section which corrects image quality of a following normal page image or correction page image, on the basis of the correction pattern C read by the read section.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming method, an information processing method, an image forming program, and an information processing program.

  In recent years, the image quality of an output image by an image forming apparatus has been remarkably improved, and the user's requirement for a change in image quality has become more severe. In particular, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrostatic process, it is known that the image quality reproducibility of the electrostatic process is easily affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, deterioration with time, and the like, and the image quality changes greatly. Yes.

  In particular, a change in image quality causes problems such as a density change in the case of a monochrome image and a decrease in color reproducibility and gradation in addition to a density change in the case of a color image, or a color shift.

  As a method for correcting such a change in image quality, a reference image is formed on an image carrier together with an image to be printed, a physical quantity (density, etc.) relating to the image quality of the reference image is measured by a sensor, and the measured value is a reference value. There is a method of controlling the image forming conditions so as to approach the value.

  In an image forming apparatus that uses continuous paper (including roll paper) as a recording medium, image quality change correction (hereinafter simply referred to as “image quality adjustment”) is performed in the same manner. However, when continuous paper is used as a recording medium, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151620, the interval between print images must be widened so that the print target image and the reference image do not overlap.

JP 2006-84796 A

  However, since it is difficult to print the image to be printed and the reference image continuously without a gap, even if the interval between the images to be printed is widened and the reference image is printed in the meantime, there is more blank space than necessary. I can do it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an image forming system, and an image forming system that reduce as much as possible a blank space that can be formed when a reference image for image quality adjustment is formed on continuous paper. An object is to provide an image forming method, an information processing method, an image forming program, and an information processing program.

  (1) Normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in place of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area A receiving unit that receives a page image, an image forming unit that repeatedly forms the received normal page image and correction page image on the transfer belt, a reading unit that reads a correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, and the reading unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a correcting unit that corrects image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the corrected page image based on the read correction pattern.

  (2) Prior to reception of the normal page image and the correction page image by the reception unit, a transmission unit that transmits the position information of the reading unit to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image, The image forming apparatus according to (1), further comprising:

  (3) A storage unit that stores the normal page image and the correction page image received by the reception unit, and an image that is formed on the transfer belt by the image forming unit based on a predetermined condition. The image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including a selection unit that selects from the normal page image and the corrected page image stored in the item (1).

  (4) Prior to the reception of the normal page image and the correction page image by the reception unit, the position information of the reading unit and the reading position indicating the reading start position and the end position of the reading unit are displayed on the correction page. The image forming apparatus according to (1), further including a transmission unit that transmits the information to an external information processing apparatus to be created.

  (5) The image forming unit forms the received normal page image or the corrected page image on the transfer belt every time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received by the receiving unit. The image forming apparatus according to 1) or (4).

  (6) The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers a normal page image and a correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium, and the reading unit is a correction page image formed on the transfer belt. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read before the image passes through the transfer unit.

  (7) The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers a normal page image and a correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium, and the reading unit is a correction page image formed on the transfer belt. The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read after the image has passed through the transfer unit.

  (8) The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers a normal page image and a correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium, and the reading unit is a correction page image transferred to the print medium. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (5), wherein the correction pattern arranged on the substrate is read.

  (9) Normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in place of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area Information processing apparatus comprising: a page image creation unit that creates a page image; and a transmission unit that transmits the normal page image and the correction page image created by the page image creation unit to an image forming apparatus to be printed .

  (10) The image forming apparatus further includes a receiving unit that receives position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus that includes the reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, and the page image creating unit includes the receiving unit. The information processing apparatus according to (9), wherein a position where the correction pattern is to be arranged is determined based on the position information received by the step, and a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created.

  (11) From the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, position information of the reading unit, and reading positions indicating a reading start position and an end position of the reading unit. A receiving unit for receiving, and a determining unit for determining an image created by the page image creating unit as the normal page image or the corrected page image based on a predetermined condition, the page image creating unit comprising: If the decision unit decides to create the correction page image, the decision unit decides a position where the correction pattern is arranged based on the position information and the reading position received by the reception unit, and The information processing apparatus according to (9), wherein a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at a position is created.

  (12) An image forming system comprising the image forming apparatus described in (1) above and the information processing apparatus described in (9) above.

  (13) (a) A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction pattern used for image quality correction instead of the unit image are arranged in a part of the predetermined area. Receiving the corrected page image, (b) repeatedly forming the received normal page image and the corrected page image on the transfer belt, and (c) the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt by the reading unit. An image forming method comprising: a step of reading; and (d) correcting the image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the corrected page image based on the correction pattern read in the step (c).

  (14) (e) Prior to receiving the normal page image and the correction page image in step (a), the positional information of the reading unit is transmitted to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image. The image forming method according to (14), further including a step of:

  (15) (f) storing the normal page image and the corrected page image received in step (a), and (g) applying the transfer belt to the transfer belt in step (b) based on predetermined conditions. The image forming method according to (13) or (14), further including a step of selecting an image to be formed from the normal page image and the corrected page image stored in the step (f).

  (16) (h) Prior to receiving the normal page image and the corrected page image in the step (a), position information of the reading unit and reading positions indicating the reading start position and end position of the reading unit are obtained. The image forming method according to (13), further including a step of transmitting the correction page to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page.

  (17) The step (b) forms the received normal page image or the corrected page image on the transfer belt every time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received in the step (a). The image forming method according to (13) or (16) above.

  (18) The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium by a transfer unit, and the step (c) is performed on the transfer belt. The image forming method according to any one of (13) to (17), wherein the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read before the formed correction page image passes through the transfer unit.

  (19) The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a printing medium by a transfer unit, and the step (c) is performed on the transfer belt. The image forming method according to any one of (13) to (17), wherein after the formed correction page image passes through the transfer portion, the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read.

  (20) The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium, and the step (c) is transferred to the print medium. The image forming method according to any one of (13) to (17), wherein the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read.

  (21) (i) A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction pattern used for image quality correction instead of the unit image are arranged in a part of the predetermined area. And (j) transmitting the normal page image and the corrected page image created in step (i) to an image forming apparatus to be printed. Processing method.

  (22) (k) further including a step of receiving position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus provided with a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, and the step (i) includes: The position according to which the correction pattern is arranged is determined based on the position information received in the step (k), and a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created. Information processing method.

  (23) (l) Reading position indicating position information of the reading unit and reading start position and end position of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including the reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt. And (m) determining, based on a predetermined condition, an image created in step (i) as the normal page image or the corrected page image, and In step (i), when it is determined in step (m) that the correction page image is to be created, the correction pattern is determined based on the position information and the reading position received in step (l). The information processing method according to (21), wherein a position to be arranged is determined and a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created. .

  (24) A normal pattern image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area on a computer, and a correction pattern used for image quality correction in place of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area (B) a procedure for repeatedly forming the received normal page image and the corrected page image on the transfer belt, and (c) a correction pattern formed on the transfer belt. A procedure for reading by the reading unit; and (d) a procedure for correcting the image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the corrected page image based on the correction pattern read in the procedure (c). Image forming program.

  (25) (e) Prior to receiving the normal page image and the correction page image in the procedure (a), the position information of the reading unit is transmitted to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image. The image forming program according to (24), further causing the computer to execute a procedure for performing the step.

  (26) (f) A procedure for storing the normal page image and the corrected page image received in the step (a), and (g) on the transfer belt in the procedure (b) based on a predetermined condition. The method according to (24) or (25) above, further causing the computer to execute a procedure of selecting an image to be formed from the normal page image and the corrected page image stored in the procedure (f). Image forming program.

  (27) (h) Prior to reception of the normal page image and the corrected page image in the procedure (a), position information of the reading unit and reading positions indicating a reading start position and an end position of the reading unit are obtained. The image forming program according to (24), further causing the computer to execute a procedure of transmitting the correction page to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page.

  (28) In the step (b), each time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received in the step (a), the received normal page image or the corrected page image is formed on the transfer belt. The image forming program according to (24) or (27) above.

  (29) The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a printing medium by a transfer unit, and the step (c) is performed on the transfer belt. The image forming program according to any one of (24) to (28), wherein the correction pattern arranged on the correction page image is read before the formed correction page image passes through the transfer unit.

  (30) The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a printing medium by a transfer unit, and the step (c) is performed on the transfer belt. The image forming program according to any one of (24) to (28), wherein the correction pattern arranged on the correction page image is read after the formed correction page image passes through the transfer unit.

  (31) The procedure (b) includes a procedure of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium, and the procedure (c) is transferred to the print medium. The image forming program according to any one of (24) to (28), wherein the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image is read.

  (32) In a computer, (i) a normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction pattern used for image quality correction instead of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area (J) a procedure for transmitting the normal page image and the correction page image created by the procedure (i) to an image forming apparatus to be printed; Information processing program to execute.

  (33) (k) causing the computer to further execute a procedure of receiving position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, and the procedure (i ) Determines a position at which the correction pattern is arranged based on the position information received by the procedure (k), and creates a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position. Information processing program described in 1.

  (34) (l) Reading position indicating position information of the reading unit and reading start position and end position of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including the reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt. And (m) a procedure for determining, based on a predetermined condition, an image created by the procedure (i) as the normal page image or the corrected page image, In step (i), when it is determined in step (m) that the correction page image is to be created, the correction pattern is changed based on the position information and the reading position received in step (l). The information processing program according to (32), wherein a position to be arranged is determined, and a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created.

  According to the present invention, in a predetermined region where a plurality of unit images are formed side by side on an image carrier, some unit images are formed instead of a reference image for image quality adjustment. As a result, the blank space generated between the images to be printed when the reference image is formed on the continuous paper can be reduced.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming system. It is a figure which shows an example of a normal page image. It is a figure which shows an example of a correction page image. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of a control part. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image quality adjustment process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an intermediate transfer belt on which a normal page image and a correction page image are formed according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the page image creation process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of a correction page image. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image quality adjustment process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an intermediate transfer belt on which a normal page image and a correction page image are formed according to a second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the page image creation process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of the position of a reading part. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the position of a reading part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an image forming system.

  Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<Image forming system 1>
The image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system that uses continuous paper (including roll paper) as a recording medium and forms an image on the continuous paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 10, a paper feeding adjusting device 20, an image forming device 30, a paper discharge adjusting device 40, a processing device 50, from the upstream side along the conveyance direction of continuous paper. A paper discharge device 60 is connected.

  The paper feeding device 10 is a device that feeds the continuous paper P to the image forming apparatus 30. In the housing of the paper feeding device 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a roll-shaped continuous paper P is wound around a support shaft and held rotatably. The paper feeding device 10 conveys the continuous paper P wound around the support shaft to the outside at a constant speed via a plurality of rollers (for example, a feeding roller and a paper feeding roller). However, in the paper feeding device 10, the continuous paper P is not necessarily held in a roll shape, and may be folded and held. Although only one continuous paper P is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of continuous papers may be held.

  The paper feed adjusting device 20 is installed on the downstream side of the paper feed device 10 and on the upstream side of the image forming device 30 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P. The paper feed adjusting device 20 transports the continuous paper P transported from the paper feed device 10 to the image forming apparatus 30. However, the paper feed adjusting device 20 absorbs a speed difference between the transport speed of the continuous paper P in the paper feed device 10 and the transport speed of the continuous paper P in the image forming apparatus 30 as shown in FIG. The continuous paper P is slackened and held, and the feeding of the continuous paper P to the image forming apparatus 30 is adjusted.

  The image forming apparatus 30 has a printing function. The image forming apparatus 30 is installed on the downstream side of the paper feed adjusting device 20 and on the upstream side of the paper discharge adjusting device 40 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a control unit 31, a paper feed conveyance unit 32, an image formation unit 33, a reading unit 34, a fixing unit 35, a paper discharge conveyance unit 36, and an operation panel 37. With.

  The control unit 31 controls each of the units 32 to 36 included in the image forming apparatus 30 to execute an operation for forming an image on the continuous paper P (hereinafter also referred to as “image forming operation”). In addition, the control unit 31 controls the units 32 to 36 included in the image forming apparatus 30 to adjust (correct) the image quality of the image formed on the continuous paper P (hereinafter referred to as “image quality adjustment operation”). To execute).

  The paper feed conveyance unit 32 is a conveyance mechanism on the paper feed side of the image forming apparatus 30. For example, the continuous paper conveyed from the paper feed adjustment device 20 by rotating a pair of paper feed conveyance rollers by driving a paper feed motor. P is conveyed to the image forming unit 33.

  The image forming unit 33 forms a toner image by an electrophotographic process and transfers it to the continuous paper P. For example, the image forming unit 33 has a photosensitive drum for each color (Y, M, C, K). Around each photoconductor drum of each color, a charging device (not shown), an exposure device (exposure unit) R, a developing device (not shown), a primary transfer roller (not shown), a photoconductor cleaning device (not shown), etc. Is placed. The surface of the photosensitive drum uniformly charged by the charging device is irradiated with laser light from the exposure device R, and a latent image based on image data to be printed is created. As the photosensitive drum rotates, the latent image is conveyed to a position facing the developing device and developed by the developing device. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum.

  The image forming unit 33 includes an intermediate transfer belt B as an image carrier in addition to the photosensitive drum. The intermediate transfer belt B is an endless belt, is wound around a plurality of rollers, and is supported so as to be able to run. The toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roller, and a toner image (color image) in which the layers of each color are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. . The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred onto the continuous paper P by applying a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the secondary transfer roller (transfer portion) T.

  The reading unit 34 is a density sensor that reads a reference image for image quality adjustment (hereinafter also referred to as “correction pattern”) formed on the intermediate transfer belt B by the image forming unit 33. A reading result by the reading unit 34 is fed back to an image forming operation, an image quality adjustment operation, and the like in the image forming unit 33.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 34 is provided at a position where the reference image for image quality adjustment formed on the intermediate transfer belt B can be read after passing through the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T.

  The fixing unit 35 fixes the toner image transferred onto the continuous paper P. For example, the fixing unit 35 presses the fixing roller R1, which is a heat source, to the pressure roller R2. As a result, heat and pressure are applied to the continuous paper P at the nip portion, and the toner image is melted and fixed.

  The paper discharge conveyance unit 36 is a conveyance mechanism on the paper discharge side of the image forming apparatus 30. For example, a pair of paper discharge conveyance rollers are rotated by driving a paper discharge motor, and the continuous paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 35 is rotated. Then, it is conveyed to the paper discharge adjusting device 40.

  The operation panel 37 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, and the like, and is used for displaying various information and inputting various instructions.

  The image forming apparatus 30 may be an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a copy function, a scan function, a facsimile function, and the like in addition to the print function.

  The paper discharge adjusting device 40 is installed downstream of the image forming device 30 and upstream of the processing device 50 in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper P. The paper discharge adjusting device 40 conveys the continuous paper P conveyed from the image forming device 30 to the processing device 50. However, the paper discharge adjusting device 40 absorbs the speed difference between the continuous paper P transport speed in the image forming apparatus 30 and the continuous paper P transport speed in the processing device 50 as shown in FIG. The continuous paper P is slackened and held, and the discharge of the continuous paper P from the image forming apparatus 30 is adjusted.

  The processing device 50 performs cutting or laminating processing of a predetermined shape on the continuous paper P.

  The paper discharge device 60 is a device that discharges the continuous paper P conveyed from the image forming apparatus 30 via the paper discharge adjustment device 40 and the processing device 50. In the housing of the paper discharge device 60, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the continuous paper P is wound around a support shaft and held in a roll shape. For this purpose, the paper discharge device 60 winds the continuous paper P conveyed from the processing device 50 around the support shaft at a constant speed via a plurality of rollers (for example, a feeding roller and a paper discharge roller). However, in the paper discharge device 60, the continuous paper P is not necessarily held in a roll shape, and may be cut for each page.

  The information processing device 65 is a device that creates image data to be printed on the continuous paper P, and is a general computer. The image data created by the information processing device 65 includes a normal page image and a corrected page image.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal page image. As shown in FIG. 2, the normal page image has a plurality of unit images (for example, label images) L arranged in a predetermined area S. In the example shown in FIG. 2, nine square unit images L are arranged side by side, but the shape, number, and arrangement method of the unit images L are not limited thereto.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction page image according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the correction page image includes a reference image (correction pattern) C used for image quality adjustment (correction) instead of a part of the unit images L of the normal page image. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a reference image C is arranged in place of the three unit images L among the nine unit images L constituting the normal page image shown in FIG. However, the shape, number and arrangement method of the unit images L included in the correction page image, and the position and shape where the reference image C is arranged are not limited to this.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a desktop PC (personal computer) may be used as the information processing apparatus 65, or a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile phone may be used.

  The information processing apparatus 65 and the image forming apparatus 30 are connected to be communicable with each other via a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network”). The network is an Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), LAN (Local Area Network) that connects computers and network devices according to a standard such as token ring, or LANs. It consists of WAN (Wide Area Network) connected by a dedicated line. Further, the information processing apparatus 65 and the image forming apparatus 30 may be connected via an interface bus such as an IEEE 1394 serial bus or a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

<Control unit 31 (hardware configuration)>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the control unit.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the control unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a memory 72, a storage 73, a network interface (I / F) 74, and an input / output device interface (I / F) 75. Are connected to each other through a bus for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 71 is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program. Each function of the image forming system 1 (excluding the information processing device 65) is exhibited by the CPU 71 executing a corresponding program.

  The memory 72 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. As the memory 72, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like is adopted.

  The storage 73 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As the storage 73, for example, a flash memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like is employed.

  The network I / F 74 is an interface for communicating with another external device (for example, a host device in which a printer driver is incorporated) via a computer network. Standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FDDI, and token ring are used for communication.

  The input / output device I / F 75 is an interface for communicating with an input device such as the operation panel 37 and an output device, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 31 is described as a control device built in the image forming apparatus 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 31 may be a controller that controls the image forming apparatus 30 from the outside.

<Information Processing Device 65 (Hardware Configuration)>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 65.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 65 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing device 65 includes a CPU 81, a memory 82, a storage 83, a network interface (I / F) 84, and an input / output device interface (I / F) 85. These are connected to each other via a bus for exchanging signals.

  The CPU 81 is a control circuit configured by a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each unit of the information processing device 65 and various arithmetic processes according to a program, and each function of the information processing device 65 loads a corresponding program into the CPU 81. Is demonstrated by running.

  The memory 82 is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. For the memory 82, for example, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM or the like is employed.

  The storage 83 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. As the storage 83, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, a flash memory, a ROM, or the like is employed.

  The network I / F 84 is an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus 30 via a computer network. Standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, FDDI, and token ring are used for communication. The network I / F 84 may employ a serial interface such as RS-232C, IEEE 1394, or USB, a parallel interface such as IEEE 1284, an interface based on a unique standard, or the like.

  The input / output device I / F 85 is an interface for communicating with an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse and an output device such as a display.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

<Operation of Image Forming System 1 According to First Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image quality adjustment processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the intermediate transfer belt on which the normal page image and the correction page image according to the first embodiment are formed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of page image creation processing according to the first embodiment.

  First, the procedure of image quality adjustment processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image quality adjustment process according to the first embodiment is executed in the image forming apparatus 30.

(Image quality adjustment processing according to the first embodiment)
For example, when the main body is turned on, the image forming apparatus 30 starts the image quality adjustment process shown in FIG. However, the timing of starting the image quality adjustment process is not limited to this, and may be when the operation panel 37 is operated to start the image quality adjustment process.

[Step S101]
When the image quality adjustment process is started, the control unit 31 transmits the position information of the reading unit 34 to the information processing device 65. Here, the position information of the reading unit 34 is information indicating the relative position of the reading unit 34 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt B. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the reading unit 34 includes a plurality of density sensors. The first density sensor 34 a is disposed at a position x millimeters from one end in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. Further, the second density sensor 34 b is disposed at a position of y millimeters from one end in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. In step S <b> 101, the control unit 31 transmits the value of x and the value of y toward the information processing device 65 as position information of the reading unit 34.

  When receiving the position information of the reading unit 34, the information processing device 65 starts the page image creation process shown in FIG. 8 to create a normal page image (FIG. 2) and a corrected page image (FIG. 3), and print them. It is an agreement to make a request to the image forming apparatus 30. Details of the page image creation processing will be described later.

[Step S102]
The control unit 31 determines whether there is a print request from the information processing apparatus 65. Specifically, the control unit 31 sends data (for example, a job ticket) for instructing printing to the network I / O until a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the position information of the reading unit 34 is transmitted. If received via F74, it is determined that there is a print request. On the other hand, the control unit 31 determines that there is no print request when data for instructing printing is not received before a predetermined time elapses after the position information of the reading unit 34 is transmitted.

  Note that the data for instructing printing includes at least an instruction for designating the number of printed pages of the normal page image.

  When there is a print request (step S102: YES), the control unit 31 starts receiving the normal page image (FIG. 2) and the corrected page image (FIG. 3) via the network I / F 74, and performs the processing step. Proceed to S103. On the other hand, when there is no print request (step S102: NO), the control unit 31 ends the image quality adjustment process.

[Step S103]
The control unit 31 determines whether or not reception of the normal page image (FIG. 2) and the correction page image (FIG. 3) created in the information processing device 65 has been completed. When the reception of both the normal page image and the correction page image is not completed (step S103: NO), the control unit 31 continues the reception process until the reception of both images is completed.

  When the reception of both the normal page image and the corrected page image is completed (step S103: YES), the control unit 31 stores the normal page image and the corrected page image in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the storage 73). To do. Then, the control part 31 advances a process to step S104.

[Step S104]
The control unit 31 determines whether or not image quality adjustment for correcting the image quality change (for example, density change, color reproducibility or gradation reduction, color shift) of the image formed on the continuous paper P is necessary. Specifically, the control unit 31 determines that image quality adjustment is necessary when a predetermined condition for performing image quality adjustment is satisfied, and determines that the image quality is not satisfied when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. It is determined that no adjustment is necessary. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition for determining a cycle for printing a correction page image, for example, when a normal page image for N pages is printed, a correction page image for one page is printed. Further, the predetermined condition is not limited to this, and may be a condition that the environment such as temperature and humidity has changed by a predetermined threshold or more, or that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous correction page image was printed. Condition may be sufficient. Note that the predetermined condition used for determining whether or not image quality adjustment is necessary is set in advance based on an instruction from the user.

  When it is determined that the image quality adjustment is unnecessary (step S104: NO), the control unit 31 advances the process to step S105. On the other hand, when it is determined that image quality adjustment is necessary (step S104: YES), the control unit 31 advances the process to step S106.

[Step S105]
The control unit 31 selects a normal page image from the normal page image and the corrected page image stored in the storage unit (for example, the storage 73) in step S103, and executes printing. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the image forming unit 33 to form a toner image based on the normal page image shown in FIG. 2 on the photosensitive drums of the respective colors (Y, M, C, K). . Then, the control unit 31 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roller, and intermediately transfers the toner image (color image) on which the layers of each color are superimposed. Form on belt B. Through the processing in step S105, a normal page image in which a plurality of unit images L such as pages 1, 2, and 4 shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in the predetermined area S is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.

  Further, the control unit 31 applies a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the continuous paper P. Along with the image forming operation as described above, the control unit 31 controls at least the paper feed conveyance unit 32 and the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 to convey the continuous paper P. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the normal page image is formed on the continuous paper P. Subsequently, the image formed on the continuous paper P is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 35, and heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller R1 and the pressure roller R2 of the fixing unit 35. As a result, the toner image (image) based on the normal page image is melted and fixed on the continuous paper P. Thereafter, the control unit 31 controls the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 and the like to convey the continuous paper P until the normal page image formed on the continuous paper P reaches the inside of the paper discharge device 60.

[Step S106]
The control unit 31 selects the correction page image from the normal page image and the correction page image stored in the storage unit (for example, the storage 73) in step S103, and executes printing. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the image forming unit 33 to form a toner image based on the correction page image shown in FIG. 3 on the photosensitive drums of the respective colors (Y, M, C, K). . Then, the control unit 31 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roller, and intermediately transfers the toner image (color image) on which the layers of each color are superimposed. Form on belt B. A correction such as page 3 shown in FIG. 7 in which a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is arranged in a part of the predetermined area S in place of the unit image L by the processing of step S106. A page image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.

  Further, the control unit 31 applies a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the continuous paper P. Along with the image forming operation as described above, the control unit 31 controls at least the paper feed conveyance unit 32 and the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 to convey the continuous paper P. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the corrected page image is formed on the continuous paper P. Subsequently, the image formed on the continuous paper P is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 35, and heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller R1 and the pressure roller R2 of the fixing unit 35. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the corrected page image is melted and fixed on the continuous paper P. Thereafter, the control unit 31 controls the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 and the like to convey the continuous paper P until the correction page image formed on the continuous paper P reaches the inside of the paper discharge device 60.

  In addition, the control unit 31 performs an image quality adjustment operation for adjusting (correcting) the image quality of subsequent images (images after page 4 in the example shown in FIG. 7) formed on the continuous paper P. For example, the control unit 31 executes “density correction”, “color registration adjustment”, and the like as image quality adjustment operations.

  When executing “density correction”, the control unit 31 sends the reference image C for image quality adjustment formed on the intermediate transfer belt B to the reading unit 34 (first density sensor 34a, second density sensor 34b). Let me read. The control unit 31 changes process conditions such as the exposure amount and bias voltage of the image forming unit 33 based on the reading result (for example, the density of each color). Thereby, the density of each color (Y, M, C, K) is adjusted.

  When executing “color registration adjustment”, the control unit 31 reads the reference image C for image quality adjustment formed on the intermediate transfer belt B with the reading unit 34 (first density sensor 34a, second density sensor). 34b). The control unit 31 changes the irradiation start position and axis of the laser light applied to the photosensitive drum of each color based on the reading result (for example, the printing position of each color). Thereby, the printing positions of the respective colors (Y, M, C, K) are aligned.

[Step S107]
The control unit 31 determines whether printing for the designated page is completed. Specifically, if the normal page images for the number of print pages specified in the data for instructing printing (for example, the job ticket received in step S102) have already been printed, the control unit 31 stores the data for the specified pages. Is determined to be complete. On the other hand, the control unit 31 determines that printing for the designated number of pages has not been completed if the normal page images for the number of print pages designated in the data for instructing printing have not yet been printed.

  When it is determined that printing for the designated number of pages has not been completed (step S107: NO), the control unit 31 returns the process to step S104. In this way, by repeating the processing of step S105 or step S106, the control unit 31 selects either the normal page image or the corrected page image, and continuously applies the toner images based on the selected image. It can be formed on the intermediate transfer belt B and the continuous paper P. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 31 forms two normal page images on the intermediate transfer belt B, then forms one correction page image, and then forms a normal page image. can do.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that printing for the designated number of pages has been completed (step S107: YES), the control unit 31 ends the image quality adjustment processing according to the first embodiment.

  Next, the procedure of the page image creation process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The page image creation process according to the first embodiment is executed in the information processing apparatus 65.

(Page Image Creation Processing According to First Embodiment)
As described above, when the information processing apparatus 65 receives the position information of the reading unit 34 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 30 in step S101 of the image quality adjustment process, the information processing apparatus 65 starts the page image creation process.

[Step S201]
When the page image creation process is started, the information processing apparatus 65 creates a normal page image (FIG. 2) and a corrected page image (FIG. 3). The normal page image is stored in advance in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the storage 83). Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 65, the CPU 81 may read the normal page image from the storage 83. For the correction page image, the information processing device 65 determines the position where the image quality adjustment reference image (correction pattern) C is arranged in the predetermined area S based on the position information of the reading unit 34 received earlier. Then, at least the reference image C is arranged instead of the unit image L at the position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the reading unit 34 (the first density sensor 34 a and the second density sensor 34 b) faces the unit image L in the center column among the unit images L in three columns in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. It is arranged at the position (x, y). For this reason, the information processing device 65 uses the positions of the three unit images L in the central row among the three units of image L in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B as the positions where the reference image C for image quality adjustment is arranged. decide. Then, the information processing apparatus 65 creates a corrected page image in which a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is arranged at the determined position (page 3 in FIG. 7).

  However, the corrected page image may also be stored in advance in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the storage 83) and read out from the storage unit, similarly to the normal page image.

[Step S202]
The information processing device 65 transmits the normal page image and the correction page image created in step S <b> 201 to the image forming device 30. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 65 transmits a normal page image and a corrected page image to the image forming apparatus 30 via the network I / F 84 together with data (for example, a job ticket) for instructing printing. Here, as described above, the data for instructing printing includes at least an instruction for designating the number of printed pages of the normal page image.

  Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 65 ends the page image creation process according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, the image quality adjustment process according to the first embodiment is executed in the image forming apparatus 30, and the page image creation process according to the first embodiment is executed in the information processing apparatus 65. Thus, a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is formed in place of some of the unit images L among the plurality of unit images L formed side by side in the predetermined area S on the intermediate transfer belt B. The For this reason, it is not necessary to widen the interval between the normal page images in order to form the reference image C for image quality adjustment, and the blank space generated on the continuous paper P can be reduced as compared with the conventional case. Further, referring to the example shown in FIG. 7, in the first embodiment, among the unit images L having three columns in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B, the unit image L is used for image quality adjustment instead of the three unit images L in the center column. The reference image C is formed. Therefore, six unit images L remain in the correction page image, and these unit images L are printed on the continuous paper P as they are. In this way, since the reference image C for image quality adjustment is arranged instead of all the unit images L in the predetermined area S instead of a part of the unit images L, the reference image C for image quality adjustment is printed. Even in this case, as many unit images L as possible can be printed in the predetermined area S, and the number of usable unit images L can be increased.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the difference will be mainly described below.

  In the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 65 collectively transmits both the normal page image and the correction page image to the image forming apparatus 30, and the image forming apparatus 30 determines which image is to be printed. It was. However, in the second embodiment, the information processing apparatus 65 determines, for each page, which image to print, the normal page or the corrected page image, and directs the image determined to be printed to the image forming apparatus 30. Send.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the correction page image is different from that of the correction page image of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction page image according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the corrected page image is formed by arranging a reference image (correction pattern) C used for image quality adjustment (correction) instead of a part of unit images L of the normal page image. In the second embodiment, as in the example shown in FIG. 9, among the nine unit images L constituting the normal page image shown in FIG. 2, the reference image C is replaced with the single unit image L at the center. Has been placed. This point is different from the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an operation of the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

<Operation of Image Forming System 1 According to Second Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image quality adjustment processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an intermediate transfer belt on which a normal page image and a correction page image according to the second embodiment are formed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of page image creation processing according to the second embodiment.

  First, the procedure of image quality adjustment processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Image quality adjustment processing according to the second embodiment is executed in the image forming apparatus 30.

(Image quality adjustment processing according to the second embodiment)
For example, when the main body is turned on, the image forming apparatus 30 starts the image quality adjustment process shown in FIG. However, the timing of starting the image quality adjustment process is not limited to this, and may be when the operation panel 37 is operated to start the image quality adjustment process.

[Step S301]
When the image quality adjustment process is started, the control unit 31 transmits the position information of the reading unit 34 and the reading position to the information processing device 65.

  Here, the position information of the reading unit 34 is information indicating the relative position of the reading unit 34 with respect to the intermediate transfer belt B. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the reading unit 34 includes a plurality of density sensors. The first density sensor 34 a is disposed at a position x millimeters from one end in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. Further, the second density sensor 34 b is disposed at a position of y millimeters from one end in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. In step S <b> 301, the control unit 31 transmits the value of x and the value of y toward the information processing device 65 as position information of the reading unit 34.

  The reading position of the reading unit 34 is information indicating a start position where the reading unit 34 starts reading and an end position where reading ends. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the start position at which the reading unit 34 starts reading is the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B from the leading end (solid line position shown in FIG. 11) K where the correction page image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. The position is v millimeters in the opposite direction. The end position at which the reading unit 34 finishes reading is a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B from the leading end (solid line position shown in FIG. 11) K where the correction page image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. The position of w millimeters toward. In step S <b> 301, the control unit 31 transmits the value v and the value w to the information processing device 65 as the reading position of the reading unit 34.

  When the information processing device 65 receives the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34, the information processing device 65 starts the page image generation process shown in FIG. 12 and generates a normal page image (FIG. 2) and a corrected page image (FIG. 9). In this case, the print request is made to the image forming apparatus 30. Details of the page image creation processing will be described later.

[Step S302]
The control unit 31 determines whether there is a print request for one page from the information processing apparatus 65. Specifically, the control unit 31 sends data (for example, a job ticket) for instructing printing until a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34 are transmitted. When received via the network I / F 74, it is determined that there is a print request for one page. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 has not received the data for instructing printing until a predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34, the print request for one page is not received. Judge that there is no.

  Note that the data for instructing printing includes at least information indicating the page number.

  When there is a print request for one page (step S302: YES), the control unit 31 sends a normal page image (FIG. 2) or a corrected page image transmitted from the information processing device 65 via the network I / F 74. Reception of (FIG. 9) is started, and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when there is no print request for one page (step S302: NO), the control unit 31 ends the image quality adjustment process.

[Step S303]
The control unit 31 determines whether or not reception of an image for one page of the normal page image (FIG. 2) or the correction page image (FIG. 9) created in the information processing device 65 has been completed. When the image for one page is not completely received (step S303: NO), the control unit 31 continues the reception process until the image for one page is completely received.

  And control part 31 will advance processing to Step S304, if reception of the image for one page of a normal page image or a correction page image is completed (Step S303: YES).

[Step S304]
The control unit 31 determines whether or not the image that has been received in step 303 is a corrected page image. Specifically, the control unit 31 refers to the page number included in the data (for example, job ticket) received in step S302 and instructs the printing (for example, every N pages). It is determined whether or not it matches. If the page number matches the cycle for printing the corrected page image, the control unit 31 determines that the image that has been received in step 303 is the corrected page image. On the other hand, if the page number does not match the cycle for printing the corrected page image, the control unit 31 determines that the image that has been received in step 303 is a normal page image.

  If the control unit 31 determines in step S303 that the received image is a normal page image (step S304: NO), the control unit 31 advances the process to step S305. On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines in step S303 that the received image is a corrected page image (step S304: YES), the control unit 31 advances the process to step S306.

[Step S305]
The control unit 31 prints the normal page image that has been received in step S303. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the image forming unit 33 to form a toner image based on the normal page image shown in FIG. 2 on the photosensitive drums of the respective colors (Y, M, C, K). . Then, the control unit 31 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roller, and intermediately transfers the toner image (color image) on which the layers of each color are superimposed. Form on belt B. Through the process in step S305, a normal page image in which a plurality of unit images L such as pages 1, 2, and 4 shown in FIG. 11 are arranged in the predetermined area S is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.

  Further, the control unit 31 applies a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the continuous paper P. Along with the image forming operation as described above, the control unit 31 controls at least the paper feed conveyance unit 32 and the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 to convey the continuous paper P. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the normal page image is formed on the continuous paper P. Subsequently, the image formed on the continuous paper P is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 35, and heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller R1 and the pressure roller R2 of the fixing unit 35. As a result, the toner image (image) based on the normal page image is melted and fixed on the continuous paper P. Thereafter, the control unit 31 controls the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 and the like to convey the continuous paper P until the normal page image formed on the continuous paper P reaches the inside of the paper discharge device 60.

[Step S306]
The control unit 31 prints the corrected page image that has been received in step S303. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the image forming unit 33 to form a toner image based on the correction page image shown in FIG. 9 on the photosensitive drums of the respective colors (Y, M, C, K). . Then, the control unit 31 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer roller, and intermediately transfers the toner image (color image) on which the layers of each color are superimposed. Form on belt B. A correction as shown in page 3 in FIG. 11 in which a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is arranged in a part of the predetermined area S in place of the unit image L by the processing in step S306. A page image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B.

  Further, the control unit 31 applies a bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B onto the continuous paper P. Along with the image forming operation as described above, the control unit 31 controls at least the paper feed conveyance unit 32 and the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 to convey the continuous paper P. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the corrected page image is formed on the continuous paper P. Subsequently, the image formed on the continuous paper P is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 35, and heat and pressure are applied by the fixing roller R1 and the pressure roller R2 of the fixing unit 35. As a result, a toner image (image) based on the corrected page image is melted and fixed on the continuous paper P. Thereafter, the control unit 31 controls the paper discharge conveyance unit 36 and the like to convey the continuous paper P until the correction page image formed on the continuous paper P reaches the inside of the paper discharge device 60.

  In addition, the control unit 31 performs an image quality adjustment operation for adjusting (correcting) the image quality of subsequent images (images after page 4 in the example shown in FIG. 11) formed on the continuous paper P. For example, the control unit 31 performs the above-described “density correction”, “color registration adjustment”, and the like as the image quality adjustment operation.

  When the process of step S305 or step S306 is completed, the control unit 31 ends the image quality adjustment process according to the second embodiment.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a procedure of page image creation processing according to the second embodiment will be described. The page image creation process according to the second embodiment is executed in the information processing apparatus 65.

(Page Image Creation Processing According to Second Embodiment)
As described above, when the information processing apparatus 65 receives the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 30 in step S301 of the image quality adjustment process, the information processing apparatus 65 starts the page image creation process.

[Step S401]
When the page image creation process is started, the information processing apparatus 65 corrects the image quality change (for example, density change, color reproducibility or gradation deterioration, color shift) of the image formed on the continuous paper P. Determine whether adjustment is required. Specifically, the information processing device 65 determines that image quality adjustment is necessary when a predetermined condition for performing image quality adjustment is satisfied, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, It is determined that image quality adjustment is unnecessary. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition for determining a cycle for printing a correction page image, for example, when a normal page image for N pages is printed, a correction page image for one page is printed. Further, the predetermined condition is not limited to this, and may be a condition that the environment such as temperature and humidity has changed by a predetermined threshold or more, or that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous correction page image was printed. Condition may be sufficient. Note that the predetermined condition used for determining whether or not image quality adjustment is necessary is set in advance based on an instruction from the user. In addition, information on the usage environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) of the image forming apparatus 30 can be acquired from the image forming apparatus 30.

  If the information processing apparatus 65 determines that the image quality adjustment is not necessary (step S401: NO), the information processing apparatus 65 advances the process to step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined that image quality adjustment is necessary (step S401: YES), the information processing apparatus 65 advances the process to step S404.

[Step 402]
The information processing device 65 determines the image to be created as a normal page image (FIG. 2) and creates a normal page image. The normal page image is stored in advance in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the storage 83). Therefore, in the information processing apparatus 65, the CPU 81 may read the normal page image from the storage 83.

[Step S403]
The information processing apparatus 65 transmits the normal page image created in step S <b> 402 toward the image forming apparatus 30. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 65 transmits a normal page image for one page to the image forming apparatus 30 via the network I / F 84 together with data (for example, a job ticket) for instructing printing. Here, as described above, the data for instructing printing includes at least information indicating the page number.

[Step S404]
The information processing apparatus 65 determines the image to be created as a corrected page image (FIG. 9), and creates a corrected page image. For the correction page image, the information processing device 65 determines the position at which the reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is arranged in the predetermined area S based on the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34 received earlier. The reference image C is arranged instead of the unit image L at the position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the reading unit 34 (the first density sensor 34 a and the second density sensor 34 b) faces the unit image L in the center row among the unit images L in three rows in the width direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. It is arranged at the position (x, y). Furthermore, the start and end positions (v, w) of reading by the reading unit 34 are the positions of one central unit image among the three unit images L in the central row. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 65 determines the position of the central unit image L among the nine unit images L as the position where the reference image C for image quality adjustment is arranged. Then, the information processing apparatus 65 creates a corrected page image in which a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is arranged at the determined position (page 3 in FIG. 11).

  However, the corrected page image may also be stored in advance in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the storage 83) and read out from the storage unit, similarly to the normal page image.

[Step S405]
The information processing apparatus 65 transmits the correction page image created in step S404 to the image forming apparatus 30. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 65 transmits a correction page image for one page to the image forming apparatus 30 via the network I / F 84 together with data (for example, a job ticket) for instructing printing. Here, as described above, the data for instructing printing includes at least information indicating the page number.

[Step S406]
The information processing device 65 determines whether the image for the designated page has been transmitted. Specifically, if the normal page images for the number of pages specified in advance have already been transmitted, the information processing apparatus 65 determines that the images for the specified page have been transmitted. On the other hand, the information processing device 65 determines that the images for the designated number of pages have not been transmitted if the normal page images for the number of pages designated in advance have not been transmitted yet.

  If the information processing apparatus 65 determines that the images for the designated number of pages have not been transmitted (step S406: NO), the process returns to step S401. In this way, by repeating the processing of step S401 to step S405, the information processing apparatus 65 selects either the normal page image or the correction page image, and prints the selected image on the image forming apparatus 30. Can be made. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the information processing device 65 forms two normal page images on the intermediate transfer belt B of the image forming device 30, then forms one correction page image, and then A normal page image can be formed.

  On the other hand, if the information processing apparatus 65 determines that images for the designated number of pages have been transmitted (step S406: YES), the page image creation process according to the second embodiment is terminated.

  As described above, the image quality adjustment process according to the second embodiment is executed in the image forming apparatus 30, and the page image creation process according to the second embodiment is executed in the information processing apparatus 65. Thus, a reference image (correction pattern) C for image quality adjustment is formed in place of some of the unit images L among the plurality of unit images L formed side by side in the predetermined area S on the intermediate transfer belt B. The For this reason, it is not necessary to widen the interval between the normal page images in order to form the reference image C for image quality adjustment, and the blank space generated on the continuous paper P can be reduced as compared with the conventional case. Further, referring to the example shown in FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, a reference image C for image quality adjustment is formed in place of the central unit image L among the unit images L in the predetermined area S. doing. Therefore, eight unit images L remain in the correction page image, and these unit images L are printed on the continuous paper P as they are. In this way, since the reference image C for image quality adjustment is arranged instead of all the unit images L in the predetermined area S instead of a part of the unit images L, the reference image C for image quality adjustment is printed. Even in this case, as many unit images L as possible can be printed in the predetermined area S, and the number of usable unit images L can be increased. Moreover, it is excellent in that more unit images L can be printed than in the first embodiment.

  Note that each processing unit of each flowchart described above is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the image forming system 1. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed in the image forming system 1 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes.

<Modification>
Moreover, each said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the correction page image shown in FIG. 3 is used, but the correction page image shown in FIG. 9 may be used. However, in this case, as in the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 30 needs to transmit the position information and the reading position of the reading unit 34 in step S101. Then, the information processing apparatus 65 can create a correction page image as shown in FIG. 9 also in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the correction page image shown in FIG. 3 may be used. In this case, the reading position of the reading unit 34 may not be transmitted in step S301.

  Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiments, if the image quality adjustment process takes time, the adjustment result cannot be reflected in the normal page image (page 4 in FIGS. 7 and 11) following the correction page image. May be. Even if the adjustment result is not reflected, the normal page image is continuously printed without increasing the image interval, so that the continuous paper P is not wasted and as many unit images L as possible can be printed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 34 reads the reference image C for image quality adjustment formed on the intermediate transfer belt B after passing the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T. It is provided in a possible position. That is, after the correction page image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B passes through the secondary transfer roller T, the reading unit 34 in each of the above embodiments reads the reference image (correction pattern) C arranged on the correction page image. read. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position of the reading unit 34 may be changed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the position of the reading unit. As shown in FIG. 13, the reading unit 34 is provided at a position where the reference image C for image quality adjustment formed on the intermediate transfer belt B can be read before passing through the secondary transfer roller (transfer unit) T. Also good. That is, the reading unit 34 according to the first modification example uses the reference image (correction pattern) C arranged on the correction page image before the correction page image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B passes through the secondary transfer roller T. I can read. As a result, the read result can be fed back to the control unit 31 earlier than in the above embodiments, and the image quality can be adjusted earlier with respect to the subsequent normal page image.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the position of the reading unit. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the reading unit 34 may be provided not at the intermediate transfer belt B but at a position where the reference image C for image quality adjustment formed on the continuous paper P can be read. That is, the reading unit 34 according to the second modification can read the reference image (correction pattern) C arranged on the correction page image formed (transferred) on the continuous paper (print medium) P. As a result, the reading result corresponding to the state of the reference image C actually printed on the continuous paper P can be fed back to the control unit 31.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the image forming apparatus 30 and the information processing apparatus 65 are described as separate apparatuses, but may be integrated. In this case, at least a part of the processing described as the processing of the information processing device 65 may be executed by the control unit 31 of the image forming device 30.

  The configuration of the image forming system 1 described above is not limited to the above-described configuration since the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the above-described embodiments and modifications. Further, the configuration of the general image forming system 1 is not excluded.

  Further, the processing of the control unit 31 and the information processing device 65 described above can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, it may be executed by one hardware or a plurality of hardware.

  The program for operating the image forming system 1 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. Good. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in the memory (72, 82), the storage (73, 83), or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software as one function of the image forming system 1.

1 image forming system,
10 paper feeder,
20 paper feed adjustment device,
30 image forming apparatus,
31 control unit,
32 Paper feeding and conveying section,
33 Image forming unit,
34 reading unit,
34a first concentration sensor,
34b second concentration sensor,
35 fixing section,
36 paper discharge transport unit,
37 Operation panel,
40 discharge adjustment device,
50 processing equipment,
60 paper discharge device,
65 information processing device,
71 CPU (image forming apparatus),
72 memory (image forming apparatus),
73 storage (image forming apparatus),
74 Network I / F (image forming apparatus),
75 Input / output device I / F (image forming device),
81 CPU (information processing device),
82 memory (information processing device),
83 Storage (information processing device),
84 Network I / F (information processing device),
85 Input / output device I / F (information processing device),
P continuous paper,
B Intermediate transfer belt,
L unit image,
C reference image,
S predetermined area,
T transfer roller,
R1 fixing roller,
R2 Pressure roller.

Claims (34)

A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction page image in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in a part of the predetermined area instead of the unit image. A receiving unit for receiving;
An image forming unit that repeatedly forms the received normal page image and the corrected page image on the transfer belt;
A reading unit for reading a correction pattern formed on the transfer belt;
A correction unit that corrects image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the correction page image based on the correction pattern read by the reading unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   Prior to the reception of the normal page image and the correction page image by the reception unit, the transmission unit further includes a transmission unit that transmits the position information of the reading unit to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. A storage unit for storing the normal page image and the corrected page image received by the receiving unit;
The apparatus further comprises: a selection unit that selects an image to be formed on the transfer belt by the image forming unit from the normal page image and the correction page image stored in the storage unit based on a predetermined condition. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2.   Prior to the reception of the normal page image and the correction page image by the receiving unit, the position information of the reading unit and the reading position indicating the reading start position and the end position of the reading unit are externally created to generate the correction page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits the information to the information processing apparatus.   5. The image forming unit forms the received normal page image or the corrected page image on a transfer belt every time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received by the receiving unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium,
The said reading part reads the said correction pattern arrange | positioned at the said correction page image, before the correction page image formed in the said transfer belt passes the said transfer part. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium,
The said reading part reads the said correction pattern arrange | positioned at the said correction page image, after the correction page image formed in the said transfer belt passes the said transfer part. Image forming apparatus. The image forming unit includes a transfer unit that transfers the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads the correction pattern arranged in a correction page image transferred to the print medium. A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction page image in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in a part of the predetermined area instead of the unit image. A page image creation section to be created;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the normal page image and the correction page image created by the page image creation unit to an image forming apparatus to be printed. A receiving unit that receives position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt;
The page image creation unit determines a position where the correction pattern is arranged based on the position information received by the reception unit, and creates a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position. 9. The information processing apparatus according to 9. Reception for receiving position information of the reading unit and reading positions indicating a reading start position and an end position of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt. And
A determination unit that determines, based on a predetermined condition, an image created by the page image creation unit as the normal page image or the corrected page image;
The page image creation unit
When the determination unit determines to generate the correction page image, the position to be arranged for the correction pattern is determined based on the position information and the reading position received by the reception unit, and the position The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged is created.   An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and the information processing apparatus according to claim 9. (A) Normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in place of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area Receiving a page image;
(B) repeatedly forming the received normal page image and the corrected page image on the transfer belt;
(C) reading a correction pattern formed on the transfer belt by a reading unit;
(D) correcting the image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the corrected page image based on the correction pattern read in the step (c);
An image forming method comprising:   (E) before receiving the normal page image and the correction page image in the step (a), transmitting the position information of the reading unit to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image; The image forming method according to claim 14, further comprising: (F) storing the normal page image and the corrected page image received in step (a);
(G) selecting an image to be formed on the transfer belt in the step (b) from the normal page image and the corrected page image stored in the step (f) based on a predetermined condition. The image forming method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising:   (H) Prior to receiving the normal page image and the corrected page image in the step (a), the position information of the reading unit and the reading position indicating the reading start position and end position of the reading unit are corrected. The image forming method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of transmitting to an external information processing apparatus that creates a page.   The step (b) forms the received normal page image or the corrected page image on a transfer belt every time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received in the step (a). The image forming method according to 13 or 16. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium by a transfer unit,
The step (c) reads the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image before the correction page image formed on the transfer belt passes through the transfer unit. The image forming method according to item. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium by a transfer unit,
The step (c) reads the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image after the correction page image formed on the transfer belt has passed through the transfer unit. The image forming method described in 1. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium,
The image forming method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the step (c) reads the correction pattern arranged in the correction page image transferred to the print medium. (I) A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged instead of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area. Creating a page image,
(J) An information processing method comprising: transmitting the normal page image and the corrected page image created in the step (i) to an image forming apparatus to be printed. (K) further comprising a step of receiving position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt;
The step (i) determines a position where the correction pattern is arranged based on the position information received in the step (k), and creates a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position. The information processing method according to claim 21. (L) From the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, position information of the reading unit, and reading positions indicating a reading start position and an end position of the reading unit, Receiving step;
(M) further comprising the step of determining, based on a predetermined condition, the image created in step (i) as the normal page image or the corrected page image,
The step (i)
When it is determined in step (m) that the correction page image is to be created, a position for arranging the correction pattern is determined based on the position information and the reading position received in step (l). The information processing method according to claim 21, wherein a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created. On the computer,
(A) Normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged in place of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area The procedure to receive the page image,
(B) a procedure of repeatedly forming the received normal page image and the corrected page image on the transfer belt;
(C) a procedure for reading a correction pattern formed on the transfer belt by a reading unit;
(D) correcting the image quality of the subsequent normal page image or the corrected page image based on the correction pattern read in the step (c);
An image forming program for executing   (E) A procedure of transmitting the position information of the reading unit to an external information processing apparatus that creates the correction page image prior to receiving the normal page image and the correction page image in the procedure (a). The image forming program according to claim 24, further causing the computer to execute the program. (F) a procedure for storing the normal page image and the corrected page image received in the step (a);
(G) A procedure for selecting an image to be formed on the transfer belt in the procedure (b) from the normal page image and the correction page image stored in the procedure (f) based on a predetermined condition. The image forming program according to claim 24 or 25, further causing the computer to execute the program.   (H) Prior to reception of the normal page image and the corrected page image in the procedure (a), the position information of the reading unit and the reading position indicating the reading start position and the end position of the reading unit are corrected. 25. The image forming program according to claim 24, further causing the computer to execute a procedure of transmitting a page to an external information processing apparatus.   The step (b) forms the received normal page image or the corrected page image on a transfer belt every time the normal page image or the corrected page image is received in the step (a). The image forming program according to 24 or 27. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium by a transfer unit,
The said procedure (c) reads the said correction pattern arrange | positioned at the said correction page image, before the correction page image formed in the said transfer belt passes the said transfer part. The image forming program according to the item. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium by a transfer unit,
The said procedure (c) reads the said correction pattern arrange | positioned at the said correction | amendment page image, after the correction | amendment page image formed in the said transfer belt passes the said transfer part. The image forming program described in 1. The step (b) includes a step of transferring the normal page image and the correction page image formed on the transfer belt to a print medium,
The image forming program according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the step (c) reads the correction pattern arranged in a correction page image transferred to the print medium. On the computer,
(I) A normal page image in which a plurality of unit images are arranged in a predetermined area, and a correction in which a correction pattern used for image quality correction is arranged instead of the unit image in a part of the predetermined area. How to create a page image,
(J) An information processing program for executing the procedure of transmitting the normal page image and the corrected page image created by the procedure (i) to an image forming apparatus to be printed. (K) causing the computer to further execute a procedure of receiving position information of the reading unit from the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt;
The procedure (i) determines a position where the correction pattern is arranged based on the position information received in the procedure (k), and creates a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position. The information processing program according to claim 32. (L) From the image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt, position information of the reading unit, and reading positions indicating a reading start position and an end position of the reading unit, The procedure to receive,
(M) further comprising determining, based on a predetermined condition, an image created by the procedure (i) as the normal page image or the corrected page image;
The procedure (i)
If it is determined in step (m) that the correction page image is to be created, a position where the correction pattern is to be arranged is determined based on the position information and the reading position received in step (l). The information processing program according to claim 32, wherein a correction page image in which the correction pattern is arranged at the position is created.