JP2018030254A - Image formation apparatus, post-processing apparatus, image formation system, management apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus, post-processing apparatus, image formation system, management apparatus and program which can determine images formed on a continuous transfer medium.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes: a conveyance device which conveys a continuous transfer medium; an image formation unit which prints images on the continuous transfer medium; an image reading unit which is located on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous transfer medium of the image formation unit and reads the images on the continuous transfer medium; and a control unit which controls the conveyance device, image formation unit and image reading unit. The control unit performs control to determine the images on the continuous transfer medium on the basis of the reading result of the images by the image reading unit, and print the determination result information on the continuous transfer medium by the image formation unit when performing notification of the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, an image forming system, a management apparatus, and a program capable of determining an image on a continuous transfer medium.

  In an image forming apparatus that prints an image on a sheet, printing failure or erroneous printing may occur. In order to determine such a printing defect or the like, there is a method in which an image on a sheet is read by an image reading unit and an image is determined based on image data acquired by the image reading unit. In this determination, for example, the image data acquired by the image reading unit and the image data used for image formation can be compared to determine whether the printed image is normal or defective depending on the degree of the difference.

In the case of sheet paper, such paper having printing defects or the like can be removed from the output product by discharging the paper having printing defects to another paper discharge outlet as a waste paper. However, with continuous paper such as roll paper, it is wound up in a roll shape as it is when paper is discharged after printing, and the defective print portion cannot be easily identified and is difficult to remove.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 proposes an apparatus including a data reading unit and a marker located downstream thereof.
In this apparatus, the read data of the print contents of the printed continuous paper is acquired, the read data is compared between the read data or the read data and the collation data, and the defective print is marked with a marker. In the paper processing apparatus, a detector detects whether or not a mark is attached to the transferred paper.

JP 2001-39609 A

  However, in the apparatus proposed in Cited Document 1, it is necessary to provide a marker for marking continuous paper separately from the image forming apparatus when printing is defective, which increases apparatus cost and maintenance time. There is a problem that.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and can determine the image of a continuous transfer medium and print the determination result on the transfer medium without requiring another device such as a marker. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, an image forming system, a management apparatus, and an image forming control program.

Of the image forming apparatuses according to the present invention, the first form is a conveying device that conveys a continuous transfer medium, an image forming unit that prints an image on the continuous transfer medium, and a downstream side of the image forming unit in the continuous transfer medium conveying direction. An image reading unit that reads an image of a continuous transfer medium located at a position, and a control unit that controls the conveying device, the image forming unit, and the image reading unit,
The control unit determines an image on the continuous transfer medium based on a result of reading the image by the image reading unit, and notifies the determination result information to the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit when notifying the determination result. It is characterized by controlling printing.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit determines whether the image is normal or defective according to a predetermined criterion when determining the image, and determines that the image is defective. In this case, control is performed to print the determination result information.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, a printing position of determination result information with respect to the determined position of the image is set in advance by the control unit.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the aspect, the control unit prints position information indicating a position of the determined image together with printing of the determination result information.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the aspect, the control unit prints the determination result information outside an image printing area or on a blank paper portion of a continuous transfer medium.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit prints the determination result information corresponding to a start and an end of an image range for notifying the determination result. It is characterized by performing.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit prints the determination result information by changing a color or / and a shape corresponding to the start and the end. It is characterized by.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the aspect, the control unit determines a printing position of the determination result information according to an arrangement state of the image.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the above aspect, the control unit provides a margin for printing the determination result information on the end side in the conveyance direction of the continuous transfer medium. .

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus according to the aspect, part or all of the determination result information is a code.

Among the post-processing apparatuses of the present invention, a first embodiment is a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of a continuous transfer medium on which an image is printed by an image forming apparatus,
A conveying device that conveys the continuous transfer medium; a detection unit that reads an image of determination result information printed on the continuous transfer medium; and at least a post-processing device that acquires the reading result of the detection unit and based on the detection result And a determination control unit that performs control.

  According to another aspect of the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus according to the aspect, the determination control unit performs control to notify the determined position of the image.

  In another form of the post-processing device according to the present invention, in the post-processing device according to the aspect, the determination control unit grasps the position of the image determined based on the position information included in the determination result information. .

  In another form of the post-processing device of the present invention, in the post-processing device of the form, the determination control unit has information on a print position of determination result information that is set in advance and is determined for the determined image position. It is characterized by.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the post-processing apparatus includes a display unit that is controlled by the determination control unit and notifies a determination result.

  The post-processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is the post-processing apparatus according to the above aspect, wherein when the determination control unit obtains the determination result information, the conveyance of the continuous transfer medium is stopped according to the determined image position. It is characterized by performing.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post-processing apparatus having a cutting unit for cutting the continuous transfer medium.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes the image forming apparatus of the above form and the post-processing apparatus of the above form.

  An image forming system according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that in the image forming system according to the aspect, the determination control unit is included in a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus.

Among the management apparatuses of the present invention, the first form is a transport device that transports a continuous transfer medium, an image forming unit that prints an image on the continuous transfer medium, and a downstream side of the image forming unit in the continuous transfer medium transport direction. A management device that manages an image forming system having an image reading unit that is positioned and reads an image on a continuous transfer medium;
A management control unit that manages and controls the image forming system;
The management control unit acquires an image reading result by the image reading unit, determines an image on the continuous transfer medium, and notifies the determination result on the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit. Control is performed to print the determination result information.

Of the programs of the present invention, the first form is a conveying device that conveys a continuous transfer medium, an image forming unit that prints an image on the continuous transfer medium, and a position downstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction of the continuous transfer medium. An image reading unit that reads an image on a continuous transfer medium, and a program executed by a control unit that controls the image reading unit,
Obtaining and determining an image reading result by the image reading unit;
And a step of performing control to print determination result information on the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit when notifying the determination result.

  According to the present invention, when the determination result is notified as a result of the image determination, the determination result information can be printed on the continuous transfer medium using the image forming unit, and the determination result is not required. Can be notified.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the outline of a post-processing apparatus. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the control block of an image forming system. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for forming a defect detection marker by detecting an abnormality in a printed image. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the printing method of a defect detection marker. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the relationship between a defect detection marker and the position of a defect. Similarly, it is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure in a post-processing apparatus. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the other form of the printing method of a defect detection marker. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the other form of the printing method of a defect detection marker. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the other form of the printing method of a defect detection marker. Similarly, it is a figure in the case of printing a barcode as a defect detection marker. Similarly, it is a diagram showing an image forming operation at the end of continuous paper.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 1 </ b> A, a paper feed unit 200, and a paper discharge unit 500. The paper feed unit 200 is connected to the front stage of the apparatus main body 1A, and the paper discharge unit 500 is connected to the rear stage of the apparatus main body 1A.
In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured by the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A, the paper feed unit 200, and the paper discharge unit 500. An image forming apparatus including another post-processing apparatus may be used. However, in the present invention, the image forming apparatus may be configured by only the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A, or the image forming system may be configured together with the paper feeding unit 200, the paper discharging unit 500, and the like. Furthermore, the image forming system may be configured together with other devices.

The paper feed unit 200 stores and holds roll paper and feeds the roll paper to the apparatus main body 1A. The paper feed unit 200 constitutes a part of the transport device of the present invention.
A buffer mechanism may be provided between the paper feed unit 200 and the apparatus main body 1A to absorb minute speed differences and deviations between apparatuses. The roll paper corresponds to the continuous transfer medium of the present invention.
In this embodiment, roll paper is used as continuous paper. However, the continuous transfer medium of the present invention may be any continuous paper, and may be continuous slip paper, continuous form paper, or the like. Further, the continuous paper may be stored in a roll shape, or may be folded alternately. The continuous transfer medium of the present invention may be other than paper, for example, a cloth or plastic transfer medium may be used.

The image forming apparatus 1 has a conveyance path 22 through which roll paper is conveyed. The conveyance path 22 extends from the paper supply unit 200 to the apparatus main body 1A, and further from the apparatus main body 1A to the paper discharge unit 500, and the roll paper fed from the paper supply unit 200 is conveyed. The roll paper is conveyed by a conveyance roller 40 or the like disposed on the conveyance path 22.
The conveyance path 22, the conveyance roller 40, etc. constitute a part of the conveyance device of the present invention.

The apparatus main body 1 </ b> A includes an image forming unit 100 that forms an image on a sheet on the conveyance path 22. The image forming unit 100 has a photoreceptor 101 prepared for each color (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc.). Further, a charger, a writing unit, and a developing unit (not shown) are disposed on the periphery of each photoconductor 101. The charger charges the surface of the photoconductor 101, and the writing unit performs image exposure based on image information of a recorded document such as an image memory to form a latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 101. The developing unit develops the latent image to form a toner image. The formed toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16, and the image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 is transferred to a sheet conveyed through the conveyance path 22 by the secondary transfer roller 18.
In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus that performs color printing has been described. However, an image forming apparatus that performs only monochrome printing may be used.

    Further, the apparatus main body 1A has a fixing unit 50 on the downstream side of the image forming unit 100 in the sheet conveying direction. The fixing unit 50 fixes the toner image by applying heat and pressure to the roll paper on which the image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 18.

Inside the apparatus main body 1A, an image reading unit 60 is provided along the conveyance path 22 on the downstream side of the fixing unit 50 in the sheet conveyance direction. The image reading unit 60 optically reads an image of the roll paper conveyed through the conveyance path 22 and outputs read data. The image reading unit 60 can be configured by a line sensor or the like, and transmits read data as a read result to a control unit described later. The control unit can verify whether the read image data is defective.
Note that the image reading unit 60 may be provided with an abnormal image verification unit configured by a CPU and a program operating on the CPU so that the quality of the image can be determined from the read result. In this case, the abnormal image verification unit functions as a part of the control unit of the present invention.

  An operation display unit 140 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 1A. The operation display unit 140 can accept the operation of the operator and display information, and displays the setting and execution of the job and the state of the machine. The operation display unit 140 may be configured such that the operation unit that performs the operation and the display unit that performs the display are separate, but the operation unit and the display unit are configured integrally, such as a touch panel LCD. It may be.

  A document reading unit 30 is provided on the apparatus main body 1A. The document reading unit 30 includes an automatic document feeder that automatically reads a document. The document reading unit 30 reads an image of the document and temporarily records it in an image memory (not shown). The read image data is used for image formation by the image forming unit 100. The document may be read on a platen glass (not shown).

  The paper discharge unit 500 provided at the rear stage of the apparatus main body 1A winds and stores the paper conveyed from the apparatus main body 1A in a roll shape. A buffer mechanism may be provided between the apparatus main body 1A and the paper discharge unit 500 to absorb minute speed differences and deviations between apparatuses. The paper discharge unit 500 constitutes a part of the transport device.

The apparatus main body 1A includes a control unit 110 that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 such as roll paper conveyance, image formation, and image reading. The control unit 110 includes a CPU, a program executed by the CPU, a ROM that stores programs, operation parameters, and the like, a nonvolatile memory, a RAM that serves as a work area, and the like.
The program may be stored and distributed in a movable memory or the like.

Further, the control unit 110 can compare the read data read by the image reading unit 60 with the image data used for image formation, and determine the quality of the printed image based on a predetermined criterion. . As a reference, a difference in image shape, a difference in color, and the like can be used. However, the reference is not limited to a specific one in the present invention. In this embodiment, the determination of the image is performed regarding the quality of the image. However, according to the present invention, the determination of the image is not limited to the quality of the image, and the image can be determined based on the read data. If it is a thing, it will not be limited.
The control unit 110 stores an image of an abnormality detection mark that is printed on roll paper as determination result information when it is determined that the image is defective. Further, the control unit 110 may print the determination result information so as to have a predetermined distance with respect to the defective image, and print the information indicating the position of the defective image together with the determination result information. You may make it do. The predetermined distance may be always constant, and distance information may be notified when the distance is changed.

Next, an embodiment of a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of roll paper that has been printed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The post-processing device 2 includes a post-processing device main body 2A, a paper feed unit 600, and a paper discharge unit 700. The sheet feeder 600 is connected to the front stage of the post-processing apparatus main body 2A, and the paper discharge unit 700 is connected to the rear stage of the apparatus main body 2A.

The post-processing device 2 has a conveyance path 92 that extends from the paper feed unit 600 to the paper discharge unit 700 via the post-processing device main body 2A. The paper fed from the paper feed unit 600 is transported on the transport path 92 by the transport roller 90 and transported to the post-processing apparatus main body 2A and the paper discharge unit 700.
The paper feed unit 600, the conveyance path 92, the conveyance roller 90, and the paper discharge unit 700 constitute a conveyance device of the present invention.

  The paper supply unit 600 stores and holds roll paper in a roll shape, and can continuously supply paper from the roll paper to the apparatus main body 2A. In the present embodiment, the paper feed unit 600 stores roll paper output from the apparatus main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1 and stored in the paper discharge unit 700.

  An operation display unit 240 is provided on the upper portion of the post-processing apparatus main body 2A. The operation display unit 240 can accept the operation of the operator and display information, and displays the start and stop of the operation of the apparatus and the state of the machine. In addition, when a defect detection marker, which will be described later, is detected, a notification regarding the defect can be displayed. In the operation display unit 240, the operation unit for performing the operation and the display unit for performing the display may be configured separately, but the operation unit and the display unit are configured integrally such as a touch panel LCD. It may be. The operation display unit corresponds to the display unit of the present invention.

  A detection unit 70 is arranged inside the post-processing apparatus main body 2A. The detection unit 70 reads an image such as a cutting marker or a defect detection marker printed on the roll paper. The detection unit 70 may be a line sensor or a sensor that reads an image at a point.

  Inside the post-processing apparatus main body 2 </ b> A, a cutting unit 80 is provided at a position downstream of the detection unit 70. The cutting unit 80 cuts the roll paper transported on the transport path 92. For example, the cutting unit 80 can cut the roll paper for each set of images. The cutting unit 80 corresponds to a post-processing unit of the present invention. In this embodiment, the paper is cut as post-processing. However, the present invention is not limited to the type and number of post-processing. For example, folding or stapling may be performed after cutting. . Further, the detection unit 70 may be a post-processing unit for detecting a defect.

  A paper discharge unit 700 provided at the rear stage of the post-processing apparatus main body 2A stores sheets discharged from the post-processing apparatus main body 2A. For example, the sheets cut by the cutting unit 80 may be stacked and stored.

  The image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 constitute an image forming system of the present invention. The image forming system of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a combination of other devices. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 are not mechanically connected, but the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 may be mechanically connected.

  Next, a control block of the image forming system including the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the control block of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 110. The control unit 110 can be configured by a CPU and a program for operating the CPU. The position of the control unit 110 is not particularly limited, and can be provided inside and outside the apparatus main body 1A, for example. In this embodiment, the control unit 110 is provided in the apparatus main body 1A.
The control unit 110 controls the entire apparatus main body 1A and further controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, and performs job management, image formation control, continuous paper conveyance control, and the like. Furthermore, the control unit 110 also determines the presence / absence of a defect and a defect position based on the read data of the image, and instructs the formation of a defect detection marker when there is a defect.

A storage unit 111 is connected to the control unit 110. The storage unit 111 can be configured by a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The RAM can be used for storing work areas and image data. Note that the storage unit 111 may be included in the control unit 110.
In the nonvolatile memory, setting data, process control parameters, and the like of the image forming apparatus 1 can be stored. As the setting data, there are stored a setting relating to a formation position of a defect detection marker, which will be described later, a type of marker, a distance setting between a defect position and a marker position, and other machine setting contents. When the defect detection marker is printed at the start point and the end point, the color and shape settings may be stored.

  The control unit 110 is connected to the image forming unit 100 in a controllable manner. The image forming unit 100 forms an image by an electrophotographic process and transfers the image onto continuous paper.

  The control unit 110 is connected to the image processing unit 105 in a controllable manner. The image processing unit 105 performs processing for processing image data to form an image. Image data includes job data, defect detection markers, cutting markers, and the like.

  The transport unit 120 is connected to the control unit 110 in a controllable manner. The conveyance unit 120 is configured by the conveyance path 22, the conveyance roller 40, a motor (not illustrated) that drives a rotationally driven roller, and the like, and conveys roll paper.

  In addition, an operation display unit 140 is connected to the control unit 110 in a controllable manner. The operation display unit 140 includes a touch panel LCD, and can perform operation and display. The operation display unit 140 can input operation control conditions such as settings and operation commands in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The control unit 110 is connected to the image reading unit 60 in a controllable manner. The read data obtained by the image reading unit 60 is transmitted to the control unit 110 and used when determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the image on the paper.

In addition, a communication unit 160 is connected to the control unit 110, and communication can be performed with other devices via a cable or a network. For example, image data can be acquired from an external device. Further, data can be transmitted / received to / from the post-processing device 2, or a control command can be transmitted from the control unit 110 to the post-processing device 2 to control the operation of the post-processing device 2.
Further, when the management apparatus 4 is provided, data is transmitted to and received from the management apparatus 4 or a control command is received from the management apparatus 4 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the control of the management apparatus 4. You may be made to be.

  In addition, the document reading unit 30 is connected to the control unit 110 in a controllable manner. The image data read by the document reading unit 30 is transferred to the control unit 110 and used for image formation and the like.

Next, the control block of the post-processing device 2 will be described.
The post-processing device 2 includes a post-processing control unit 210. The post-processing control unit 210 can be configured by a CPU and a program for operating the CPU. In this embodiment, the post-processing control unit will be described as being provided in the apparatus main body 2A.
Further, the post-processing device 2 may be controlled by the control unit 110. The post-processing control unit 210 can control the post-processing device 2 according to a control command from the control unit 110.

A storage unit 211 is connected to the post-processing control unit 210. The storage unit 211 can be configured by a RAM, a nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 211 may be included in the post-processing control unit 210.
In the nonvolatile memory, setting data, process control parameters, and the like of the post-processing device 2 can be stored. As setting data, machine setting contents, post-processing control parameters, and the like are stored. Moreover, the setting content regarding the position of a defect detection marker and a defect position may be stored.
The post-processing control unit 210 controls the entire post-processing apparatus 2 and performs sheet conveyance control, post-processing control, and the like. Further, the post-processing control unit 210 specifies a defect position, stops post-processing when a defect is detected, performs an instruction to perform notification about the defect, based on the detection result of the detection unit 70. Therefore, the post-processing control unit 210 functions as a determination control unit of the present invention.

  A conveyance unit 220 is connected to the post-processing control unit 210 in a controllable manner. The conveyance unit 220 includes a conveyance path 92, a conveyance roller 90, a motor (not shown) that drives a rotationally driven roller, and the like. Rolled paper or cut paper is conveyed by the conveyance unit 220.

  An operation display unit 240 is connected to the post-processing control unit 210 in a controllable manner. The operation display unit 240 includes a touch panel LCD, and can perform operation and display. In other words, the operation display unit 240 can input operation control conditions such as settings and operation commands in the post-processing device 2 and can display notifications regarding defects. The operation display unit 240 corresponds to the display unit of the present invention.

  A detection unit 70 is controllably connected to the post-processing control unit 210. The detection unit 70 detects a defect detection marker or a cutting marker on the paper. The detection result of the defect detection marker or the cutting marker is transmitted to the post-processing control unit 210. The post-processing control unit 210 determines whether there is an abnormality in the image on the sheet, specifies the position of the defect, and specifies the cutting position. It is used for etc. The cutting marker can be used for a cutting operation by the cutting unit 80.

  A post-processing unit 250 is connected to the post-processing control unit 210 in a controllable manner. The post-processing unit 250 is configured by a cutting unit 80 in the present embodiment. The cutting unit 80 operates, for example, under the control of the post-processing control unit 210 based on the detection result of the cutting marker, and cuts the roll paper at a predetermined position.

A communication unit 260 is connected to the post-processing control unit 210, and communication can be performed with other devices via a network.
For example, data can be acquired from an external device, for example, the image forming apparatus 1. When the management apparatus 4 is included, data is transmitted to and received from the management apparatus 4, control information is acquired from the management apparatus 4, and the operation control of the post-processing apparatus 2 is performed based on the control of the management apparatus 4. Can go.

  In the image forming system, the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 may be controlled by a management apparatus 4 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 via a cable or a network. In this case, the image forming system is controlled by the management control unit 400 of the management apparatus 4. Note that the image forming system of the present invention may have either a management apparatus or not.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
A case where an image is printed on paper will be described. First, paper feeding from the paper feeding unit 200 is started. The sheet is transported along the transport path 22. In the image forming unit 100, a toner image is written on each photoconductor based on image data such as a print job, and the toner image written on each photoconductor is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 16 and then supplied by the paper feed unit 200. The toner image is secondarily transferred to the roll paper, and the image is fixed by the fixing unit 50. The image data may be acquired through the document reading unit 30 or may be acquired from the outside through the communication unit 160. Note that a cutting marker can be printed at a position where the roll paper is to be cut at a place where the post-processing apparatus 2 is to cut. The cutting marker may be printed outside the image forming area such as a job.
The roll paper on which the image has been formed is conveyed to the downstream side, and thereafter wound up by the paper discharge unit 500 and stored in a roll shape. At this time, the image on the roll paper can be read by the image reading unit 60 under the control of the control unit 110 in the apparatus main body 1, and the read data can be transmitted to the control unit 110.

Next, the operation of the post-processing device 2 will be described.
Roll paper on which an image has been printed by the image forming apparatus 1 or the like is stored in the paper feeding unit 600 and fed in accordance with post-processing. The fed roll paper is transported along the transport path 92, and the image is detected by the detection unit 70. The detection result is transmitted to the post-processing control unit 210. The post-processing control unit 210 can control the post-processing device 2 according to the detection result. For example, when an abnormality detection marker is detected, the detection result can be displayed on the operation display unit 240 or the conveyance of the roll paper can be stopped. When the detection result is displayed on the operation display unit 240, the position information for detecting the abnormality and specifying the abnormal position is displayed. Alternatively, the stop position of the roll paper may be set so that the abnormal position is cut by the cutting unit 80, and further, the cutting unit 80 may be controlled to perform cutting at a desired location. When no defect detection marker is detected, the roll paper can be cut at a predetermined location and conveyed to the paper discharge unit 700 by detecting the cutting marker.

(Embodiment 1)
Next, an example of a procedure for verifying an image defect in the image forming apparatus 1 and a procedure for printing a defect determination mark when a defect is found will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment reads a printed image by the image reading unit 60, transmits the read data to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 determines whether the print image is defective based on the read result. . When it is determined that there is a defect, the image forming unit 100 can print a defect detection marker on the roll paper. The defect detection marker corresponds to the determination result information of the present invention. The determination result information can be composed of symbols, codes, bar codes, QR codes (trademarks), characters, and the like, and the present invention is not limited to specific ones.

The determination procedure will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The following procedure is executed under the control of the control unit 110.
First, the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print instruction from the operation unit included in the operation display unit 140, and performs printing in the image forming unit 100 based on the print data (step s1). Note that printing may be performed according to an instruction from an external device or the like instead of a printing instruction from the operation unit.

  Thereafter, an image printed on the roll paper is read by the image reading unit 60. The control unit receives the reading result, and the abnormal image verifying unit compares the read image data with the image data (print data) used for image formation (step s2), and the printed image has an abnormal image (defective). ) Is determined (step s3).

When there is an abnormal image in the printed image (step s3, Yes), the control unit that is the abnormal image verification unit instructs the image forming unit 100 to print the image of the defect detection marker (step s4). ). The image forming unit 100 prints a defect detection marker outside the image area of the roll paper or on a blank paper portion (step s5). Further, a defect detection marker may be printed by providing a margin at the end of the roll paper.
Thereafter, it is determined whether there is a next image (step s6). If there is a next image (step s6, Yes), the process returns to step s2 to read the image. If there is no next image (step s6, No), the procedure is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step s3 that there is no abnormal image (step s3, No), the process proceeds to step s6, and it is similarly determined whether there is a next image. According to the above procedure, the defect detection marker can be printed on the roll paper every time there is a defect. Also, the defect detection marker may be printed together at the end of the roll paper.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printing position of the defect detection marker M.
In this figure, on the roll paper P, the defect detection marker M is printed on the outside of the image area G of the job, that is, on the outside of the cut line C to be cut by the post-processing apparatus. As a result, the marker can be printed without affecting the output product.

When the image reading unit 60 detects a defect, the image forming unit 100 is instructed to print the defect detection marker M, so that a certain distance exists between the printing position of the marker M and the defect position. Will occur.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, assuming that the image forming unit 100 can print a marker immediately after a defect is detected by the image reading unit 60, the distance between the defect detection marker M0 and the defect position is as follows. The distance between the portion 60 and the image forming portion 100 is substantially the same.
Although the distance may be longer than this depending on the formation timing of the image forming unit 100, it can be controlled so that printing can be performed with a certain distance L in consideration of variations and the like. The fixed distance L may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 111 and displayed on the operation display unit 140 or notified to the post-processing device 2 or the management device 4 through the communication unit 160. Or a predetermined value may be stored in the storage unit 211 of the post-processing device 2. Further, information indicating the distance may be printed on the defect detection marker.

Next, the operation of the post-processing device 2 will be described.
The post-processing device 2 can perform post-processing such as detection and cutting of a defect detection marker for the roll paper stored in the paper supply unit 600. In post-processing, it is detected whether or not the defect detection marker is printed on the paper. If the defect detection marker is printed on the roll paper, it is determined that there is a defect and the operation at the time of detecting the defect is performed.

Specifically, the roll paper conveyance is stopped and the defect position is notified. The distance of the defect position with respect to the defect detection marker or the like may be stored in the storage unit 211 and read when the defect detection marker is detected, or may be notified from the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the user may input an interval between the marker and the defective position through the operation display unit 240, and the defect detection marker may include position information, which may be read to acquire the information. Further, when managed by the management apparatus 4 and the position information is notified to the management apparatus 4, the position information may be notified to the post-processing apparatus 2 through the management apparatus 4. Note that when the conveyance of the roll paper is stopped, the roll paper may be moved to a position where cutting by the cutting unit 80 is performed and stopped.
If the defect detection marker is not printed, it is determined that there is no defect, and the post-processing device 2 performs cutting at the position of the cutting marker on the sheet.

The operation of the post-processing device 2 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. Note that all of the following procedures are executed under the control of the post-processing control unit 210.
When a post-processing start instruction is received from the operation unit in the operation display unit 240, roll paper is fed from the paper feed unit 600 (step s10). The start instruction is not received from the operation unit, but may be received from the outside.
Next, the marker detection unit 70 detects a defect detection marker printed on the roll paper (paper) (step s11), and determines whether there is a defect detection marker on the roll paper (step s12).

If it is determined in step s12 that the roll paper has a defect detection marker (step s12, Yes), the paper feeding operation is stopped (step s15), and the operation display unit 240 displays that there is a defect portion (step s16). ). At this time, the position of the defect can be specified, and the position of the defect can be displayed on the operation display unit 240. Thereafter, the process ends.
When there is no defect detection marker on the roll paper (step s12, No), it is determined whether there is a cutting marker on the roll paper (step s13). If there is a cutting marker (step s13, Yes), the paper is cut by the cutting unit (step s14), and the procedure is terminated. If there is no cutting marker (step s13, No), the procedure is terminated as it is.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, it has been described that one defect detection marker is formed when a defect is detected. However, a plurality of defect detection markers may be printed, for example, at the start point of the defect image and the end point of the defect image. A corresponding defect detection marker may be printed, and the post-processing device may be configured to identify the range of the defect position. In this case, the color and shape of each defect detection marker may be changed so that the start point and the end point can be distinguished.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where the defect detection markers corresponding to the start point and the end point of the defect image have different colors on the roll paper P. For example, the defect detection marker M1 corresponding to the start point is formed in red, the defect detection marker M2 corresponding to the end point is formed in blue, and the post-processing device 2 detects the color of the defect detection marker, so that a defect exists. The area may be specified. This result can be displayed on the operation display unit 240, or notified to the management device 4 so that the user can easily grasp the defective area. It should be noted that the relationship between the defect position and the position of the defect detection marker can be grasped in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows that the defect detection marker can be distinguished by the shape of the marker. In this figure, the defect detection marker M3 corresponding to the defect start point is circular, the defect detection marker M4 corresponding to the defect position end point is rectangular, and the post-processing device 2 detects the shape of the defect detection marker, An area where a defect exists can be identified.
Further, the color and shape may be changed at the start point and the end point, respectively.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
When the printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 1 is a set of a plurality of images arranged in the transport direction, when a defect is detected, a defect detection marker is printed after a certain image is set from the defect position. It is good also as such a form. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily identify how many sets before the marker contain the defective portion.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state on the roll paper P when a defect detection marker is formed in the case of a printed material in which a plurality of images are set as one set. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the defect detection marker M <b> 5 is formed at the end of the next or next image set of the image set including the defective portion, so that the post-processing device 2 includes the image set including the defective portion. Can be easily identified. At this time, information indicating the position of the image in the set including the defective image may be printed.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the symbol is printed as the defect detection marker. However, as the defect detection marker, the determination result information including information indicating the position of the defective image and information such as range information is displayed as a barcode or QR code. It is also possible to print with
At that time, printing may be performed for each defective marker portion, or one marker in which information on all defective portions is collected may be printed in a blank portion after the end of the job.
In FIG. 11, the defect detection marker MB of the two-dimensional code is printed on the blank portion after the end of the job with information on all the defective portions. In this form, it is possible to specify an accurate defective portion by reading and analyzing the code in the post-processing device, and notification such as displaying the information on the operation display unit 240 can be performed.

(Embodiment 5)
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the above embodiment, when the remaining length of the sheet is short, when a defect is detected, the end of the sheet may have already passed through the image forming unit and a defect detection marker may not be formed. Therefore, a margin for printing the defect detection marker may be secured at the end of the roll paper without printing the job image.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure when the paper feeding unit detects no paper. The following procedure is executed under the control of the control unit.
First, the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print instruction from the operation unit, and prints print data at the image forming unit (step s20). Thereafter, when the paper feed unit detects that there is no paper (step s21), image formation is stopped (step s22). This ensures a margin at the end of the roll paper. At this time, the image formation is not stopped immediately after the paper feed unit runs out of paper, but the image formation is stopped after a predetermined time, so that it is necessary to print the remaining paper length and marker. Based on the distance, a printable image may be printed so that a blank paper portion is reduced as much as possible.

  The present invention has been described above based on the above-described embodiment and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the description of the above-described embodiment, and each of the above-described embodiments is provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. Appropriate changes to the form are possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1A Apparatus main body 2 Post-processing apparatus 2A Post-processing apparatus main body 3 External apparatus 4 Management apparatus 16 Intermediate transfer belt 18 Secondary transfer roller 22 Conveyance path
30 Document Reading Unit 40 Conveying Roller 50 Fixing Unit 60 Image Reading Unit 70 Detection Unit 80 Cutting Unit 90 Conveying Roller 92 Conveying Path 100 Image Forming Unit 110 Control Unit 111 Storage Unit 130 Image Reading Unit 160 Communication Unit 200 Paper Feeding Unit 210 Post Processing Control unit 211 Storage unit 250 Post-processing unit 500 Paper discharge unit 600 Paper feed unit 700 Paper discharge unit M, M0, M1, M2 Defect detection marker MB Defect detection marker P Paper

Claims (21)

A transport device for transporting a continuous transfer medium;
An image forming unit for printing an image on a continuous transfer medium;
An image reading unit that reads an image of a continuous transfer medium located downstream of the image forming unit in the continuous transfer medium conveyance direction;
A control unit that controls the conveying device, the image forming unit, and the image reading unit,
The control unit determines an image on the continuous transfer medium based on a result of reading the image by the image reading unit, and notifies the determination result information to the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit when notifying the determination result. An image forming apparatus that performs printing control.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when determining the image, the control unit determines whether the image is normal or defective based on a predetermined criterion, and performs control to print determination result information when the image is determined to be defective. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is preset with a print position of determination result information with respect to the determined image position.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prints position information indicating a position of the determined image together with the determination result information.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prints the determination result information outside an image printing area of a continuous transfer medium or on a blank paper portion.   6. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to print the determination result information corresponding to a start and an end of an image range in which the determination result is notified. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit prints determination result information by changing a color or / and a shape corresponding to the start and the end.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a printing position of the determination result information according to an arrangement state of the image.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided with a margin for printing the determination result information on a terminal end side in a conveyance direction of the continuous transfer medium.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the determination result information includes a code. A post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing of a continuous transfer medium on which an image is printed by an image forming apparatus,
A transport device for transporting a continuous transfer medium;
A detection unit that reads an image of determination result information printed on a continuous transfer medium;
A post-processing device, comprising: a determination control unit that acquires a reading result of the detection unit and controls at least the post-processing device based on the detection result.   The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the determination control unit performs control for notifying a position of the determined image.   The post-processing device according to claim 12, wherein the determination control unit grasps the position of an image determined based on position information included in the determination result information.   13. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the determination control unit has information on a print position of determination result information that is set in advance and is determined for the determined image position.   The post-processing device according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit that is controlled by the determination control unit and notifies a determination result.   The said determination control part performs control which stops conveyance of a continuous transfer medium according to the position of the determined image, if the determination result information is acquired, The any one of Claims 11-15 characterized by the above-mentioned. Post-processing device.   The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a cutting unit configured to cut the continuous transfer medium.   An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and the post-processing apparatus according to claim 11.   The image forming system according to claim 18, wherein the determination control unit is included in a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus. A transport device for transporting a continuous transfer medium;
An image forming unit for printing an image on a continuous transfer medium;
A management apparatus that manages an image forming system having an image reading unit that is located downstream of the image forming unit in the continuous transfer medium conveyance direction and reads an image on a continuous transfer medium,
A management control unit that manages and controls the image forming system;
The management control unit acquires an image reading result by the image reading unit, determines an image on the continuous transfer medium, and notifies the determination result on the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit. A management apparatus that performs control to print determination result information. A conveying device that conveys the continuous transfer medium, an image forming unit that prints an image on the continuous transfer medium, and an image reading unit that is located downstream of the image forming unit in the continuous transfer medium conveying direction and reads an image on the continuous transfer medium And a program executed by a control unit that controls
Obtaining and determining an image reading result by the image reading unit;
And a step of performing control to print determination result information on the continuous transfer medium by the image forming unit when notifying the determination result.

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