JP2002252780A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct image data with an inexpensive configuration even when paper in different colors is loaded to each paper feed device and to reduces the error in colors in comparison with a conventional method where only colors of paper are measured and an output color is calculated. SOLUTION: An image forming section 5 forms a pattern of a prescribed density on recording paper supplied from the paper feeders 6, 7, an image reader 1 reads the pattern density on the recording paper, color correction data to correct output image data are calculated on the basis of read data, and color correction data memories 2, 3 store the color correction data. A color correction means 4 corrects the color of image data read by the image reader 1 or image data from a host (not shown) on the basis of the data in the color correction data memories 2, 3 in response to the paper feeders 6, 7 and the corrected data are fed to the image forming section 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for correcting image data in a copying machine or the like according to the color of a recording sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique for correcting image data by creating a pattern having a density gradation and reading the pattern is a known technique. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-1351 discloses that when performing multi-color printing, the color tone of a paper to be printed is acquired by an optical sensor, and data that has already been subjected to color correction, enlargement / reduction, etc. A method is disclosed in which the color material distribution method is corrected in the printer device in accordance with the correction and printing is performed.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-167571 discloses a color printing apparatus in which the color of an object to be printed is obtained by reflection of light, and input signals of R, G, and B are corrected to obtain a Y signal. , M, and C, the technique of reproducing the color of the original image without emphasizing the ground color of the paper is disclosed.
The method of correcting the color tone of image data according to the paper color is as follows.
JP-A-10-272806, JP-A-10-420
No. 84, JP-A-10-44510 and the like.

[0004]

However, in the conventional method, the method of correcting the image data by reading the pattern is different even if the paper feeding device is different and the color of the loaded paper is different. Since the correction is performed regardless of the type, a new paper color detection device that detects the paper color is required to correct the image data for each paper color. There are problems that the cost is increased and the device itself is complicated. Also,
Even if the paper color is detected, there is a problem that the actual color may differ from the actual color because the color on the paper is obtained by calculation.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the present invention can correct image data with an inexpensive configuration even when sheets of different colors are stacked in respective sheet feeders.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing a color error as compared with a conventional method of measuring only a paper color and calculating an output color.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing operator's work and preventing setting errors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of image correction data.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image reading means for reading an original image, at least one paper feeding means for feeding a recording sheet, and an image reading means for reading the image. Image forming means for forming a received image on recording paper supplied from the paper supply means, storage means for storing color correction data corresponding to the paper supply means, and supply from the paper supply means A pattern having a predetermined density is formed on the recorded recording paper by the image forming means, the pattern density on the recording paper is read by the image reading means, and color correction data for correcting output image data based on the read data is obtained. A color correction data calculating means for calculating and storing the color correction data in the storage means; and a color correction data corresponding to the paper feeding means to which the recording paper is supplied. Characterized in that a color correction means for correcting the image data.

In this case, the color correction means automatically selects the color correction data corresponding to the paper supply means to which the recording paper is supplied, and corrects the image data.

The color correction data calculating means calculates color correction data by forming a plurality of patterns having different densities on recording paper and reading the densities of the individual patterns.

Further, the color correction data calculating means calculates color correction data by reading colors at a plurality of positions in a pattern having the same density.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a color correction data acquisition process of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a density pattern.

As shown in FIG. 1, this image forming apparatus includes an image reading device 1, two paper feeding devices 6, 7, an image forming section 5, and a color storage device for storing color correction data used by the color correction means 4. Correction data memories 2 and 3 are provided. Although the color correction data memories 2 and 3 corresponding to the two sheet feeding devices 6 and 7 are shown, the color correction data storage areas for the number of the sheet feeding devices are provided so that the color correction data corresponding to all the sheet feeding devices are provided. Data can be provided. Image data read by the image reading device 1 and image data from a host (not shown)
The color is corrected by the color correction means 4 based on the data in the color correction data memories 2 and 3 corresponding to the sheet feeding devices 6 and 7, and is sent to the image forming section 5.

The operation of acquiring color correction data will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S01: It is determined whether the mode is the color correction data acquisition mode. If the mode is the color correction data acquisition mode, the process proceeds to the next step S02.

Step S02: "Please select a paper feeder from which color correction data is to be acquired" is displayed, and the operator is prompted to select paper feeders 6 and 7.

Step S03: After selecting the paper feeding devices 6 and 7,
Paper is fed from the selected paper feeders 6 and 7, and a plurality of patterns having different densities as shown in FIG.

Step S04: After creating the pattern, "Please set the output pattern on the reading device"
Is displayed, and the paper on which the pattern is drawn is
Prompts the operator to set

Step S05: Wait for the operator to press the reading start button.

Step S06: When the reading start button is pressed, individual pattern densities having different densities on the paper P are read. When reading a pattern, a plurality of points in one pattern are measured, and the average value is used as the density of the pattern. Thereby, the reading accuracy can be improved.

Step S07: Color correction data is calculated based on the plurality of read pattern densities, and the color correction data is stored in the memories 2 and 3 as correction data corresponding to the sheet feeding devices 6 and 7 selected in step S03. I do.

The image data read by the image reading device 1 and image data from the host (not shown) are converted into data in color correction data memories 2 and 3 corresponding to the paper feeding devices 6 and 7 by the color correction means 4. The image data is color-corrected based on the image data and sent to the image forming unit 5.

[0023]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since image correction data is provided for each paper feeder, different color papers are stacked on each paper feeder. , Color correction suitable for each paper color can be performed. Further, since the color of the actually created pattern is measured, the color error is reduced as compared with the case of measuring the color of paper, which is the related art, and calculating the color when an image is output there.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the color correction data corresponding to the paper feeding means is automatically selected, the work of the operator can be reduced and the setting error can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of patterns having different densities are created and read, the accuracy of the image correction data can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since a plurality of points in the same density area are measured, the reading accuracy can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a color correction data acquisition process of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a density pattern.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading device 2, 3 Color correction data memory 4 Color correction means 5 Image forming part 6, 7 Paper feeder

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Claims (4)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading an original image; one or more paper feeding means for feeding recording paper; and an image read by the image reading means on a recording paper supplied from the paper feeding means. Image forming means for forming; storage means for storing color correction data respectively corresponding to the paper feeding means; and a pattern having a predetermined density by the image forming means on a recording sheet supplied from the paper feeding means. Forming the pattern density on the recording paper by the image reading means, calculating color correction data for correcting output image data based on the read data, and storing the color correction data in the storage means. An image comprising: data calculation means; and color correction means for correcting image data based on color correction data corresponding to the paper supply means to which the recording paper is supplied. Forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said color correction means automatically selects color correction data corresponding to the paper supply means to which the recording paper is supplied, and corrects the image data. apparatus. 3. The color correction data calculating means calculates color correction data by forming a plurality of patterns having different densities on recording paper and reading the densities of the individual patterns. Or the image forming apparatus according to 2. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said color correction data calculation means calculates color correction data by reading colors at a plurality of positions in a pattern having the same density.