JP2003255773A - Image forming apparatus and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which outputs a gloss characteristic which a user prefers. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus and an image processing device, a plurality of kinds of output samples, the output gloss characteristics of which are made different by altering a condition for fixing, are prepared. Gloss which each user prefers is determined and stored. In the subsequent image forming operations, images are formed in an output condition for stored user's favorite gloss. Thus, images are outputted with a gloss characteristic which a corresponding user prefers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

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 capable of providing an output product that better matches a user's taste.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various color management methods have been proposed at present when color copying machines are also connected to a network and have a strong meaning as an MFP (Multi Function Printer). Color management using an ICC (International Color Consortium) profile will be described below as a method thereof.

In today's environment surrounding color management, a process in which a user creates an ICC profile unique to a printer, performs color conversion on a PC (Personal Computer), and then outputs it is the mainstream. Even for general users, software for creating profiles and colorimeters are available on the market, so that color matching to a desired color is possible with some knowledge.

Further, in consideration of the stability of color reproduction in the image forming apparatus, a calibration method is proposed in which the gradation of only a single color is adjusted to the initial state without converting the multi-order color LUT portion of the ICC profile. Has been done.

By utilizing such a color management environment, it is possible to suppress the image quality difference of the formed image between machine bodies or different models.

For example, let us consider a case where the printer is used as a so-called proofer in the design industry in which it is desired to match the formed color of the owned printer with the color of the offset printing machine. In this case, if the ICC profiles of the offset printing machine and the own printer are prepared, the conversion as shown in FIG. 9 can be performed on the application.

Due to the provision of the color management environment (colorimeter, application, profile creation software, etc.) as described above, the image quality of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be reproduced with toner or dots with a wide color reproduction range. The image quality has improved dramatically, and the graininess has been reduced. It has grown to a level comparable to the image quality of offset printing. So, for example, as a proofer for color proofing,
Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are becoming popular mainly in the design industry.

[0008] As described above, with respect to color, the color reproduction range equivalent to that of offset printing (process ink) has been secured by improving the color management technology and revising the toner material. Improved.

In order to further improve the image quality and realize a high image quality such as a silver halide photograph or an offset printing image, it is necessary to consider the gloss (gloss) output.
There is no difference between the machines and it is necessary to form an image with uniform gloss.

In order to realize such gloss control, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-305058, a reference image is created, read, and the fixing temperature is controlled to suppress the change with time. In addition, a technology has been proposed that can suppress the difference between the bodies and adjust the gloss of the target.

Further, the type of the input image is discriminated, and the image image with the proposition of providing information such as a portrait photograph and a landscape photograph has a high glossiness, and the output image such as a business document has a low glossiness. An image forming apparatus is also proposed in which the gloss characteristic is changed according to the image type of outputting to.

[0012]

However, regarding the gloss characteristics, there is a considerable variation in the degree of preference among users. For example, the table shown in FIG. 10 shows the average degree of gloss in a person image and rank data selected by each subject who has been subjected to subjective evaluation. The test subjects were evaluated by a so-called rank method, in which 30 people ranked the samples out of 7 samples whose gloss characteristics changed.

The ranking table selected by these subjects and the data and graphs obtained by performing rank unit conversion from the ranking data and converting it into a preference frequency distribution are shown at the bottom of the table.

Ranket transformation is a statistical method that is generally used when ranking likes and dislikes, and the closer it is to likes and dislikes, the easier it is to select, and the less sensitive it is to samples that are neither. It is a method of evaluation analysis assuming that is equal to the relation of normal distribution.
That is, it can be said that the higher the frequency, the more the characteristic the user likes. The weighting factors for these Ranket transformations are also displayed (for 7 samples).

Therefore, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-16031, there is no doubt that a high gloss image is preferred as an image image.

However, if we carefully observe again how many samples 7 and 6 (ultra-low gloss, low gloss) in FIG. 10 are selected, there are not a few subjects ranked high. Notice. If these users convert the output characteristics as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-16031, they will output the disliked sample.

The degree of preference regarding gloss is a common problem in the world of photographic paper photographs and the world of printing. In the case of photographic paper photographs, the photograph is developed with words such as "luster" and "luster". At this time, the user himself specifies and solves the above problems. In printing, matte coated paper, ordinary coated paper, cast coated paper with specular gloss, etc. are used to change the gloss characteristics of the printing paper to control the gloss level of the output product, as well as post-processing ( The above-mentioned problem is solved by performing varnishing, laminating, etc.).

With reference to the gloss characteristics of the image forming apparatus of these other systems, it is important to determine the output gloss characteristics based on statistical data, but the output environment is adjusted according to the user's preference. Is the best solution.

Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-10621 provides a gloss mode for changing the output gloss characteristic for a special user. However, the desired gloss mode is selected at the time of printing out. There are many users who don't know what they have to do or whether their preference regarding gloss is glossy or matte, and it is impossible to suddenly select the gloss mode.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

More specifically, the fixing means is controlled to output a plurality of samples with different output gloss characteristics, or a sample is prepared in advance, and a sample having a gloss level most preferred by the user of the image forming apparatus is selected. do that for me. The sample information of the selected optimum gloss level and the user-related information are stored, the fixing condition is changed based on the information at the next output, and the image of the gloss level that the user likes is output, that is, the optimum gloss output. It is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables the above.

[0022]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first invention is an image forming apparatus capable of controlling output gloss characteristics. Providing output products with gloss properties,
An output gloss preference degree input unit that allows the user to select an output item that the user likes the most, and an optimum gloss output that derives an optimum gloss output condition for the user based on the result input from the output gloss preference degree input unit. In an image forming apparatus having a condition determination mechanism, a means for storing the optimum gloss condition determined by the determination mechanism and information about the user in a storage device, the user who inputs the gloss preference degree outputs an output command from the next time onward. This is achieved by changing the image output condition based on the information from the optimum output condition reading unit and the read unit, which reads the optimum output condition from the storage unit when it is performed, and outputs the image.

In order to solve the above problems, the second invention is an image forming apparatus capable of controlling the output gloss characteristic by analyzing the information regarding the user who has issued the output command, and grasps the user's preference. In order to do so, an output product having a plurality of types of gloss characteristics is provided, and an output gloss preference degree input means for allowing the user to select an output article that the user likes most from the output matters and the output gloss preference degree input means are used. An image forming apparatus having an optimum gloss output condition judging mechanism for deriving an optimum gloss output condition for the user based on the result, and a means for storing the optimum gloss condition judged by the judging mechanism and information about the user in a storage device. When the user who inputs the gloss preference degree issues an output command from the next time onward, the optimum output condition is read from the storage means. And apply output condition reading means, based on information from said reading means, to change the image output conditions is achieved by outputting an image.

In order to solve the above problems, in the third aspect of the invention, the image characteristics obtained by changing the image output conditions are achieved by the difference in gloss level of the output image under the fixing control.

In order to solve the above problems, in the fourth invention, the fixing control is fixing control using at least one of fixing speed, fixing temperature, pressure, oil application amount and oil temperature. It is achieved by

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> -Schematic Configuration of Apparatus FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a four-color full-color laser beam printer which is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The laser beam printer shown in the figure is provided with four image forming stations which respectively form images of magenta, cyan, yellow and black. Each of the image forming stations is an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter referred to as "photosensitive drum") 1a, 1b, 1 which is an image holding member rotatably supported in a direction of an arrow in the drawing.
c, 1d, and the charger 12 is provided along the rotation direction thereof.
a, 12b, 12c, 12d, developing devices 2a, 2b, 2
c, 2d, and cleaners 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the like.

The photosensitive drums 1a, 1b between the developing devices 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and the cleaners 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.
Below the 1b, 1c and 1d, a transfer belt 31 is provided so as to be in contact with them. Transfer belt 31
Is a recording medium P which is a recording medium.
It is sequentially conveyed to b, 1c and 1d. The images formed on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d in each image forming station are transferred to the recording paper P on the transfer belt 31 by the transfer chargers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.

Further, in the above laser beam printer,
Multiple paper feed units, that is, paper feed cassettes 61b, 61c, 61
d and a manual paper feed tray 61a that can be pulled out in the direction of arrow R61a in the figure, and a large-capacity paper deck 61e
Is provided and a recording paper P for output is loaded.

While the recording paper P is supported on the transfer belt 31 and passes through each image forming station, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d are sequentially transferred. It When this transfer step is completed, the recording paper P is separated from the transfer belt 31 and is conveyed to the fixing device 5 by the conveyor belt 62 serving as recording paper guide means.

The fixing device 5 includes a fixing roller 51 which is rotatably supported, a pressure roller 52 which rotates while being in pressure contact with the fixing roller 51, and a release agent applying device 53 which is a release agent supplying / applying means. And a roller cleaning device. Inside the fixing roller 51 and the pressure roller 52, a heater such as a halogen lamp is provided.
A thermistor (not shown) is in contact with each of the fixing roller 51 and the pressure roller 52, and the fixing roller 51 and the pressure roller 52 are controlled by controlling the voltage applied to each heater via a temperature adjusting device (not shown). The surface temperature of is adjusted. The pressure value of the pressure roller 52 and the surface temperature of the fixing roller can be made variable by the fixing control mechanism 60.

A releasing agent applying device 53 for applying silicone oil as a releasing agent is in contact with the surface of the fixing roller 51, and the recording paper P is conveyed by the conveying belt 62 to press the fixing roller 51. The toner is prevented from adhering to the surface of the fixing roller 51 when passing through the roller 52. Further, the release agent application device 53 is connected to an application amount control device 63 that controls the application amount of the silicone oil applied to the surface of the fixing roller 51.

A drive motor (not shown) for driving the fixing roller 51 and the pressure roller 52 includes a fixing roller 51 and a pressure roller for pressing and heating the conveying speed of the recording paper P, that is, both front and back surfaces of the recording paper P. A speed control device 64 for controlling the rotation speed with the motor 52 is connected. As a result, the unfixed toner image on the surface of the recording paper P is melted and fixed, and a full-color image is formed on the recording paper P. The recording paper P on which the full-color image is fixed is separated from the pressure roller 52 by a separation claw (not shown).

Reference numeral 7 denotes a document reading unit, which optically scans and reads a document placed on a document table to obtain an image signal for each color. An operation display 300 of the laser beam printer is used to input commands from the operator and notify the operator of the state of the apparatus.

Outline of this Embodiment This embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of types of gloss modes are prepared in order to output the optimum gloss image for each user.

Here, the outline of the present embodiment will be described. In order to determine the degree of gloss preference for each user, five images with different gloss characteristics are output. In the present invention, five gloss modes are prepared, but the number of 5 is not so significant, and may be more or less. However, considering the user's preference judgment, the degree of change in gloss of the image forming apparatus, the purpose of the present invention, etc., the 3 to 8 modes may be most suitable.

The image forming apparatus selects an image having the most preferable glossiness from the outputted five samples having different gloss characteristics, and stores the condition and user information for selecting the sample. The outline of the present embodiment is that the output is performed from the next time so that the optimum gloss characteristic determined above is obtained.

Here, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-106210
Discloses that a plurality of gloss modes are provided, and the surface temperature of the fixing roller or the fixing speed is changed according to the modes to output an image having a gloss characteristic suitable for a desired gloss mode.

Also in this embodiment, the following method is used as the gloss control method.

High-gloss mode Fixing temperature 20 ° C increase Medium high-gloss mode Fixing temperature 10 ° C increase Medium-gloss mode Normal fixing control Low medium-gloss mode Fixing temperature 10 ° C decrease low-gloss mode Fixing temperature 20 ° C Decrease , The fixing temperature, fixing pressure, fixing speed, oil application amount, oil temperature, etc. can be increased.
For fixing control, only the fixing temperature was used.

In the background of such a configuration, the use of the fixing speed as a parameter causes a decrease in throughput and cannot provide a comfortable output environment. Another factor is that the fixing speed is controlled in relation to the paper weight, which will be described later. There are inventions for changing the applied pressure, for example, JP-A-11-84770,
It is practically difficult considering the durability of the roller. Regarding the amount of oil applied and the oil temperature, the response is poor and it is not very suitable. As a result of studying and examining the relationship between the gloss and the fixing control by using the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the optimum solution is the fixing temperature control.

Of course, if a fixing roller having a high durability, an oil applying member improved repeatedly, or the like can be incorporated in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, in addition to the fixing control parameter in the gloss mode, Is also good.
Therefore, the invention is not limited to the fixing temperature, and there is no problem if the system can control the gloss level as a result.

The gloss characteristics output with the fixing temperature as a parameter are summarized in FIG. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the density and the glossiness, and the recording paper is a plain paper of 80 g / m ² . By preparing a gloss mode having these five gloss characteristics, an environment for outputting an image having a gloss characteristic that matches the taste of the user was prepared.

Further, as described in the fixing control parameter, the fixing speed is changed as follows depending on the paper weight of the recording paper.

[0046]

[Table 1]

These are controls used in order to prevent a phenomenon called unfixed image and toner called fixing offset from being peeled off from the recording paper. The heavier the paper weight, the more heat is transferred to the toner. Since the amount is reduced, the characteristic feature is that the fixing speed is slower than that during normal image formation (60 to 120 g / m ² paper).

With this paper weight designation method, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 2-132481, the paper type, in particular the thickness information of the paper, is acquired from the paper feeding section, and the temperature of the fixing device is determined based on the paper type information. , A technique for controlling the pressure or the paper conveyance speed is disclosed. Further, as a paper type detection method based on this, a method based on paper density in JP-A-7-234610, a method based on spectral reflectance in JP-A-9-114267, and regular reflection light and irregular reflection light in JP-A-10-198093 are used. A method of doing so is disclosed.

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-191510, a technique has been proposed in which a user does not have a sensor for paper type (paper thickness) information, and the user inputs the paper type information from the operation unit. This method is predominant in devices.

Also in this embodiment, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1 is used.
The determination is made by inputting the paper type in the operation unit, such as 91510. As the background of such a mechanism, the cost (the paper type detection sensor must be prepared for each paper feed section) and the paper weight are also written on the paper package, and many of them are currently used. Since the image forming apparatus of (1) gives an instruction from the operation unit, it is configured to eliminate unnecessary sensors. Needless to say, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a mechanism for detecting the paper type in each paper feed unit to prevent fixing offset and unfixed images.

The glossiness shown in the above graph is
The measurement is performed by the method specified in Z8741. That is, a light beam having a specified opening angle is made incident on a recording medium at a specified incident angle, and a light beam having a specified opening angle reflected in a specular reflection direction is measured by a light receiver. In FIG. 3, the light source 1
The light flux emitted at 08 passes through the lens 110 and enters the recording material P at an angle θ. Then, the light beam reflected in the specular reflection direction is detected by the light receiver 109 through the lens 110. The surface gloss of the recording medium itself can be detected by arranging this glossiness detection mechanism in each paper feed section. In addition, all the embodiments of the present invention described below,
The surface gloss is detected by setting the incident angle θ at 60 °.

Image Processing Unit FIG. 4 shows a detailed block configuration of the image processing unit in this embodiment. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 210 denotes a CCD, which reads an original image with a resolution of 600 dpi, and the read RGB signals are input to the image processing unit 209.

In the image processing unit 209, 102 is an AD converter for converting each RGB signal input into a digital signal, and 103 is an illumination light amount or a light amount unevenness on the light receiving surface of the CCD 210 generated by the lens optical system. CCD 210
Shading correction unit for correcting sensitivity unevenness of each pixel, 104 is a variable power unit for controlling image magnification,
Reference numeral 105 denotes an input direct mapping unit for converting a read RGB signal into a device-independent color space CIE L * a * b *, and 106 converts a reproducible color space of an input device into a color reproducible color space of an output device. CMM (color management module) for performing gamut mapping for C, 107 is device independent C
Output device specific CMYK from the IE L * a * b * color space
It is an output direct mapping unit for converting into a signal. 108 is a reading resolution of 600 dpi and 1200d
A resolution conversion unit for converting into a pi, and a conversion unit 109 for converting a multi-valued signal into a binary image processing signal by a calculation method such as an average density preservation method, both of which can be turned on / off under the control of the CPU 110. is there. The C, M, Y, and K signals output from the binary conversion unit 108 are output to the printer unit 2.
To 00 sequentially.

The CPU 110 centrally controls each component in the image processing unit 209 based on the control program stored in the ROM 111. The CPU 110 is operated
It is connected to the display unit 114 and the external I / F 113. Reference numeral 112 is a RAM that serves as a work area for the CPU 110.

Hereinafter, the image processing unit 20 having the above-mentioned configuration
The output flow at the time of image formation, which is characterized by the operation in FIG. 9, the function of the gloss mode storage unit, and the gloss output for each user preference such as the fixing control unit, will be described.

The image processing unit 209 inputs the user personal information and the optimum gloss mode for the user from the operation unit and stores it in the storage unit (RAM). The gloss control determination unit 21 that determines what kind of gloss characteristic the user likes next time when outputting, and the gloss control that requests the fixing control mechanism 260 based on the determination result from the determination unit. The control mechanism 22 is provided, and by these functions, it is possible to form an image according to the gloss characteristics preferred by each user.

Hereinafter, the output flow of a preferred glossy image will be described with reference to the flowchart.

Registration of Gloss Preference in New User As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, a plurality of types of gloss characteristics are changed for a user who is new to the image forming apparatus in order to determine the gloss preference of the user. Output the image. The content is composed of five image samples in which the fixing temperature is changed as in the gloss mode.

As the image sample, a portrait, which is a typical example of an image, was used. There is a similar tendency in photography, printing, and home IJ printers, but when it comes to image images, there are still many portraits. For this reason, there is a tendency to be observed more severely in terms of color reproduction and gloss, and the difference becomes clear. Therefore, a human figure is used in this embodiment.

The user selects the most preferable sample from the samples output by changing the gloss characteristics. For easy understanding of the information, numbers 1 to 5 are formed in order from the high gloss in the sample image in the same manner as the person image. Therefore, the numbers are input through the operation unit. At the same time, user ID, which is user personal information
To register. There is no particular restriction other than that the user ID is within 8 alphanumeric characters.

The image processing unit, which stores the user ID thus registered and the desired gloss characteristic, refers to the above contents at the next and subsequent output, and forms an image in the optimum output gloss mode.

Image output of user who has registered gloss preference The registered user forms an image by the following flow (see FIG. 5).

First, the operation unit asks a user ID.
User ID because it is registered in advance in the above flow
Enter and proceed to the next flow.

The next flow is the image forming mode, and the contents are the character mode in which an image such as a line drawing and characters is output clearly and neatly, and the gradation of the photograph part in the image in which characters and photographs are mixed. Character / photo mode that achieves both sharpness and sharpness of the text part, and a photo mode that applies image processing that focuses on tone reproduction and color reproducibility that are optimal for photographic images, and fine reproduction of characters and illustrations is good. There are four types of map modes.

At this time, in the present embodiment, an image is formed based on the gloss preference registered when the photograph mode is selected. Of course, it is possible to add a flow in which a sample having multiple types of gloss characteristics is prepared for each of the character photograph, the character, and the map mode, and the user is allowed to select the sample. However, the gloss preference of the information transmission document including the characters made by the inventors has been added. Subjective evaluations have shown that these images prefer low gloss and have little individual variation. Therefore, in this embodiment, image formation is performed only in the photo mode in consideration of the gloss preference of each user.

When a mode other than the photo mode is selected, an image is formed by a normal output flow.

On the other hand, when the photograph mode is selected, the gloss control determination unit determines information on which gloss mode the user likes (refers to the optimum gloss mode corresponding to the user ID from the RAM). The determination result is sent to the gloss control mechanism, which determines the control method of the fixing control mechanism in the printer unit and sends the information to the printer unit.

With such a flow, even with respect to gloss characteristics having different tastes, automatic gloss control can be performed by grasping the optimum gloss characteristics of each user, and an output image matching the taste can be obtained without bothering the user. Can be provided.

In this embodiment, the output control based on the gloss preference is performed only in the photo mode, but in other modes, the type of image presented to the user is changed,
By registering that condition, gloss control becomes possible. Therefore, it goes without saying that such a configuration is also within the scope of the present invention.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment according to the present invention will be described below. The configuration of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1 shown in the above-described first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

The second embodiment is characterized in that PDL (Page Description Language) format data created by a computer or the like is analyzed and determined as a function of determining the user information performed in the first embodiment. .

Image Processing Section FIG. 6 shows a detailed block configuration of the image processing section in the second embodiment. Note that in FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 4 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The image processing unit 1001 is connected to the scanner 100, which is an image input device, and the printer 200, which is an image output device, while it is connected to the communication interface 2010.
It is connected to a LAN via the, and inputs and outputs image information and device information. The second embodiment is characterized by inputting and processing PDL format image data via a LAN.

The CPU 110 is a processor that controls the entire system. The RAM 112 is a system work memory for the CPU 110 to operate, and includes a program memory for storing programs, an image memory for temporarily storing image data, a user ID and an optimum gloss mode as in the first embodiment. It is also a memory that is stored. The ROM 111 is a boot ROM that stores a system boot program.

The HDD 115 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, general image data and output image data. The data stored in the HDD 115 can be set by the user.

The operation unit interface 2006 is an interface unit with the operation unit (UI) 114, and the operation unit 1
Image data for display is output to 14. In addition, the information input by the user through the operation unit 114 is stored in the CPU 11
Transmit to 0.

The above devices are the system bus 2007.
Placed on top.

The image bus interface 2005 is
This is a bus bridge that connects the image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speed and the system bus 2007, and converts the data structure between both buses.

The image bus 2008 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE 1394, and the following devices are arranged.

Reference numeral 2060 denotes a raster image processor (R
IP) and expands the PDL code into a bitmap image.

The device interface section 2020 includes a scanner 100 and a printer 20 which are image input / output devices.
0 is connected to perform synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 2080 performs correction, processing, and editing processing on input image data, and includes image processing up to the input direct mapping in the first embodiment. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion processing, and the like on the print output image data,
It includes processing from CMM (gamut mapping) to binary image conversion in the embodiment. That is, also in the second embodiment, the image data output to the printer 200 is data in the CIE L * a * b * color space that does not depend on the device.

The point different from the first embodiment is that the user information recognition mechanism 20 for analyzing the input PDL information is provided as a method for analyzing the user personal information. The gloss control determination mechanism 21 and the gloss control mechanism 22 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

Automatic Recognition of User ID In the second embodiment, a mechanism for analyzing user personal information sent as a PDL language is newly prepared, and the user is the first printout user or is registered. Determine if it is a user.

As for the user personal information, since this embodiment assumes a network printer, the print output is via a network server. Since the network server controls the access right from each client PC, it is necessary to set the user ID and password. FIG. 7 is a screen for inputting the user ID and password in Windows (registered trademark) 98, for example, a screen in which "itagaki" is entered as the user name and "******" is entered as the password.

As described above, the user ID input when using the network is also reflected in the PDL language created at the time of image output, and is used for the usage status of the printer and the availability of error. In the present embodiment, description will be given by taking the PostScript language, which is the standard in the DTP market, as an example.

The following character strings are used by Microsoft OS: Window
s98 application In Microsoft Word97, Ca
Here is an excerpt of a PostScript file created targeting a non Creative Processor 2120. The RIP part expands these character strings into a bitmap image,
Pass the image signal to the printer.

Attention should be paid to the description of "%% For". It can be seen that the user ID entered on the previous network connection screen is described here.

The user information recognition mechanism 20 in this embodiment is characterized by recognizing a character string following "%% For:" as a user ID.

[0089]

[Table 2]

As described above, even in the image forming apparatus connected to the network, the user's personal information can be input and analyzed, and it is sufficient even if the image forming apparatus shown in the first embodiment is made into a network printer. The advantages can be demonstrated.

Since the output flow and the confirmation method are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

<Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is the first embodiment.
Or in the flow using the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment,
The feature is that the image for selecting the gloss preference is output once or as needed.

According to the flows of the first and second embodiments, it is necessary to output an image having five kinds of gloss characteristics each time a new user makes an output. That is, if there are 30 users, 150 sheets are output and mode selection is performed. It is desirable that such an output image is as small as possible (cost related to toner consumption, consumables in the image forming apparatus (photosensitive drum, fixing roller, developer, etc.))
Problems such as shortening the life of the.

Therefore, in this embodiment, one item is added to the output flows of the first and second embodiments (see FIG. 8).

After inputting the user ID, the image forming apparatus determined to be a new user continues to ask, "Are there five samples with different gloss characteristics?" At this time, the image forming apparatus determined to have the sample causes the user to input the output sample number of the gloss characteristic most preferred. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus determined to have no sample outputs five types of gloss characteristic samples while changing the fixing conditions. Then, as in the case where the sample is present, the sample number of the optimum gloss characteristic is input, the optimum gloss mode of the user is stored, and the optimum gloss mode is output at the next and subsequent output commands.

The subsequent output flow is the same as that in the first and second embodiments, and therefore the description is omitted.

The above flow makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the advantages of the first and second embodiments are further improved.

Even when the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (eg, host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device composed of one device (eg, copying machine, facsimile). Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer of the system or apparatus ( Alternatively, by the CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium,
It goes without saying that it will be achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instruction of the program code,
An operating system (OS) running on the computer does some or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention, the degree of gloss preference of each user is grasped, and when an output command from that user is received, the image of the registered desired gloss is output. It is possible to obtain the optimum gloss output for any user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a laser beam printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of gloss characteristics when gloss control is performed in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gloss meter according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit in the first embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart in the first embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit according to a second embodiment of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a network user ID and PWD input example according to the second embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart in a third embodiment of this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of conventional color management.

FIG. 10 is a list of gloss characteristics and subjective evaluation results according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d electrophotographic photoreceptor 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d charger 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d developing device 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d cleaner

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Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus capable of controlling output gloss characteristics, wherein an output product having a plurality of types of gloss properties is provided in order to grasp a user's preference. An output gloss preference degree input means for selecting the most preferred output material, and an optimum gloss output condition determination mechanism for deriving an optimum gloss output condition for the user based on the result input from the output gloss preference degree input means, and the above determination mechanism. In the image forming apparatus having means for storing the optimum gloss condition determined in step 1 and information about the user in the storage device, when the user who inputs the gloss preference degree issues an output command after the next time, the storage means Optimal output condition reading means for reading out the optimum output condition from, and changing the image output condition based on the information from the reading means And an image processing apparatus, which outputs an image. 2. An image forming apparatus capable of analyzing information about a user who has issued an output command and controlling output gloss characteristics, wherein an output product having a plurality of types of gloss characteristics for grasping user's preference. Based on the results input from the output gloss preference degree input means and the output gloss preference degree input means that allows the user to select the output article that the user most likes from the output matters. In the image forming apparatus having a means for deriving the optimum gloss output condition determining mechanism for deriving, and the optimum gloss condition determined by the determining mechanism and information regarding the user in the storage device, the user who inputs the above-described gloss preference degree will be input next time. An optimum output condition reading means for reading the optimum output condition from the storage means when an output command is issued to An image forming apparatus and an image processing apparatus, characterized in that an image output condition is changed based on information from a recording unit to output an image. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image characteristic obtained by changing the image output condition is different in gloss level of an output image under fixing control. 4. The image forming according to claim 3, wherein the fixing control is fixing control using at least one of a fixing speed, a fixing temperature, a pressing force, an oil application amount, and an oil temperature. apparatus.