JP2003266898A - Method for adjusting imaging position - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for adjusting the imaging position efficiently without requiring an expert adjuster. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus is set with values for specifying the imaging position on a sheet. A plurality of adjusting values for correcting the set values are prepared and a test chart is printed out while varying the imaging position individually for the plurality of adjusting values thus prepared. Consequently, a desired print can be selected from a plurality of prints thus obtained. The set values are corrected by an adjusting value corresponding to the selected print. <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 position adjusting method, and more particularly, in an image forming apparatus having a diagnostic mode (diagnosis mode), a set value for specifying an image forming position is corrected, The present invention relates to an image forming position adjusting method for adjusting an image forming position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus (IIT; Image Input Termina) such as a document scanner such as a digital copying machine is used.
l), and the read image is read by an image output device (IOT: Image Output Termina) called a plotter.
In the image forming apparatus that prints and outputs in l), the image forming position is adjusted (registration adjustment) by changing the sheet conveyance timing and the image writing position in order to prevent misalignment between the original image and the output image. ) Is done.

Initial values (tip registration, side registration, etc.) for specifying the image forming position are set in the image forming apparatus, and these set values are stored in, for example, the RAM of the IOT control section. When the registration adjustment is selected and the adjustment value (correction value) is input by the operator's operation in the diagnostic mode of the image forming apparatus, the initial value stored in the RAM is rewritten to the adjustment value.

[0004]

However, conventionally, after actually copying a test chart having a predetermined image forming area and a margin, the registration deviation amount is visually measured from the copy sample and the measured value is measured. Since the adjustment value is determined based on, the copying, measurement, and inputting of the adjustment value must be repeated many times until a desired copy sample is obtained, which causes a problem of poor work efficiency. In addition, a skilled adjuster is required to visually measure the registration shift amount.

Further, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-178034, a test chart having a mark is read by a scanner, a mark position from the origin is recognized with an edge of a sheet as an origin, and a difference from the original mark position should exist. There is described a digital copying machine which calculates and automatically determines and inputs an IIT registration correction value. Further, in this digital copying machine, the same test chart is printed out, and the printed test chart is used to automatically perform the I
The correction value for the OT register is determined. In this digital copying machine, by automatically determining and inputting the correction value, it is possible to efficiently perform the registration adjustment without a skilled adjuster.

However, the above-mentioned registration adjustment method reads the image of the test chart to determine the correction value, and therefore can be carried out only by a digital copying machine equipped with an image reading device such as a scanner. For this reason, there is a need for a registration adjustment method that is applicable to printers and the like that do not include an image reading device and that has excellent versatility.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming position adjusting method capable of efficiently performing adjustment without a skilled adjuster. Especially. Further, another object of the present invention is to
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming position adjusting method which is applicable to a printer device or the like which does not include an image reading device and which has excellent versatility.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 corrects an image by correcting a set value set in an image forming apparatus for specifying an image forming position on a sheet. In the image forming position adjusting method for adjusting the forming position, a plurality of adjusting values for correcting the set value are prepared, and for each of the prepared adjusting values, the image forming position when the setting value is corrected by the adjusting value is set. , Print out based on the image data of the test chart that displays the image forming area,
It is characterized in that the set value is corrected with a predetermined adjustment value based on the output print.

In order to specify the image forming position on the paper,
Various values are set in the image forming apparatus. In this adjustment method, a plurality of adjustment values for correcting the set values are prepared, and a test chart for displaying the image forming area at the image forming position when the set values are corrected by the adjusted values for each of the prepared adjustment values. Print out based on the image data of. As a result, it is possible to obtain a plurality of prints with images formed at the image forming positions corresponding to the respective adjustment values.
For example, it becomes possible for the operator to select a desired print from a plurality of obtained prints.

Then, based on the output print,
Since the set value is corrected with the predetermined adjustment value, it is possible to perform the adjustment efficiently even without a skilled adjuster. Further, this adjustment method does not require image reading and can be applied to a printer device or the like not equipped with an image reading device, and is excellent in versatility.

When the image forming apparatus is provided with the image synthesizing means, it is possible to synthesize the image data of the adjustment value with the image data of the test chart, and print out based on the synthesized image data. As a result, since the adjustment value is printed on the print, it is possible to specify an appropriate adjustment value from the adjustment values printed on the print in which the arrangement of the image forming areas is optimum. If you want to print the adjustment value on the print, urge you to enter one of the adjustment values printed on the test chart, and correct the setting value based on the adjustment value input for this prompt. Good.

Further, the adjustment value and the identification information for identifying the print can be associated with each other, and the adjustment value can be specified from the identification information. As the identification information for identifying the print,
For example, the print output order can be used. According to this method, the adjustment value can be specified even if the image forming apparatus does not include the image synthesizing unit. In this case, the user may be prompted to input any of the identification information, the adjustment value may be specified based on the identification information input in response to the prompt, and the set value may be corrected.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, claim 7
In the image forming position adjusting method, the setting value set in the image forming apparatus is corrected to specify the image forming position on the sheet to adjust the image forming position. Prepare a plurality of adjustment values, for each of the prepared adjustment values, at the image forming position when the setting value is corrected by the adjustment value, print out based on the image data of the test chart displaying the image forming area, It is characterized in that the set value is corrected with an adjustment value corresponding to a predetermined print selected from the output prints.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments in which the present invention is applied to an image output apparatus of an image forming apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, an image output device (IOT) 10 of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is
It is equipped with a paper supply unit 12 that supplies paper to the transport path,
A paper detection sensor (registration sensor) 14 that detects the presence or absence of paper, a registration gate 16 that temporarily stops the paper and adjusts the conveyance timing, on the downstream side of the paper supply unit 12 in the conveyance direction.
An image forming unit 18 that forms an image on a sheet that is supplied based on the input image data, an image fixing unit 20 that fixes the image, and a discharge tray 22 that discharges the sheet on which the image has been formed are arranged along the conveyance path. The levers are arranged in this order. Further, a large number of paper transport roller pairs 24 are arranged along the paper transport path. It should be noted that FIG. 1 illustrates some of the sheet conveying rollers.

The paper supply unit 12 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 12.
A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are provided, and the paper according to the designated size is supplied from any of the paper feed trays. The image forming unit 18 includes a photosensitive drum 26 and an image output unit 28. The image output unit 28 includes a light source such as a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror for scanning the photosensitive drum 26 with laser light emitted from the light source, and a laser ROS (raster optical scanner) including an fθ lens. . The image fixing unit 20 is composed of a heat roller pair including a fixing roller 20A composed of a heating roller and a pressure roller 20B.

A charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, and the like (not shown) are arranged around the photosensitive drum 26, and the photosensitive drum 26 rotating at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A is uniformly charged by the charging device. Then, the charged photosensitive drum 26
The surface is scanned and exposed by the light beam modulated by the image output unit 28 according to the image data of the output image, and an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by a developing device,
Transfer to the paper supplied by the transfer device. The transferred toner image is fixed on the paper by the heat roller pair in the image fixing unit 20. As a result, an image is formed on the paper.

An operation panel (not shown) is provided as a user interface (UI) on the upper surface of the IOT 10. This operation panel is composed of a display section and operation keys, and the user operates the operation keys in accordance with the operation menu displayed on the display section to input output conditions such as mode setting, paper size, and number of prints.

The IOT 10, as shown in FIG.
An IOT control unit 30 including U, ROM, RAM and the like;
The paper feed control unit 32 is connected to the OT control unit 30. The image output unit 28 described above is the IOT control unit 30.
And is controlled by the IOT control unit 30.
Adjustment value information, which will be described later, is stored in the RAM of the IOT control unit 30. In addition, the above-mentioned paper detection sensor 1
4, the registration gate 16, the image fixing unit 20, and the paper transport roller group 24 are each connected to a paper transport control unit 32.
It is controlled by the paper conveyance control unit 32.

The IOT 10 is controlled by a system module 38 that controls the entire apparatus. The system module 38 controls the system control unit 3.
4 and an image processing system (IPS) unit 36. The IPS unit 36 includes a non-volatile memory (NVM), and the NVM stores pattern data of adjustment values and image data of a test chart, which will be described later.

Each of the IOT control section 30 and the IPS section 36 has a communication I / F output bus 40 for transmitting and receiving control signals.
Is connected to the system control unit 34 by an IPS unit 36.
Is connected to the image output unit 28 by an image information output bus 42 for outputting image data. The operation panel described above is also connected to the system control unit 34.

Next, the registration adjustment operation of the above image forming apparatus will be described.

The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has a diagnostic mode in which a self-diagnosis for detecting an abnormality of the apparatus is performed and a self-diagnosis result is displayed. An operator operates the operation panel to set the diagnostic mode. You can choose. The diagnostic item in this diagnostic mode includes “registration adjustment”.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the system control section 34 determines that the diagnosis mode is selected in step 100, it shifts to the diagnosis mode in step 102 and displays a self-diagnosis menu screen on the operation panel. When it is determined that "registration adjustment" is selected from the menu screen in the next step 104, the registration adjustment sample print process (registration adjustment SP process) is started in step 106. The registration adjustment SP is a process for performing registration adjustment using a sample print on which a test chart is printed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a subroutine of the registration adjustment SP process executed by the system controller 34 and the IOT controller 30 will be described.

The system controller 34 requests the IOT controller 30 for the adjustment value information in step 200. IOT10
In the registration gate 16, the time (temporary transfer start timer value) until the gate is opened and the transfer is restarted after the sheet is once stopped is changed. This register conveyance start timer value corresponds to the “adjustment value”. As a result, the timing at which the paper is supplied to the image forming unit is changed, and the position on the paper on which the image is formed (the leading edge registration) is changed. IOT
The RAM of the control unit 30 stores, as the adjustment value information, the upper limit value of the above-described registration conveyance start timer value and the change interval of the registration conveyance start timer value called a step value.

When the IOT control unit 30 determines in step 300 that the request from the system control unit 34 has been received,
In step 302, the adjustment value information stored in the RAM is read out, and in step 304, the adjustment value information is transmitted to the system control unit 34.

The system control unit 34 waits until the adjustment value information is received from the IOT control unit 30 in step 202, and if it is determined that the adjustment value information is received, the system control unit 34 proceeds to step 20.
In step 4, a job is constructed based on the adjustment value information. For example,
The upper limit of the register transfer start timer value is 20 milliseconds (m
s), if the lower limit value is 0 ms and the step value is 1 ms,
The register transport start timer values are 0 ms, 1 ms ,. ． ． Two
There are 21 types of 0 ms. Therefore, in step 204, a job is restarted to build up a job to print 21 sheets in accordance with the 21 types of register transfer start timer values.

Then, the job information (print information) indicating the contents of the job constructed in step 206 is transmitted to the IOT control section 30, and in step 208 the IOT control section 30.
Wait until the print start request is received from. This job information includes information for causing the IOT control unit 30 to recognize that the registration adjustment SP will be performed.

When the IOT control unit 30 determines that the job information is received from the system control unit 34 in step 306, it understands that the registration adjustment SP is executed from the job information in step 308, and prepares the minimum adjustment value. Then, in step 310, a print start request for the first sheet (paper feed start request) is transmitted to the system control unit 34.

When the system control section 34 receives the print start request in step 208, the I
The PS unit 36 is caused to generate image data to which the pattern data of the minimum adjustment value is attached, and the image data is outputted to the image output unit 28.
The IPS unit 36 reads out the adjustment value pattern data and the image data of the test chart stored in the NVM, and processes the adjustment value pattern data to be attached to the image data of the test chart. In the test chart, for example, a line is drawn at the writing start position and the writing end position of an image so that a mark is added so that the image forming region and a margin portion formed around the image forming region can be distinguished from each other. . After preparing the image output for the next sheet in this way, step 21
In step 2, the IOT control unit 30 is permitted to start printing, and the process waits until the end of the job is notified in step 214.

When the IOT controller 30 determines in step 312 that the print start is permitted, the step 314
To start printing the first sheet. That is, the cash register 16
Is released at a timing according to the adjustment value, the sheet is sent to the image forming unit 18, an image is formed at a predetermined timing, and the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 22. In step 318, it is determined whether or not the adjustment value is the upper limit value. If the adjustment value is not the upper limit value, the adjustment value is incremented by one step (1 in the above example in step 320).
ms) and returns to step 310 to send a print start request for the second sheet to the system controller 34. Until the adjustment value reaches the upper limit value, steps 310 to 32
The process up to 0 is repeated, and print samples corresponding to all adjustment values are output. On the other hand, when the adjusted value is the upper limit value in step 318, the system control unit 34 is notified of the end of the job in step 322.

When the end of the job is notified in step 214, the system controller 34 displays the adjustment value input screen on the operation panel in step 216. The adjustment value input screen is
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the adjustment value of the tip registration is configured to be input. Output tray 2 of IOT10
As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of print samples (21 sheets in the above example) on which the adjustment values are printed are output to 2 as shown in FIG.

The operator compares the output plural print samples with each other and selects the print having the image formed at the most appropriate position. The adjustment value printed on the print is the adjustment value to be input. The operator inputs this adjustment value and performs registration adjustment. When it is determined in step 218 that the adjustment value has been input, the input value is transmitted to the IOT control unit 30 in step 220, and the routine ends. The routine is also ended when the adjustment value is not input in step 218.

When the IOT controller 30 determines in step 324 that the input value has been received from the system controller 34,
In step 326, the adjustment value stored in the RAM as the set value is updated, and the routine ends. As a result, the registration adjustment is completed, and the image is formed at the position based on the updated tip registration value in the normal operation mode.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of output print samples are compared with each other,
Since the print on which the image is formed at the most suitable position can be selected from among them, the registration adjustment can be efficiently performed even if the operator is not a skilled adjuster.

Further, since the adjustment value is printed on the print, the adjustment value will not be erroneously recognized.

Further, the image data of the test chart is transferred to the IP.
The image reading device is not required because it is stored in the NVM of the S section in advance and is read and used. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by a printer device or the like dedicated to print output.

(Second Embodiment) The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the subroutine of the registration adjustment SP process is changed. Next, the subroutine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This subroutine is to print out the adjustment value without printing it. In addition,
Only differences from the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In steps 200 to 208, the system control unit 34 acquires the adjustment value information from the IOT control unit 30 to construct a job, transmits the contents of the job to the IOT control unit 30, and issues a print start request. Wait until you receive it. In this method, when the print start request is received in step 208, the IOT control unit 30 is received in step 400.
Is permitted to start printing, and the process waits until the end of the job is notified in step 402.

When the end of the job is notified in step 404, the discharge order input screen is displayed on the operation panel in step 406. The operator uses the ejection tray 2 of the IOT 10.
The plurality of print samples output to 2 are compared with each other, and the print with the image formed at the most appropriate position is selected. The print discharge order is a value to be input. When it is determined in step 406 that the rank has been input, the input value is transmitted to the IOT control unit 30 in step 408 and the routine ends. The routine is also ended when the rank is not input in step 406.

On the other hand, the IOT control unit 30 executes step 30.
From 0 to step 316, the adjustment value information is transmitted in response to the request from the system control unit 34. Then, the contents of the job are received from the system control unit 34 to prepare for print output, and the printing is started after the system control unit 34 permits the start of printing.

In this method, when the print output of the first sheet is completed in step 316, the adjusted value is stored in the RAM in association with the discharge order in step 500. This allows
An adjustment value corresponding to the print can be derived from the discharge order. Next, in step 502, it is determined whether or not the adjustment value is the upper limit value. If the adjustment value is not the upper limit value, one step is added to the adjustment value in step 504, and step 31
Returning to 0, a print start request for the second sheet is transmitted to the system control unit 34.

Until the adjusted value reaches the upper limit value, step 31
The processes from 0 to step 316 and from step 500 to step 504 are repeated, and print samples corresponding to all adjustment values are output. On the other hand, when the adjusted value is the upper limit value in step 502, the system control unit 34 is notified of the end of the job in step 506.

When it is determined in step 508 that the input value is received from the system control unit 34, RA is input in step 510.
The adjustment value corresponding to the order input from M is read, the adjustment value stored in the RAM as the set value is updated in step 512, and the routine is ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of output print samples are compared with each other,
Since the print on which the image is formed at the most suitable position can be selected from among them, the registration adjustment can be efficiently performed even if the operator is not a skilled adjuster.

Further, since the corresponding adjustment value can be obtained from the discharge order, it is not necessary to attach the adjustment value pattern data to the image data. Therefore, the processing steps are simplified, and the apparatus can be implemented even with an apparatus having no image data attachment processing function.

Further, the image data of the test chart is transferred to the IP
The image reading device is not required because it is stored in the NVM of the S section in advance and is read and used. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by a printer device or the like dedicated to print output.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the example of adjusting the leading edge registration has been described, but the image forming position on the sheet such as the leading edge registration, the side registration, the trailing edge registration, and the erase amount is specified. The present invention can be applied to any registration adjustment as long as the registration value is arbitrarily set for the purpose. For example, the side registration can be adjusted by changing the image writing position in the image forming unit.

Also, a plurality of registration values may be adjusted simultaneously by one registration adjustment SP process. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, by displaying an adjustment value input screen configured so that adjustment values can be input for each of various types of cash registers such as a leading edge cash register, a side cash register, and a trailing edge cash register, Input adjustment values for each of the side register and rear register. At this time, when the print for which the leading edge registration is optimal is different from the print for which the side registration is optimal, different adjustment values may be input for each registration.

In the above second embodiment, an example in which the print discharge order and the adjustment value are associated with each other has been described, but other identification information for identifying the print may be associated with the adjustment value. . Other identification information includes, for example, numbers and symbols attached to the paper in advance, the color of the paper, and the like.

[0051]

The image forming position adjusting method of the present invention has the effect that the adjustment can be performed efficiently without the need for a skilled adjuster.

Further, the image forming position adjusting method of the present invention can be applied to a printer device or the like which is not equipped with an image reading device, and has an effect of being excellent in versatility.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control routine until the registration adjustment sample print (SP) process is started.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a registration adjustment SP processing routine executed by a system control unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a routine of registration adjustment SP processing executed by the IOT control unit in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an adjustment value input screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an output print sample.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a registration adjustment SP processing routine executed by a system control unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a registration adjustment SP processing routine executed by an IOT control unit according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an adjustment value input screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 image output device (IOT) 12 paper supply unit 14 paper detection sensor (registration sensor) 16 registration gate 18 image forming unit 20 image fixing unit 22 discharge tray 24 paper transport roller pair 26 photoconductor drum 28 image output unit 30 IOT control unit 32 paper Transport control unit 34 System control unit 36 Image processing system (IPS)
Part 38 system module

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming position adjusting method for adjusting an image forming position by correcting a setting value set in an image forming apparatus for specifying an image forming position on a sheet, an adjustment for correcting the set value. A plurality of values are prepared, and for each of the prepared adjustment values, print out based on the image data of the test chart that displays the image forming area at the image forming position when the set value is corrected by the adjustment value, and output. An image forming position adjusting method for correcting a set value with a predetermined adjustment value based on the printed print. 2. The image forming position adjusting method according to claim 1, wherein image data of an adjustment value is combined with the image data of the test chart, and the image is printed out based on the combined image data. 3. A method of urging to input any of the adjustment values printed on the test chart, and correcting the set value based on the adjustment value input in response to the urging.
The method for adjusting the image forming position according to [4]. 4. The image forming position adjusting method according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment value is associated with identification information for identifying a print, and the adjustment value is specified from the identification information. 5. The image forming position adjusting method according to claim 4, wherein the identification information is a print output order. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user is prompted to input any one of the identification information, the adjustment value is specified based on the identification information input in response to the prompt, and the set value is corrected. Image formation position adjustment method. 7. An image forming position adjusting method for adjusting an image forming position by correcting a setting value set in an image forming apparatus for specifying an image forming position on a sheet, an adjustment for correcting the set value. A plurality of values are prepared, and for each of the prepared adjustment values, print out based on the image data of the test chart that displays the image forming area at the image forming position when the set value is corrected by the adjustment value, and output. A method for adjusting an image forming position, in which a set value is corrected with an adjustment value corresponding to a predetermined print selected from the selected prints.