JP2005181534A - Image forming system, information processor, program and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decrease unnecessary calibration while performing necessary calibration. <P>SOLUTION: A printer selects (S410 and S420) a execution pattern of calibration in response to kinds of images expressing received kind data (namely, kinds of images expressing image data) before performing printing processing of the images (S460) expressing the received image data when receiving the image data expressing the images to be printed and the kind data expressing the kinds of the images. The printer determines whether it is timing to execute calibration on the basis of execution frequency of a selected execution pattern (S430), when it is determined that it is timing to execute calibration (S430: YES), calibration is executed in execution contents of the selected execution pattern (S440), and thereafter printing processing is performed (S460). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for correcting image forming characteristics.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer is known that performs calibration for correcting image forming characteristics.
However, performing such calibration more than necessary is a waste of time.

Therefore, based on the elapsed time from the previous calibration, temperature, and humidity, only the full calibration mode for executing all types of calibration or a part of the calibration is executed. Some of them select one of the simple calibration modes (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-296851 A

  However, even if the elapsed time from the previous calibration execution and the temperature and humidity conditions are the same, if the type of image to be formed is different, the necessity for calibration is different. That is, for example, when comparing an image representing only black and white characters with an image representing a color photograph, the latter is more necessary for calibration than the former. For this reason, for example, if calibration is performed according to the execution pattern according to the former image, the calibration effect required when forming the latter image cannot be obtained, and conversely, execution according to the latter image is performed. If calibration is performed according to a pattern, the calibration is excessively performed when the former image is formed.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object thereof is to reduce unnecessary calibration while performing necessary calibration.

  The image forming system according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above object, has image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data, and characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means. Calibration execution means capable of executing calibration for correction with a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents, image type determination means for determining the type of image represented by image data, and the plurality of execution patterns Selecting means for selecting an execution pattern according to the image type determined by the image type determining means. In this image forming system, the calibration execution unit controls the calibration according to the execution pattern selected by the selection unit before the image forming unit forms an image.

That is, in this image forming system, calibration is controlled according to an execution pattern corresponding to the type of image represented by the image data.
Therefore, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be reduced while performing necessary calibration. That is, the necessity of correcting the characteristics of an image to be formed (in other words, the necessity of executing calibration) varies greatly depending on the type of image to be formed on the recording medium. Therefore, in this image forming system, calibration is controlled according to an execution pattern corresponding to the type of image to be formed on the recording medium.

  The image forming system can be constructed only by a single apparatus (for example, an image forming apparatus such as a printer), and a plurality of apparatuses (for example, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and an image forming apparatus such as a printer). It is also possible to construct the system by a communication system that can communicate with each other. Here, when the image forming system of the present invention is constructed as a system in which, for example, the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus are communicably connected, for example, the image type determination unit is configured to be the information processing apparatus side, the image forming apparatus side. It is possible to provide either of them.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected to each other.
In the image forming system, the information processing apparatus generates image data representing image data representing an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus, and determining the type of the image represented by the image data. Image type determination means for transmitting, and transmission means for transmitting the image data and type data to the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus receives image data and type data transmitted from the transmitting means of the information processing apparatus, and an image that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data received by the receiving means. A calibration execution unit capable of executing calibration for correcting characteristics of an image formed by the image forming unit, a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents, and a plurality of the execution patterns. A selection unit that selects an execution pattern according to the type of image represented by the type data received by the reception unit, and an execution pattern selected by the selection unit before the image formation unit performs image formation. Timing determination means for determining whether it is time to execute calibration based on the execution frequency , And a. Then, the calibration execution unit of the image forming apparatus executes the calibration with the execution content of the execution pattern selected by the selection unit when the timing determination unit determines that the timing is to execute the calibration.

  That is, in this image forming system, before the image forming apparatus forms an image represented by the image data generated by the information processing apparatus, calibration is performed based on the execution frequency of the execution pattern corresponding to the type of the image. If it is determined that the timing is to be executed, calibration is executed with the execution content of the execution pattern corresponding to the type of the image.

  Therefore, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be reduced while performing necessary calibration, as in the image forming system of claim 1. Furthermore, in the present image forming system, the determination of the type of image represented by the image data is made on the information processing apparatus side that generates the image data itself, so that the determination can be made easily.

  Next, in the image forming system according to claim 3, in the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, the image type determining means determines whether or not the type of image represented by the image data is an image, The selection means has an effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming means when the image type is an image, compared with the case where the image type is not an image. Select a high execution pattern.

  That is, when the image type is an image, it is more necessary to correct the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit than when the image type is not an image. Therefore, in this image forming system, when the type of image is an image, an execution pattern is selected that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image than when the image type is not an image. It is. For this reason, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be effectively reduced.

  On the other hand, in the image forming system according to claim 4, in the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, the image type determining unit determines whether the type of the image represented by the image data is text and selects it. When the image type is not text, the means has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming means compared to the case where the image type is text. Select an execution pattern.

  That is, when the image type is not text, it is more necessary to correct the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit than when the image type is text. Therefore, in the present image forming system, when the type of image is not text, an execution pattern is selected that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image compared to the case of text. It is. For this reason, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be effectively reduced.

  On the other hand, in the image forming system according to claim 5, in the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, the image type determination unit sets the type of image represented by the image data to any one of text, graphic, and image. The selection means determines whether the image type is an image, a graphic, or a text in order of at least one of a density characteristic and a gradation characteristic of an image formed by the image forming means. An execution pattern having a high effect of correcting either one is selected.

  That is, when the image type is an image or graphic, it is more necessary to correct the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit than when the image type is text. In particular, when the image type is an image, it is more necessary to correct the characteristics of the image than when the image type is a graphic. Therefore, in the present image forming system, an execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image in the order of image, graphic, and text is selected. It is. For this reason, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be effectively reduced.

  Note that it is not always necessary to select different execution patterns just because the types of images are different. For example, the number of execution patterns included in the plurality of execution patterns may be less than the number of image types (number to be classified). In such a case, the same execution is performed with different image types. Even if a pattern is selected, the effect of the present invention can be obtained if an execution pattern having a higher correction effect is selected for an image type that has a higher need for correcting the characteristics of the image as a whole. it can.

  Next, in the image forming system according to claim 6, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the image type determination unit sets the type of image represented by the image data to one of color and monochrome. In the case where the image type is color, the selection unit determines at least the density characteristic or gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as compared with the case where the image type is monochrome. An execution pattern having a high effect of correcting either one is selected.

  That is, when the image type is color, it is more necessary to correct the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit than when the image type is monochrome. Therefore, in this image forming system, when the type of image is color, an execution pattern is selected that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic or gradation characteristic of the image than when it is monochrome. It is doing so. For this reason, according to the present image forming system, unnecessary calibration can be effectively reduced. In particular, if the image forming system according to claim 6 is configured so as to determine the type of image and select the execution pattern as in the image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the image forming system is unnecessary. Calibration can be reduced more effectively.

  By the way, in the image forming system according to the third to sixth aspects, the selection of the execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image can be performed as follows, for example.

  That is, in the image forming system according to claim 7, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, the plurality of execution patterns include execution patterns having different calibration execution frequencies. The selection unit has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as the execution pattern having the higher calibration frequency among the plurality of execution patterns. Select as execution pattern.

  For this reason, in this image forming system, an execution pattern having a higher frequency of calibration is selected as the necessity of correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit is higher. Therefore, according to the present image forming system, it is possible to prevent the calibration from being executed more frequently than necessary.

  Specifically, for example, as in the image forming system according to claim 8, a storage unit that stores the image type and the calibration execution frequency in association with each other is provided, and the selection unit corresponds to the image type. The execution frequency stored in the storage unit is selected as the execution frequency of the execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit. Good.

  And when comprised in this way, it is good for a calibration execution means to perform a calibration based on the implementation frequency selected by the selection means, for example, as described in Claim 9. That is, the calibration is executed based on the execution frequency stored in the storage means. In this way, calibration can be executed with an appropriate execution frequency according to the type of image.

  In the image forming system according to claim 10, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 9, the plurality of execution patterns include the number of calibrations to be executed from among a plurality of types of calibrations. The execution pattern includes different execution patterns, and the selection means performs the density characteristics or gradation characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means as the execution pattern having a larger number of types of calibration to be executed among the plurality of execution patterns. An execution pattern that has a high effect of correcting at least one of them is selected.

  For this reason, in the present image forming system, the execution pattern with more types of calibration to be executed is selected as the necessity of correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit increases. Therefore, according to the present image forming system, it is possible to prevent the execution of more types of calibration than necessary.

  Furthermore, in the image forming system according to claim 11, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 10, the plurality of execution patterns include an execution pattern that executes only density calibration, and a floor pattern. An execution pattern that executes only the calibration for the tone, and the selection means selects the execution pattern that executes only the calibration for the gradation among the plurality of execution patterns, and only the calibration for the density. Is selected as an execution pattern that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of density characteristics and gradation characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means.

  That is, in general, the calibration for gradation has a higher effect of correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means than the calibration for density. For this reason, according to this image forming system, it is possible to make a selection according to the necessity of correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means.

  Next, in an image forming system according to a twelfth aspect, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the plurality of execution patterns include execution patterns with zero execution frequency (no calibration is performed at all). (Execution pattern of contents not to be executed) is included, and the calibration execution means does not execute calibration when an execution pattern with an execution frequency of 0 is selected by the selection means.

  For this reason, according to the present image forming system, it is possible to prevent the calibration from being executed even though the type of the image formed by the image forming unit does not require any calibration. .

By the way, when the image represented by the image data includes a plurality of images of different image types, for example, the following determination may be made.
That is, in the image forming system according to claim 13, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the image type determination unit includes a plurality of images having different image types. The image type represented by the image data is selected from the image types included in the image represented by the image data according to the priority order determined for the image type. Judge.

  Therefore, according to the present image forming system, classification can be easily performed even when an image represented by image data includes a plurality of images of different image types. In addition, if the priority level is set higher for the type of image that is highly necessary to correct the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means, the image quality required for the image with the higher priority level can be reliably obtained. it can.

  In the image forming system according to claim 14, in the image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the image type determination unit includes a plurality of images having different image types. If it is, the type of image having the highest ratio in the image represented by the image data is determined as the type of image represented by the image data.

For this reason, according to this image forming system, even when an image represented by image data includes a plurality of images of different image types, classification can be performed easily and appropriately.
Next, an information processing apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect is used in a state where the information processing apparatus is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes: an image data generating unit that generates image data representing an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus; and an image type represented by the image data generated by the image data generating unit. Image type determining means for classifying and determining the type according to the calibration request level in the image forming apparatus, and transmitting means for transmitting the image data and the type data to the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus, the image forming system according to the second aspect can be constructed.
The image type determination unit may determine, for example, whether the type of image represented by the image data is an image, or may determine whether the type of image is text, Further, the type of image may be determined by classifying it into one of text, graphic and image. In addition to or in addition to such a determination, the type of image may be classified into one of color and monochrome.

  In addition, when the image represented by the image data includes a plurality of images having different image types, the image type determination unit represents the image data according to the priority order determined for the image type, for example. The image type with the highest priority among the image types included in the image may be determined as the type of image represented by the image data. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the thirteenth aspect. On the other hand, in such a case, for example, the type of image having the highest ratio in the image represented by the image data may be determined as the type of image represented by the image data. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the fourteenth aspect.

  Next, a program according to a sixteenth aspect is an image data generation means for generating image data representing an image to be formed by an image forming apparatus, using a computer used in a state of being communicably connected to the image forming apparatus, Image type determining means for determining the type of image represented by the image data generated by the image data generating means by classifying the type according to the level of calibration required in the image forming apparatus, and generating the type data, image data And a transmission means for transmitting the type data to the image forming apparatus.

Therefore, according to this program, the computer can be operated as the information processing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect.
The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a floppy (registered trademark) disk). Further, the image type determination means may be configured as described in the description of claim 15 above.

  Next, an image forming apparatus according to claim 17 is used in a state of being communicably connected to an information processing apparatus that transmits image data representing an image to be formed and image type data represented by the image data. It is. The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives image data and type data transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data received by the receiving unit. Means, calibration execution means capable of executing calibration for correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means with a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents, and the plurality of execution patterns. A selection unit that selects an execution pattern according to the type of image represented by the type data received by the reception unit, and an execution pattern selected by the selection unit before the image formation unit performs image formation. Timing determination method for determining whether it is time to execute calibration based on the frequency of execution It has a, and. In the image forming apparatus, when the calibration execution unit determines that the timing should be executed by the timing determination unit, the calibration is executed using the execution pattern selected by the selection unit. To do.

For this reason, according to this image forming apparatus, the image forming system according to claim 2 can be constructed.
For example, if the type of image is an image as long as the type of image represented by the type data received by the receiving unit is classified as an image or not, the selection unit may be an image. It is preferable to select an execution pattern that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as compared with the case where the image type is not an image. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as the image forming system according to the third aspect.

  In addition, for example, if the type of image represented by the type data received by the receiving unit is classified as either text or not, if the type of image is not text, the selection unit It is preferable to select an execution pattern that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as compared with the case where the image type is text. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the fourth aspect.

  In addition, for example, if the type of the image represented by the type data received by the receiving unit is classified into one of text, graphic, and image, the selection unit is, if the type of image is an image, In the case of a graphic, it is preferable to select an execution pattern that has a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit in the order of the text. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effect as the image forming system according to the fifth aspect.

  For example, if the type of the image represented by the type data received by the receiving unit is classified as either color or monochrome, the selection unit may select the image type if the image type is color. It is preferable to select an execution pattern that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as compared with the case where the type is monochrome. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the sixth aspect.

  On the other hand, for example, when the execution patterns having different execution frequencies are included in the plurality of execution patterns, the selection unit, among the plurality of execution patterns, the execution pattern having the higher execution frequency of calibration, It is preferable to select an execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of density characteristics and gradation characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the seventh aspect.

  Specifically, for example, a storage unit that stores the image type and the calibration execution frequency in association with each other, and the selection unit stores the execution frequency stored in the storage unit in association with the image type. It is preferable that the execution frequency of the execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit is selected.

  And when comprised in this way, it is good for a calibration execution means to perform a calibration based on the implementation frequency selected by the selection means, for example. That is, the calibration is executed based on the execution frequency stored in the storage means. In this way, calibration can be executed with an appropriate execution frequency according to the type of image.

  For example, when the execution patterns include different execution patterns to be executed from a plurality of types of calibration, the selection unit executes the plurality of execution patterns. It is preferable that an execution pattern with more types of calibration is selected as an execution pattern that has a higher effect of correcting at least one of density characteristics and gradation characteristics of an image formed by the image forming unit. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system capable of obtaining the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the tenth aspect.

  For example, when the plurality of execution patterns include an execution pattern that executes only calibration for density and an execution pattern that executes only calibration for gradation, the selection unit includes a plurality of execution patterns. Among execution patterns, an execution pattern that executes only the calibration for gradation is compared with an execution pattern that executes only the calibration for density, and at least the density characteristic or gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit It is preferable to select an execution pattern having a high effect of correcting either one. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the eleventh aspect.

  Further, for example, when an execution pattern with an execution frequency of 0 is included in the plurality of execution patterns, the calibration execution unit performs calibration when an execution pattern with an execution frequency of 0 is selected by the selection unit. It is preferable not to execute the application. In this way, it is possible to construct an image forming system that can obtain the same effects as those of the image forming system according to the twelfth aspect.

  Next, the program according to claim 18 is used in a state of being communicably connected to an information processing apparatus that transmits image data representing an image to be formed and image type data represented by the image data. An image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives image data and type data transmitted from a processing device; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data received by the receiving unit. An image represented by the type data received by the receiving means from among a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents of calibration for correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means. A selection means for selecting an execution pattern according to the type of image, and before the image is formed by the image formation means, the selection means Based on the execution frequency of the selected execution pattern, timing determination means for determining whether or not it is time to execute calibration, and when the timing determination means determines that it is time to execute calibration , Functioning as calibration execution means for executing calibration with the execution contents of the execution pattern selected by the selection means.

Therefore, according to this program, the image forming apparatus including the receiving unit and the image forming unit can be operated as the image forming apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect.
The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM or a floppy (registered trademark) disk). The selection means may be configured as described in the description of the seventeenth aspect.

Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system as an image forming system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, in this printing system, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 10 as an information processing apparatus and a printer 20 as an image forming apparatus are connected via a bidirectional communication interface 2. It is connected so that communication is possible.

  In this printing system, the PC 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a hard disk (HD) 14, and a printer interface (printer I / F) 15 for performing communication with the printer 20.

  On the other hand, the printer 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, a mechanism control unit 24 for controlling a printing mechanism (such as various rollers described later), and a PC interface (PCI / F) for communicating with the PC 10. 25.

Here, the mechanical structure of the printer 20 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the printer 20.
As shown in the figure, the printer 20 is a so-called tandem color laser printer, and includes a visible image forming unit 30, a belt-like intermediate transfer body (ITB: Inter Transfer Belt) 50, a fixing unit 60, and the like. , A paper feed unit 70 and a paper discharge tray 80 are provided.

  The visible image forming unit 30 includes developing units 31M, 31C, and 31Y as developing units for each visible image process using toners of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk). , 31Bk, photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, 32Bk as photosensitive members, cleaning rollers 33M, 33C, 33Y, 33Bk, chargers 34M, 34C, 34Y, 34Bk, and exposure means 35M, 35C, 35Y, 35Bk.

Hereinafter, each of these components will be described in detail.
First, the developing devices 31M, 31C, 31Y, and 31Bk are provided with developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk. The developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk are formed in a cylindrical shape using conductive silicone rubber as a base material, and further, a coating layer of a resin or rubber material containing fluorine is formed on the surface. The developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk do not necessarily have to be made of a conductive silicone rubber, and may be made of a conductive urethane rubber, for example. Further, the ten-point average roughness (Rz) of the surface is set to 3 to 5 μm, and is configured to be smaller than 9 μm which is the average particle diameter of the toner.

  Each developing device 31M, 31C, 31Y, 31Bk is provided with supply rollers 37M, 37C, 37Y, 37Bk. The supply rollers 37M, 37C, 37Y, and 37Bk are conductive sponge rollers, and are disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk by the elastic force of the sponge. As the supply rollers 37M, 37C, 37Y, and 37Bk, foams of appropriate members such as conductive silicone rubber, EPDM, and urethane rubber can be used.

  Further, each of the developing devices 31M to 31Bk is provided with a layer thickness regulating blade 38M, 38C, 38Y, 38Bk. The layer thickness regulating blades 38M, 38C, 38Y, and 38Bk are formed in a plate shape with stainless steel or the like at the base end and fixed to the developing device cases 39M, 39C, 39Y, and 39Bk, and the tip ends are made of insulating silicone rubber or insulating material. The fluorine-containing rubber or resin. The tips of the layer thickness regulating blades 38M, 38C, 38Y, 38Bk are pressed against the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, 36Bk from below the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, 36Bk.

  The toner accommodated in the developing device cases 39M, 39C, 39Y, and 39Bk is a positively chargeable non-magnetic one-component developer, and a well-known styrene-acrylic resin formed into a spherical shape by suspension polymerization, such as carbon black. And a toner control particle having an average particle diameter of 9 μm obtained by adding a charge control agent such as nigrosine, triphenylmethane, quaternary ammonium salt, or a charge control resin. The toner is constituted by adding silica as an external additive to the surface of the toner base particles. Further, the silica as the external additive is subjected to a known hydrophobizing treatment with a silane coupling agent, silicone oil or the like, the average particle diameter is 10 nm, and the addition amount is 0.6% by weight of the toner base particles. It is. Magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toners are stored in the developing device cases 39M, 39C, 39Y, and 39Bk, respectively.

  Thus, the toner is an extremely spherical suspension polymerization toner, and further, 0.6% by weight of hydrophobically treated silica having an average particle diameter of 10 nm is added as an external additive, so that it is extremely fluid. Is excellent. Therefore, a sufficient charge amount can be obtained by frictional charging. Further, since there is no corner portion unlike the pulverized toner, it is difficult to receive mechanical force, has excellent followability to an electric field, and has good transfer efficiency.

  As an example, the photosensitive drums (OPCs) 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk are formed by forming a positively chargeable photosensitive layer on an aluminum substrate. The thickness of the photosensitive layer is 20 μm or more, and the aluminum substrate is used as an earth layer.

  The cleaning rollers 33M, 33C, 33Y, and 33Bk are rollers made of an elastic material such as a conductive sponge, and are arranged below the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk to the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. It is configured to rub. Since the printer 20 employs a so-called cleanerless development method, residual toner once removed by the cleaning rollers 33M, 33C, 33Y, and 33Bk is again exposed to light in a predetermined cycle after the development process is completed. It is configured to return to the side drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk, collect it by the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk, and return it to the developing devices 31M, 31C, 31Y, and 31Bk of the respective colors.

  The chargers 34M, 34C, 34Y, and 34Bk are scorotron type chargers, and are located downstream of the cleaning rollers 33M, 33C, 33Y, and 33Bk in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. The photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk are opposed to the surface of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk in a non-contact manner from below the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk.

  The exposure means 35M, 35C, 35Y, and 35Bk are composed of known laser scanner units. The exposure units 35M, 35C, 35Y, and 35Bk are arranged so as to overlap the developing units 31M, 31C, 31Y, and 31Bk of the visible image forming unit 30 in the vertical direction, and the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk and the chargers 34M, 34C, 34Y, 34Bk are arranged so as to overlap in the horizontal direction, and downstream of the chargers 34M, 34C, 34Y, 34Bk in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, 32Bk. On the side, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk are exposed with laser light. The exposure means 35M, 35C, 35Y, and 35Bk irradiate the surface of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk with laser light corresponding to the image data, and the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. The electrostatic latent image for each color is formed.

  The toner is positively charged and is supplied from the supply rollers 37M, 37C, 37Y, and 37Bk to the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk, and is formed into a uniform thin layer by the layer thickness regulating blades 38M, 38C, 38Y, and 38Bk. . The positive polarity (positive charging) formed on the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk at the contact portions between the developing rollers 36M, 36C, 36Y, and 36Bk and the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. With respect to the electrostatic latent image, positively charged toner can be satisfactorily developed by the reversal development method, and an extremely high quality image can be formed.

  The belt-shaped intermediate transfer member 50 is formed by forming a conductive sheet such as polycarbonate or polyimide in a belt shape. The intermediate transfer member 50 is bridged between two drive rollers 51 and 52, and intermediate transfer rollers 53M, 53C, 53Y, and 53Bk are provided in the vicinity of positions facing the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. Is provided. Further, the moving direction of the surface of the intermediate transfer member 50 on the side facing the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk is set to a direction of moving from the vertical direction upward to the downward direction.

  A predetermined voltage is applied to the intermediate transfer rollers 53M, 53C, 53Y, and 53Bk so that the toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 50. It is configured. Further, a secondary transfer roller 54 is provided opposite to the roller 52 in the vertical direction with respect to the position where the toner image is transferred onto the paper P as a recording medium, that is, the intermediate transfer member 50. A predetermined potential is also applied to the transfer roller 54. As a result, the four color toner images carried on the belt-like intermediate transfer member 50 are transferred onto the paper P.

  A cleaning device 55 is provided on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer member 50 from the side facing the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, 32Bk. The cleaning device 55 includes a scraping member 56 and a case 57. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer member 50 is scraped off by the scraping member 56 and stored in the case 57.

  The fixing unit 60 includes a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62, and heats and presses the paper P carrying the four color toner images while nipping and conveying the paper P by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62. As a result, the toner image is thermally fixed on the paper P.

  The paper feeding unit 70 is provided at the lowermost part of the apparatus, and includes a storage tray 71 that stores the paper P and a pickup roller 72 that feeds the paper P. The paper feeding section 70 is provided with an image forming process by the exposure means 35M, 35C, 35Y, and 35Bk, the developing devices 31M, 31C, 31Y, and 31Bk, the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk, and the intermediate transfer member 50. The paper P is supplied at a timing. The paper P supplied from the paper supply unit 70 is conveyed to a pressure contact portion between the intermediate transfer member 50 and the secondary transfer roller 54 by a conveyance roller pair 73.

  The paper discharge tray 80 is provided on the paper discharge side of the fixing unit 60, and is configured to receive the paper P that is discharged from the fixing unit 60 and conveyed by a pair of conveyance rollers 91, 92, and 93. Yes.

Next, the operation of the printer 20 will be described.
First, the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk are uniformly charged by the chargers 34M, 34C, 34Y, and 34Bk, and these photosensitive layers are magenta by the exposure means 35M, 35C, 35Y, and 35Bk. Then, exposure is performed corresponding to each of the cyan, yellow, and black images. Then, magenta toner is formed on the electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive layers of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk by the magenta developing unit 31M, the cyan developing unit 31C, the yellow developing unit 31Y, and the black developing unit 31Bk, respectively. Then, cyan toner, yellow toner and black toner are adhered, and magenta, cyan, yellow and black colors are developed. The magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toner images formed in this manner are once transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer member 50. The toner images of the respective colors are formed with a slight time difference according to the moving speed of the intermediate transfer member 50 and the positions of the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk. The toner image is transferred so as to be superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 50. The toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk after the transfer is temporarily held by the cleaning rollers 33M, 33C, 33Y, and 33Bk.

  The four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer member 50 as described above are transferred onto the paper P supplied from the paper feeding unit 70 at the pressure contact position between the secondary transfer roller 54 and the intermediate transfer member 50. Is done. The toner image is heat-fixed on the paper P in the fixing unit 60 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 80. As described above, a four-color image is formed.

The printer 20 has a function of performing color correction processing (calibration) for correcting the characteristics of the printed image prior to the above-described color image formation (printing).
In order to perform this calibration, the printer 20 includes a density detection sensor 58 for detecting the density of each color toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 50. The density detection sensor 58 is disposed on the downstream side of a portion where the intermediate transfer member 50 and the photosensitive drum 32Bk are opposed to each other. Although not shown, a light source that emits light in the infrared region and a light source that irradiates the intermediate transfer member 50. And a phototransistor that receives the reflected light.

Here, the calibration operation of the printer 20 will be described.
First, exposure and development are performed in the same manner as the printing operation described above to form (transfer) a toner image of a color correction processing pattern on the intermediate transfer member 50. Next, the density detection sensor 58 detects the density of the toner image. Then, based on the detected density, the characteristics of the printed image are corrected by correcting the image forming conditions (for example, density and gradation). The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 50 is collected by the cleaning device 55.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present printing system, a printer driver 16 is installed in the hard disk 14 of the PC 10. The printer driver 16 generates image data (print data) representing an image to be printed by the printer 20 and transmits it to the printer 20 together with type data representing the type of the image. Specifically, the printer driver 16 converts the data of each object in the document to be printed into a code for the printer 20 (for example, a printer description language (PDL) code) and generates image data. A well-known process and a process of determining the type of document image to be printed by classifying it into one of text / graphic / image, and further classifying it into either monochrome (monochrome) / color. Do. As such a determination, for example, a known method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-108335, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-2111048, or the like may be used. May be. In addition, the printer driver 16 performs a process of generating type data representing the determined document image type, and a process of transmitting the image data and the type data to the printer 20.

  The process for generating the image data and the process for determining the type of image represented by the image data (hereinafter, these processes are collectively referred to as “image data generation process”) are incorporated in the printer driver 16. This is realized by executing an image data generation program. The above-described process for generating type data and the process for transmitting image data and type data (hereinafter, these processes are collectively referred to as “data transmission process”) are a data transmission program incorporated in the printer driver 16. It is realized by executing.

  Here, the image data generation process performed by the CPU 11 of the PC 10 in accordance with the image data generation program incorporated in the printer driver 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The image data generation process is executed for each object in the document requested to be printed by an application or the like installed on the hard disk 14.

  When the image generation process is started, first, in S110, it is determined whether or not the data to be drawn (object to be processed) is an image of text / graphics / image. Therefore, the term other than the image here refers to text or graphics. An image is a high-definition image such as a color photograph, a graphic is an image with a solid color such as a figure or graph, and a text is an image composed of characters like a sentence. . However, even if it is formally image data, it is not an image like a color photograph, but for example, an image with a very biased color (in other words, an image with a low necessity for correcting the characteristics of the image) ) May be determined to be other than an image (for example, graphic) for convenience.

  If it is determined in S110 that the data to be drawn is an image, the process proceeds to S120, and it is determined that the document to be printed is an image document. Specifically, data indicating that the document is an image in a storage area (hereinafter referred to as “first image type storage area”) in the RAM 13 for storing whether the document to be printed corresponds to text / graphics / image. Write. At this time, if data is already stored in the first image type storage area, the data is rewritten. That is, the data stored in the first image type storage area is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S180.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S110 that the data to be drawn is not an image, the process proceeds to S130, and it is determined whether or not the data to be drawn is a graphic of text / graphic / image. Therefore, what is not a graphic here is text.

  If it is determined in S130 that the data to be drawn is a graphic, the process proceeds to S140, and the image object is included in the objects that have already undergone the main image data generation process in the document requested to be printed. Determine if it exists.

If it is determined in S140 that the image object exists, the process proceeds to S180.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S140 that the image object does not exist, the process proceeds to S150, and it is determined that the document to be printed is a graphic document. Specifically, data indicating graphics is written in the first image type storage area of the RAM 13. At this time, similarly to S120, when data is already stored in the first image type storage area, the data is rewritten. That is, the data stored in the first image type storage area is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S180.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S130 that the data to be drawn is not a graphic (that is, text), the process proceeds to S160, and the main image data generation processing has already been performed among the documents requested to be printed. It is determined whether an object other than text (that is, an image or a graphic) exists in the object.

If it is determined in S160 that an object other than text exists, the process proceeds to S180.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S160 that there is no object other than text, the process proceeds to S170, and it is determined that the document to be printed is a text document. Specifically, data indicating text is written in the first image type storage area of the RAM 13. At this time, similarly to S120 and S150, when data is already stored in the first image type storage area, the data is rewritten. That is, the data stored in the first image type storage area is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S180.

In S180, it is determined whether or not the data to be drawn is a color of monochrome / color. Therefore, the term other than color here refers to black and white.
If it is determined in S180 that the data to be drawn is color, the process proceeds to S190, and it is determined that the document to be printed is a color document. More specifically, data indicating color is written in a storage area (hereinafter referred to as “second image type storage area”) in the RAM 13 for storing whether the document to be printed corresponds to monochrome or color. . At this time, if data is already stored in the second image type storage area, the data is rewritten. That is, the data stored in the second image type storage area is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S220.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S180 that the data to be drawn is not color (that is, black and white), the process proceeds to S200, and among the documents for which print processing has been requested, among the objects that have already undergone the main image data generation processing. Whether a color object exists is determined.

If it is determined in S200 that a color object exists, the process proceeds to S220.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S200 that no color object exists, the process proceeds to S210, and it is determined that the document to be printed is a monochrome document. Specifically, data indicating black and white is written in the second image type storage area of the RAM 13. At this time, as in S190, if data is already stored in the second image type storage area, the data is rewritten. That is, the data stored in the second image type storage area is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S220.

In S220, the data of the object to be processed is converted into a code for the printer 20. Thereafter, the image data generation process ends.
Thus, in the image data generation process (FIG. 3), (1) image, (2) graphic, and (3) for image / graphic / color based on the type of image of the object included in the document to be printed. In the priority order of text, and for color / monochrome, (1) color and (2) black and white priority, the image type with the highest priority among the image types of the objects included in the document is Judged as the type of document image. Therefore, for example, if at least one image object exists in a document to be printed, it is determined that the document is an image document. Similarly, for example, if even one color object exists in a document to be printed, it is determined that the document is a color document.

  Next, data transmission processing performed by the CPU 11 of the PC 10 according to the data transmission program incorporated in the printer driver 16 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This data transmission process is executed after the above-described image data generation process (FIG. 3) is performed on all objects in the document to be printed.

  When this data transmission process is started, first, in S310, based on the data stored in the first image type storage area and the second image type storage area in the RAM 13, the image type of the document to be printed is set to text / Type data is generated that indicates whether it is classified as graphic / image or monochrome / color.

  Subsequently, in S320, the image data generated by converting the drawing data of each object into the code for the printer 20 in the above-described image data generation process (FIG. 3), and the type data generated in S310, A process of transmitting to the printer 20 via the printer interface 15 is performed. Thereafter, the transmission process is terminated.

Thus, in this transmission process, image data and type data are transmitted to the printer 20.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the ROM 22 of the printer 20 has a control program 26 for controlling calibration according to an execution pattern corresponding to the type of image to be printed, an image type, and a plurality of calibrations. An execution pattern table 27 that associates execution patterns is stored. That is, before printing the image represented by the image data transmitted from the PC 10, the printer 20 selects an execution pattern corresponding to the type of image represented by the type data transmitted together with the image data, and this execution pattern. According to the calibration.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the execution pattern table 27 executes a plurality of calibrations corresponding to the condition of whether the image type is text / graphic / image, and further, monochrome / color. I remember the pattern.

  Specifically, when the image type is text and black and white, the density correction calibration and gradation correction are performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 300 pages. (Hereinafter, performing both of these calibrations is referred to as full calibration (or full correction)).

  If the image type is text and color, or if the image type is graphic or image and black and white, the number of prints after the previous calibration has been performed exceeds the threshold of 200 pages. After that, perform a full calibration.

  When the image type is graphic and color, full calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds 100 threshold values.

  Further, when the image type is image and color, full calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 50 pages.

  As described above, in the printer 20 according to the first embodiment, the calibration start condition (execution frequency) is changed in accordance with the type of image to be printed, and the contents of the calibration (full calibration in this example) are changed. ) Is not changed. Specifically, when the image type is color, the execution pattern (in other words, the effect of correcting the image density characteristic and the gradation characteristic is higher in frequency than the case where the image type is monochrome). Select a high execution pattern. Further, when focusing on the case where the image type is black and white, if the image type is not text (that is, if it is a graphic or an image), an execution pattern having a higher execution frequency than the case where the image type is text is used. select. On the other hand, when attention is paid to the case where the image type is color, an execution pattern having a high execution frequency is selected in the order of the case where the image type is an image, a graphic, or a text. That is, the execution pattern calibration that matches the necessity of calibration for the type of image to be printed (in other words, the necessity of correcting the characteristics of the image) is selected.

  Further, the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration is stored in the RAM 23. Specifically, a storage area (hereinafter referred to as “counter value storage area”) 28 for writing the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration as a counter value is provided. By updating the written counter value, the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration is executed is counted.

  Here, a printing process performed by the CPU 21 of the printer 20 in accordance with the control program 26 in order to realize such a process will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This printing process is started by receiving image data and type data from the PC 10 via the PC interface 25.

  When this printing process is started, first, in S410, based on the received type data, the type of image (text / graphic / image and monochrome / color) represented by the received image data together with this type data. Which one is).

  Subsequently, in S420, a calibration execution pattern (specifically, the number of pages as a threshold) corresponding to the image type determined in S410 is acquired from the execution pattern table 27.

  Subsequently, in S430, it is determined whether the number of printed sheets (counter value written in the counter value storage area 28) after execution of the previous calibration is equal to or larger than the threshold acquired in S420. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute calibration.

  If it is determined in S430 that the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S440 and full calibration is performed. In step S450, the counter value written in the counter value storage area 28 is reset to zero. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S460.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S430 that the counter value is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (that is, less than the threshold value), the process proceeds to S460 as it is. That is, calibration is not performed.

In S460, a printing process for printing the image represented by the image data on the paper P is performed.
Subsequently, in S470, the counter value written in the counter value storage area 28 is updated so as to increase by the number of printed sheets P. Thereafter, the printing process is terminated.

In this way, in this printing process, a calibration execution pattern is selected according to the type of image to be printed, and calibration is controlled according to the execution pattern.
In the printing system according to the first embodiment, the visible image forming unit 30, the intermediate transfer member 50, the fixing unit 60, and the like of the printer 20 are configured to print an image on the paper P. The ROM 22 (specifically, the execution pattern table 27) of the printer 20 corresponds to the storage means of the present invention, and the PCI / F 25 of the printer 20 corresponds to the receiving means of the present invention, and generates image data. The processing of S110 to S210 in the processing (FIG. 3) and the processing of S310 in the data transmission processing (FIG. 4) correspond to the image type determination means of the present invention, and the processing of S220 in the image data generation processing is the present invention. The processing of S320 in the transmission process corresponds to the transmission means of the present invention, and the processing of S420 in the printing process (FIG. 6) corresponds to the selection means of the present invention. Those, and the processing of S430 is equivalent to the timing determining means of the present invention, the processing of S440 corresponds to the calibration execution means of the present invention.

  As described above, in the printing system of the first embodiment, image data representing an image to be printed by the printer 20 is generated in the PC 10 (S220). Further, the type of the image represented by the image data is determined by classifying it into a type (text / graphic / image, black / white / color) according to the degree of calibration required in the printer 20 (S110 to S210). Type data to be represented is generated (S310) and transmitted to the printer 20 together with image data (S320). On the other hand, the printer 20 responds to the type of image represented by the type data received together with the image data (that is, the type of image represented by the image data) before performing the printing process (S460) of the image represented by the received image data. The calibration execution pattern is selected (S410, S420), and calibration is controlled according to the execution pattern (S430 to S450). Specifically, if it is determined that it is time to execute calibration based on the execution frequency of the selected execution pattern (S430: YES), calibration is executed with the execution content of the selected execution pattern ( S440).

  Therefore, according to the present printing system, unnecessary calibration can be reduced while performing necessary calibration according to the type of image to be printed. Furthermore, in this printing system, the type of image represented by the image data is determined by the printer driver 16 that generates the image data, so that the type of image can be determined easily and reliably. In addition, when an object with a different image type is included in a document, the determination is made with priority given to the image type that is highly necessary to correct the image characteristics. In addition, the required image quality can be obtained with certainty.

Next, a printing system according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the printing system of the second embodiment differs from the printing system of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in the following points (a) to (c). In FIG. 7, the same components as those of the printing system of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(A): The ROM 22 stores a control program 226 instead of the control program 26.
(B): The ROM 22 stores an execution pattern table 227 instead of the execution pattern table 27.

(C): The RAM 23 is provided with a full counter value storage area 228 and a simple counter value storage area 229 instead of the counter value storage area 28.
As shown in FIG. 8, the execution pattern table 227 executes a plurality of calibrations corresponding to the condition of whether the image type is text / graphic / image, and whether it is monochrome / color. I remember the pattern.

  Specifically, when the image type is text and black and white, only the density correction calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 300 pages. In the second embodiment, performing only density correction calibration is also referred to as simple calibration (or simple correction).

  If the image type is text and color, or if the image type is graphic or image and black and white, the number of prints after the previous calibration has been performed exceeds the threshold of 200 pages. After that, perform simple calibration.

  When the image type is graphic and color, simple calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds 100 threshold values.

  Further, when the image type is image and color, full calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 50 pages.

  As described above, in the printer 20 of the second embodiment, according to the type of image to be printed, the calibration start condition (execution frequency) and the details of the calibration (the simple calibration and the full calibration are performed). One)) and change. Here, since the implementation frequency is the same as the contents of the execution pattern table 27 of the first embodiment (FIG. 5), description thereof is omitted. On the other hand, the implementation content focuses on the case where the image type is an image. When the image type is color, the execution pattern (the number of types of calibration to be executed is larger than when the image type is black and white). In other words, an execution pattern that is highly effective in correcting image density characteristics and gradation characteristics is selected. Further, focusing on the case where the image type is black and white, when the image type is an image, the type of calibration to be executed is smaller than when the image type is not an image (that is, text or graphic). Select many execution patterns. That is, the execution pattern calibration that matches the necessity of calibration for the type of image to be printed (in other words, the necessity of correcting the characteristics of the image) is selected.

  Further, in the printer 20 of the second embodiment, two kinds of values are stored in the RAM 23 as the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration is executed. Specifically, a full counter value storage area 228 for writing the number of printed sheets after execution of the previous full calibration as a counter value, and the previous simple calibration (correctly, calibration for density correction). A simple counter value storage area 229 for writing the number of printed sheets after execution as a counter value is provided. By updating the counter values written in these areas 228 and 229, the previous counter value storage area 229 is provided. The number of printed sheets after execution of full calibration and the number of printed sheets after execution of the previous simple calibration (correctly calibration for density correction) are counted.

  Here, a printing process performed by the CPU 21 of the printer 20 in accordance with the control program 226 in order to realize such a process will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This printing process is started by receiving image data and type data from the PC 10 via the PC interface 25.

  When this printing process is started, first, in S510, based on the received type data, the type of image (text / graphic / image and monochrome / color represented by the received image data together with the type data). Which one is).

  Subsequently, in S520, a calibration execution pattern (specifically, the number of pages as a threshold) corresponding to the image type determined in S510 is acquired from the execution pattern table 27.

  In step S530, a counter value corresponding to the image type determined in step S510 is acquired. Specifically, when the execution content of the calibration execution pattern corresponding to the image type determined in S510 is full calibration (in other words, when the image type is image and color), the full use is performed. The counter value written in the counter value storage area 228 (the number of printed sheets after the previous full calibration is executed) is acquired. On the other hand, when the execution content of the calibration execution pattern corresponding to the image type determined in S510 is simple calibration (in other words, when the image type is other than image and color), The counter value written in the counter value storage area 229 (the number of printed sheets after the previous simple calibration is executed) is acquired.

  Subsequently, in S540, it is determined whether or not the counter value acquired in S530 is equal to or larger than the threshold value acquired in S520. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute calibration.

  If it is determined in S540 that the counter value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S550, and the execution content of the calibration execution pattern corresponding to the image type determined in S510 is the full calibration. It is determined whether or not there is.

  If it is determined in S550 that the full calibration is performed, the process proceeds to S560 and the full calibration is performed. Subsequently, in S570, the counter value written in the full counter value storage area 228 and the counter value written in the simple counter value storage area 229 are both reset to zero. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S600. In S570, the counter value written in the simplified counter value storage area 229 is also reset to 0 because the calibration for density correction is included in the full calibration.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S550 that full calibration is not performed (that is, simple calibration is performed), the process proceeds to S580 and simple calibration is performed. Subsequently, in S590, the counter value written in the simplified counter value storage area 229 is reset to zero. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S600.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S540 described above that the counter value is not greater than or equal to the threshold value (that is, less than the threshold value), the process proceeds to S600 as it is. That is, calibration is not performed.

In S600, a printing process for printing the image represented by the image data on the paper P is performed.
In step S610, the counter value written in the full counter value storage area 228 and the counter value written in the simple counter value storage area 229 are both increased by the number of printed sheets P. Update as follows. Thereafter, the printing process is terminated.

In this way, in the printing process, a calibration execution pattern is selected according to the type of image to be printed, and calibration is controlled according to the execution pattern.
In the printing system of the second embodiment, the ROM 22 (specifically, the execution pattern table 227) of the printer 20 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention, and the processes of S520 and S540 in the printing process (FIG. 9) are performed. The processing of S540 corresponds to the timing determination unit of the present invention, and the processing of S560 and 580 corresponds to the calibration execution unit of the present invention.

As described above, according to the printing system of the second embodiment, the same effect as that obtained by the printing system of the first embodiment can be obtained.
In the printing system of the second embodiment, only the calibration for density correction is performed as simple calibration that can be performed more easily than full calibration. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only gradation correction calibration may be performed. Specifically, for example, an execution pattern table having the contents shown in FIG. 10 can be used.

  That is, when the image type is text and black and white, only the density correction calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds 300 threshold values.

  Further, when the image type is text and color, only the density correction calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 200 pages.

  Also, if the image type is graphic or image and black and white, only the calibration for gradation correction is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold of 200 pages. Do.

  When the image type is graphic and color, only the calibration for gradation correction is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 100 pages.

  Further, when the image type is image and color, full calibration is performed after the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration exceeds the threshold value of 50 pages.

  In such an execution pattern table, for example, when focusing on the case where the image type is black and white, if the image type is text, only density correction calibration is performed, and the image type is not text (graphic or graphic). In the case of an image), only calibration for gradation correction is performed. Here, the gradation correction calibration has a higher effect of correcting the image characteristics than the density correction calibration. That is, when the image type is not text, a calibration execution pattern is selected that has a higher effect of correcting the image characteristics than when the image type is text.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention can take a various form.
For example, in the printing system of each of the embodiments described above, all of the plurality of execution patterns corresponding to the image type are set to execute calibration every time a predetermined number of prints are exceeded. However, an execution pattern that does not execute calibration at all (an execution pattern with an execution frequency of 0, in other words, an execution pattern with an infinite threshold) may be included. For this reason, in the case of an image type that does not require calibration (for example, when the image type is text), calibration should not be performed regardless of the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration. can do.

  In the printing system of each of the above embodiments, the type of image represented by the image data is classified into one of text / graphic / image and further classified into one of monochrome / color in the PC 10. This is not the only one. For example, it may be classified into only one of text / graphic / image, and conversely, it may be classified only into one of monochrome / color.

  Further, for example, the type of image represented by the image data may not be classified into three types of text / graphic / image, but may be classified as text or may be classified as image. In the configuration in which the PC 10 classifies and determines whether the image type is text or not, the printer 20 performs more frequently when the image type is not text than when the image type is text. Or (1) full calibration, (2) gradation correction calibration, and (3) density correction calibration order, the execution pattern having a higher ranking is selected. It is preferable. Similarly, in the configuration in which the PC 10 classifies and determines whether the image type is an image, the printer 20 performs higher when the image type is an image than when the image type is not an image. The execution pattern of the frequency or the execution pattern of the execution contents with higher rank in the order of (1) full calibration, (2) gradation correction calibration, and (3) density correction calibration is selected. It is preferable to do.

  Further, in the printing system of each of the above embodiments, when a plurality of objects having different image types are included in the document, the image type of the document is determined according to the priority order of the image types. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image type having the highest ratio (for example, area) to the image of the document may be determined as the image type of the document.

  On the other hand, in the printing system of each of the above embodiments, when image data is transmitted from the PC 10 to the printer 20, the calibration is automatically executed based on the calibration execution pattern (execution frequency). This is not the only one. For example, the calibration may be forcibly executed based on a user input operation or the like even when the calibration is not automatically executed. In this way, calibration can be performed as necessary. Even when the calibration is executed in this way, the counter value can be set to an appropriate value if the counter value indicating the number of printed sheets after the previous calibration is executed is reset.

  In the printing system of each of the above embodiments, the printer 20 detects the density of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 50 and corrects the image forming condition based on the density. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not a thing. For example, the configuration may be such that the density of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk is detected and the image forming conditions are corrected based on the density. Further, for example, in the case of a configuration in which the paper P is conveyed by the conveyance belt so as to sequentially contact the photosensitive drums 32M, 32C, 32Y, and 32Bk, the density of the toner image formed on the conveyance belt is detected and the density is detected. The image forming conditions may be corrected based on the above. Further, the density of the image printed on the paper P may be read by a scanner or the like, and the image forming conditions may be corrected based on the density.

  Furthermore, the printer as the image forming apparatus is not limited to the tandem type, and may be a four-cycle type color laser printer, for example. A monochrome laser printer may also be used.

  On the other hand, in the image forming system of each of the above embodiments, the type of image represented by the image data is determined on the PC 10 side, but may be determined on the printer 20 side. Specifically, for example, the printer 20 analyzes image data transmitted from the PC 10 and determines the type of image represented by the image data. If the printer 20 is configured in this way, calibration can be controlled for image data from an apparatus that does not transmit type data according to an appropriate execution pattern corresponding to the type of the image.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional side view of a printer. It is a flowchart of an image data generation process. It is a flowchart of a data transmission process. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content of the execution pattern table of 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of print processing according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing schematic structure of the printing system of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content of the execution pattern table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the printing process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content of the execution pattern table of a modification.

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... Communication interface, 10 ... PC, 11, 21 ... CPU, 12, 22 ... ROM, 13, 23 ... RAM, 14 ... Hard disk, 15 ... Printer interface, 16 ... Printer driver, 20 ... Printer, 24 ... Mechanical control unit 25 ... PC interface, 26, 226 ... control program, 27, 227 ... execution pattern table, 30 ... visible image forming unit, 50 ... intermediate transfer member, 58 ... density detection sensor, 60 ... fixing unit, 70 ... paper feed , 80 ... discharge tray, 228 ... full counter value storage area, 229 ... simplified counter value storage area, P ... paper

Claims (18)

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on the image data;
Calibration execution means capable of executing calibration for correcting the characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means with a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents;
Image type determining means for determining the type of image represented by the image data;
Selecting means for selecting an execution pattern according to the type of image determined by the image type determination means from the plurality of execution patterns;
With
The calibration execution means controls calibration according to the execution pattern selected by the selection means before the image formation by the image forming means is performed;
An image forming system. An image forming system in which an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are communicably connected,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Image data generating means for generating image data representing an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus;
Image type determining means for determining the type of image represented by the image data and generating image type data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data and the type data to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving the image data and the type data transmitted from the transmitting means of the information processing apparatus;
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data received by the receiving means;
Calibration execution means capable of executing calibration for correcting the characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means with a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents;
Selecting means for selecting an execution pattern according to the type of image represented by the type data received by the receiving means from the plurality of execution patterns;
Timing judgment means for judging whether or not it is time to execute calibration based on the execution frequency of the execution pattern selected by the selection means before image formation by the image forming means is performed; Has
The calibration execution unit of the image forming apparatus executes the calibration with the execution content of the execution pattern selected by the selection unit when the timing determination unit determines that it is time to execute calibration. about,
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image type determining means determines whether the type of image represented by the image data is an image;
When the image type is an image, the selection unit displays at least one of a density characteristic and a gradation characteristic of an image formed by the image forming unit as compared with a case where the image type is not an image. Selecting an execution pattern that is highly effective to correct,
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image type determining means determines whether the type of image represented by the image data is text;
When the image type is not text, the selection unit displays at least one of a density characteristic or a gradation characteristic of an image formed by the image forming unit as compared with a case where the image type is text. Selecting an execution pattern that is highly effective to correct,
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image type determining means determines the type of image represented by the image data by classifying it into one of text, graphic and image,
The selection means has at least one of a density characteristic and a gradation characteristic of an image formed by the image forming means in the order of the case where the type of the image is an image, a graphic, or a text. Selecting an execution pattern that is highly effective in correcting
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image type determining means classifies and determines the type of image represented by the image data as either color or monochrome,
When the image type is color, the selection unit has at least one of density characteristics and gradation characteristics of an image formed by the image forming unit as compared with a case where the image type is monochrome. Selecting an execution pattern that is highly effective in correcting
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The plurality of execution patterns include execution patterns having different calibration execution frequencies,
The selection unit has an effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit as the execution pattern having a higher calibration frequency among the plurality of execution patterns. Select as a high execution pattern,
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 7.
Storage means for storing the image type and the calibration execution frequency in association with each other;
The selecting unit corrects the execution frequency stored in the storage unit in association with the type of the image, and corrects at least one of the density characteristic or the gradation characteristic of the image formed by the image forming unit. Select as the execution frequency of the execution pattern with high
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 8.
The calibration execution means executes calibration based on the execution frequency selected by the selection means;
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
The plurality of execution patterns include execution patterns having different numbers of calibrations to be executed from a plurality of types of calibrations.
The selection unit has an effect of correcting at least one of density characteristics and gradation characteristics of an image formed by the image forming unit for an execution pattern having a larger number of types of calibration to be executed among the plurality of execution patterns. Select as a high execution pattern,
An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein:
The plurality of execution patterns include an execution pattern that executes only calibration for density, and an execution pattern that executes only calibration for gradation,
The selection unit compares the execution pattern that executes only the calibration for gradation among the plurality of execution patterns compared with the execution pattern that executes only the calibration for density. Selecting an execution pattern having a high effect of correcting at least one of the density characteristic and the gradation characteristic of
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The plurality of execution patterns include execution patterns with an execution frequency of 0,
The calibration execution means does not execute calibration when an execution pattern having an execution frequency of 0 is selected by the selection means;
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
When the image represented by the image data includes a plurality of images having different image types, the image type determination means determines the image represented by the image data according to the priority order determined for the image type. Determining the image type with the highest priority among the types of included images as the type of image represented by the image data;
An image forming system. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
When the image represented by the image data includes a plurality of images having different image types, the image type determination unit determines the type of image having the highest ratio in the image represented by the image data. Judging the type of image represented by the data,
An image forming system. An information processing apparatus used in a state of being communicably connected to an image forming apparatus,
Image data generating means for generating image data representing an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus;
An image type determination unit that determines the type of image represented by the image data generated by the image data generation unit by classifying the type of image according to the level of calibration required in the image forming apparatus, and generates the type data; ,
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data and the type data to the image forming apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A computer used in a state of being communicably connected to the image forming apparatus,
Image data generating means for generating image data representing an image to be formed by the image forming apparatus;
An image type determination unit that determines the type of image represented by the image data generated by the image data generation unit by classifying the type of image according to the level of calibration required in the image forming apparatus, and generates the type data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data and the type data to the image forming apparatus;
A program characterized by functioning as An image forming apparatus used in a state of being communicably connected to an information processing apparatus that transmits image data representing an image to be formed and image type data represented by the image data,
Receiving means for receiving the image data and the type data transmitted from the information processing apparatus;
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on image data received by the receiving means;
Calibration execution means capable of executing calibration for correcting the characteristics of an image formed by the image forming means with a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents;
Selecting means for selecting an execution pattern according to the type of image represented by the type data received by the receiving means from the plurality of execution patterns;
Timing determination means for determining whether it is time to execute calibration based on the execution frequency of the execution pattern selected by the selection means before image formation by the image forming means;
With
The calibration execution means, when it is determined by the timing determination means that it is time to execute calibration, to execute calibration with the execution contents of the execution pattern selected by the selection means;
An image forming apparatus. The image data representing the image to be formed and the type of image data represented by the image data are used in a state of being communicably connected to the information processing apparatus, and the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus and the data A computer provided in an image forming apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives type data; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data received by the receiving unit.
According to the type of image represented by the type data received by the receiving unit, from among a plurality of execution patterns having different execution frequencies or execution contents of calibration for correcting the characteristics of the image formed by the image forming unit Selection means for selecting the execution pattern,
Timing determination means for determining whether or not it is time to execute calibration based on the execution frequency of the execution pattern selected by the selection means before image formation by the image forming means;
Calibration execution means for executing calibration with the execution content of the execution pattern selected by the selection means when the timing determination means determines that it is time to execute calibration;
A program characterized by functioning as

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