JP2007058284A - Output system, management device, output device, and management method for output system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent all output devices (printers etc.) in an output system, equipped with the plurality of output devices, from performing calibration simultaneously. <P>SOLUTION: A decision section 222 of a print server 120 decides how much each printer 130 needs to be calibrated based upon state information (e.g. a print quantity) of the printer 130 acquired by a state information acquisition section 221. A calibration instruction section 223 instructs a printer 130, decided as a printer which should be calibrated immediately, to perform calibration and decides a printer 130, decided as a printer which should be calibrated near in future, as a candidate to be instructed to perform calibration first. Further, the calibration instruction section checks whether or not there are other candidates and instructs a plurality of candidates except at least one candidate to perform calibration successively when there are the plurality of candidates present. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an output system including a plurality of output devices (such as a printer and a multifunction machine), and more particularly to calibration in the output system.

  Conventionally, as an output system including a plurality of output devices such as an electrophotographic printer and an ink jet printer, for example, a plurality of physical output devices are regarded as one logical output device, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). For example, a network print system that processes a print request from a client is known.

  On the other hand, in an output device such as an electrophotographic printer or an ink jet printer that constitutes such a network print system, calibration is usually performed in order to reduce individual differences and temporal variations in the reproducibility of color and density. Is called. For example, when a predetermined calibration execution condition is detected by an environmental sensor or a print number counter provided in the output device, the output device outputs a predetermined test chart, and the output result is stored in the output device. The correction parameters are read by the provided image reading sensor and the correction parameters in the image processing unit of the output device are updated based on the read test chart image.

  Even in a network print system including a plurality of output devices, each output device performs calibration at each timing according to each use environment, use situation, and the like. Therefore, for example, in a network print system composed of a plurality of output devices installed on one floor, all output devices execute calibration at the same time, and there are output devices that can output on the floor. The situation of disappearing can occur. However, this situation is undesirable from the viewpoint of user convenience. In particular, when paper is output for calibration, the time during which the output device is in an output disabled state becomes longer, which greatly affects the user.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-154733, in a printing system including a host computer and a plurality of printing apparatuses, the host computer executes execution timing information (for example, the next calibration time) from each printing apparatus. A configuration is disclosed that allows the user to select a printing device that is unlikely to be interrupted by calibration by displaying the collected execution timing information on the screen and presenting it to the user. Has been.

JP 2003-154733 A

  An object of the present invention is to prevent all output devices from executing calibration simultaneously in an output system including a plurality of output devices.

  An output system according to the present invention is an output system including a plurality of output devices and a management device that manages the plurality of output devices, and the management device is configured so that each of the plurality of output devices Based on the state information acquisition unit that acquires state information for determining the necessity level of calibration in the output device and the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit, the necessity level of calibration of each output device is determined And a calibration instruction unit that instructs each output device to execute calibration based on the determination result of the determination unit.

  In this case, each of the plurality of output devices may include a state information detection unit that detects the state information, and a calibration execution unit that executes calibration according to an instruction from the management device.

  In the management device, when the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit performs calibration on the output device. When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to the state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit As candidates for instructing execution of calibration, at least one of the candidate output devices is not instructed to execute calibration, and other candidates are instructed to execute calibration sequentially. You may do it.

  Alternatively, in the management device, when the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit performs calibration on the output device. When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to the state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit A candidate for instructing execution of calibration may be used, and when at least two output devices become the candidates, execution of calibration may be instructed for one of them.

  A management device according to the present invention is a management device that manages a plurality of output devices, and acquires status information for determining the necessity of calibration in each output device from each of the plurality of output devices. A status information acquisition unit, a determination unit that determines the necessity of calibration of each output device based on the status information acquired by the status information acquisition unit, and each output device based on the determination result of the determination unit And a calibration instruction unit for instructing execution of calibration.

  In this case, when the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit performs calibration on the output device. And when the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit causes the output device to be calibrated. As candidates for instructing execution, at least one of the candidate output devices is not instructed to execute calibration, and other candidates are instructed to sequentially execute calibration. Also good.

  Further, when the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to execute calibration. When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit performs the calibration of the output device. A candidate to be instructed, and when at least two output devices become the candidates, one of them may be instructed to execute calibration.

  An output device according to the present invention is an output device managed by the management device, and includes a status information detection unit that detects status information for determining the necessity of calibration, and calibration according to an instruction from the management device. And a calibration execution unit for executing the calibration.

  Another output device according to the present invention is an output device including a plurality of output processing units, and a state for determining the necessity of calibration in each output processing unit from each of the plurality of output processing units A status information acquisition unit that acquires information, a determination unit that determines the necessity of calibration of each output processing unit based on the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit, and a determination result of the determination unit And a calibration instruction unit that instructs each output processing unit to execute calibration.

  In this case, when the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit causes the output processing unit to perform calibration. If the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit includes the output processing unit. Is a candidate for instructing execution of calibration, and at least one of the candidate output processing units is not instructed to execute calibration, and other candidates are sequentially subjected to calibration. You may make it indicate.

  Further, when the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state that needs to be calibrated based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit performs calibration on the output processing unit. If the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit calibrates the output processing unit. If at least two output processing units are candidates, execution of calibration may be instructed for one of them.

  The output system management method according to the present invention acquires status information for determining the necessity of calibration in each output device from each of a plurality of output devices, and each output device based on the acquired status information The necessity of calibration is determined, and each output device is instructed to execute calibration based on the determination result.

  In this case, if it is determined that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration based on the acquired state information, the output device is instructed to execute calibration, and the output device needs to execute calibration. If it is determined that the output device is in a state close to a certain state, the output device is set as a candidate for instructing execution of calibration, and at least one of the candidate output devices is not instructed to execute calibration, For other candidates, execution of calibration may be instructed sequentially.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can prevent that the calibration is performed simultaneously in all the output devices which comprise an output system, and all the output devices become the state which cannot output simultaneously.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an output system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, an output system 100 according to the present invention includes a plurality of client PCs 110, a print server 120, and a plurality of printers 130.

  Each of the plurality of client PCs 110 is connected to the network 140a, the print server 120 is connected to the networks 140a and 140b, and each of the plurality of printers 130 is connected to the network 140b.

  The client PC 110 transmits print data to the print server 120 in order to print an electronic document or the like selected by the user. For example, the client PC 110 includes a normal PC or other computer. More specifically, the client PC 110 includes a CPU, a main memory, a display device, a hard disk device, an input device, and the like. The display device is configured by, for example, a CRT display device or an LCD display device, and the input device is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or other pointing device.

  The print server 120 is a management device that manages a plurality of printers 130 so that the print data received from the client PC 110 is output to a predetermined printer 130. The print server 120 includes, for example, a normal PC or other computer. For example, the print server 120 distributes print data received from one client PC 110 by a plurality of printers 130, or outputs a plurality of print data received from a plurality of client PCs 110 simultaneously by a plurality of printers 130. can do. The print server 120 manages the calibration execution timing of each printer 130.

  The printer 130 is an output device that outputs the print data received from the print server 120 onto a sheet of paper. In addition to the functions of a normal network-compatible laser printer or inkjet printer, calibration is performed according to instructions from the print server 120. It has a function to execute.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the print server 120 and the printer 130. In the figure, only the components related to the present invention are shown.

  As shown in the figure, the print server 120 includes a status information acquisition unit 221, a determination unit 222, and a calibration instruction unit 223. Each printer 130 includes a status detection unit 231, a calibration execution unit 232, and the like. Is provided.

  The status detection unit 231 of each printer 130 detects the status of each printer 130 serving as a reference for determining the necessity of calibration. For example, a print number counter, an environmental sensor, a density sensor, It consists of an image bar, etc.

  In addition, the calibration execution unit 232 of each printer 130 appropriately executes calibration of the printer 130 in accordance with a calibration execution instruction from the print server 120. For example, when the execution of calibration is instructed from the print server 120, the calibration execution unit 232 outputs a predetermined test chart to the printer 130, and the output result is an image reading sensor or the like provided in the printer 130. And the correction parameter in the image processing unit of the printer 130 is updated based on the read test chart image.

  On the other hand, the status information acquisition unit 221 of the print server 120 acquires status information detected by the status detection unit 231 of each printer 130 from each printer 130.

  The determination unit 222 determines the necessity of calibration of each printer 130 based on the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit 221. More specifically, the determination unit 222 determines, based on the status information of each printer 130, that the printer 130 is in the following three states: (a) a state where calibration needs to be performed immediately; (b) Determine whether the state is close to the state where calibration needs to be executed (the state where the timing for executing calibration is approaching), or (c) the state where calibration need not be executed at present. To do.

  The calibration instruction unit 223 instructs each printer 130 to execute calibration based on the determination result of the determination unit 222. More specifically, the calibration instruction unit 223 executes calibration for the printer 130 that is determined to need to be immediately calibrated by the determination unit 222 (in the state (a)). Instruct. For the printer 130 determined by the determination unit 222 that the calibration execution timing is approaching (in the state (b) above), the printer 130 is first set as a candidate for instructing execution of calibration, In addition, it is checked whether there is a candidate for instructing execution of calibration. If there are a plurality of candidates, the calibration is sequentially performed on the remaining candidates excluding at least one of the plurality of candidates. Instruct.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow of management processing of calibration execution timing in the print server 120. In the figure, the number of prints of each printer 130 (more precisely, the number of prints since the previous calibration execution) is used as a reference for determining the calibration execution timing (necessity of calibration). Shows the processing. That is, in each printer 130, the number of prints is counted by a print number counter or the like, and calibration is executed each time each printer 130 prints a predetermined number of sheets or more. The processing is periodically executed at appropriate intervals so that the state of the printer 130 can be appropriately monitored.

  As shown in the figure, first, one printer 130 to be processed is selected from a plurality of managed printers 130, and the current number of prints of the selected printer 130 is acquired (S301). Next, based on the acquired current number of prints, the printer 130 determines whether it is necessary to execute calibration (S302). Specifically, the current number of prints is compared with a predetermined threshold (first threshold), and if the current number of prints is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that calibration needs to be executed. If the current number of prints is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, it is determined that it is not yet necessary to execute calibration.

  As a result of the determination, if it is necessary to execute calibration (S302: Yes), the printer 130 to be processed is instructed to execute calibration (S303). On the other hand, if it is not yet necessary to execute calibration (S302: No), the printer 130 further determines whether or not the timing for executing calibration is approaching based on the current number of prints (S302: No). S304). Specifically, the current print number is compared with a predetermined threshold value (second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value), and if the current print number is larger than the second threshold value, calibration is executed. It is determined that the timing for performing the calibration is approaching. If the current number of prints is equal to or smaller than the second threshold, it is determined that the timing for executing the calibration is not yet approaching.

  As a result of the determination, if the timing for executing calibration is not approaching yet (S304: No), the processing for the printer 130 is terminated. On the other hand, when the timing for executing calibration is approaching (S304: Yes), first, the current printer 130 to be processed is set as a candidate for executing calibration (S305). Then, it is checked whether there is any other printer 130 that is a candidate for executing calibration (S306). If there is no candidate printer 130 other than the current printer 130 to be processed (S306), S306: No), the processing for the printer 130 is terminated. On the other hand, when there is a candidate printer 130 other than the current printer 130 to be processed (S306: Yes), one of the printers 130 (can be a candidate for executing calibration) ( For example, the printer 130) that has been the candidate first is instructed to execute calibration (S307).

  Finally, it is checked whether or not the above processing has been completed for all the printers 130 (S308). If there is an unprocessed printer 130 (S308: No), the processing for the unprocessed printer 130 is performed. In order to perform the above, the above-described processing S301 and subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, when the above-described processing is completed for all the printers 130 (S308: Yes), the calibration execution timing management processing ends.

  By managing the calibration execution timing of each printer 130 as described above, it is possible to prevent calibration from being simultaneously executed in all the printers 130.

  Here, the number of prints is used as a reference for determining the calibration execution timing. However, other status information, for example, an elapsed time since the previous calibration execution, a change in temperature or humidity, or the like is used as a reference. You can also.

  In this example, one piece of status information (ie, the number of prints) is used as a reference for determining the calibration execution timing. However, a plurality of pieces of state information (for example, the number of prints, temperature, and humidity) are used as the calibration execution timing. It is good also as a standard for judging. In this case, it is possible to determine whether or not the calibration execution timing has been reached by evaluating each state information individually, or performing calibration by evaluating a combination of a plurality of state information. It may be determined whether or not the timing has been reached.

  Next, another embodiment of the printer according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of another printer according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, a printer 400 according to the present invention includes an image processing unit 401, a laser control device 402, an exposure device 403, a photoreceptor 404, a charging device 405, a developing device 406, and a cleaning device 407. An intermediate transfer member 408, a fixing device 409, a paper tray 410, a toner amount detection sensor 411, an on-paper image detection sensor 412, and a calibration control unit 413.

  The printer 400 includes two output processing units (an image processing unit 401, a laser control device 402, an exposure device 403, a photosensitive member 404, a charging device 405, a developing device 406, a cleaning device 407, and an intermediate transfer member 408 in one casing. , The fixing device 409), and the two output processing units can independently perform output processing. In addition, the two output processing units can execute calibration independently of each other.

  Each output processing unit performs color image output processing based on print data received from a PC or the like connected to the printer 400. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black ( K) Each color is provided with a photoconductor 404 and the like, and each color toner image formed on each photoconductor 404 is sequentially transferred (primary transfer) to the intermediate transfer body 408, and four colors formed on the intermediate transfer body 408. The toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper at once (secondary transfer).

  The calibration control unit 413 controls the execution of calibration in the printer 400 and has functions equivalent to those of the determination unit 222 and the calibration instruction unit 223 described above. That is, the calibration control unit 413 determines the necessity of calibration of each output processing unit based on the status information (for example, the number of prints) of each output processing unit. For example, the two output processing units calibrate together. When the calibration execution timing is approaching (both are calibration execution candidates), the calibration can be executed by either of the two output processing units at the same time. To prevent.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, naturally, embodiment of this invention is not restricted to said thing. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the client PC 110 and the printer 130 are connected to different networks 140a and 140b. However, the client PC 110, the print server 120, and the printer 130 are connected to one network. Also good. In the above-described embodiment, the print server 120 and the printer 130 are connected via the network 140b. However, the print server 120 and each printer 130 are individually connected via a dedicated interface bus or the like. You may make it do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print server 120 manages the calibration execution timing. However, the status information acquisition unit 221, the determination unit 222, and the calibration instruction unit 223 provided in the print server 120 are The printer 130 may be provided in one printer 130 so that the printer 130 also serves as a management device that manages the execution timing of calibration.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the output system by this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional configurations of a print server 120 and a printer 130. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of management processing of calibration execution timing in the print server. It is a figure which shows the structure of another printer by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 output system 110 client PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 120 Print server 130 Printer 140a, 140b Network 221 Status information acquisition part 222 Judgment part 223 Calibration instruction part 231 Status detection part 232 Calibration execution part 400 Printer 401 Image processing part 402 Laser control apparatus 403 Exposure apparatus 404 Photoconductor 405 Charging apparatus 406 Developing device 407 Cleaning device 408 Intermediate transfer member 409 Fixing device 410 Paper tray 411 Toner amount detection sensor 412 Image detection sensor on paper 413 Calibration control unit

Claims (13)

An output system comprising a plurality of output devices and a management device that manages the plurality of output devices,
The management device
From each of the plurality of output devices, a status information acquisition unit that acquires status information for determining the necessity of calibration in each output device;
A determination unit that determines the necessity of calibration of each output device based on the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit;
An output system comprising: a calibration instruction unit that instructs each output device to execute calibration based on a determination result of the determination unit. Each of the plurality of output devices is
A state information detector for detecting the state information;
The output system according to claim 1, further comprising a calibration execution unit that executes calibration in accordance with an instruction from the management apparatus. In the management device,
When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to execute calibration,
When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to perform calibration. The execution of calibration is not instructed for at least one of the candidate output devices, and the execution of calibration is sequentially instructed for the other candidates. Item 3. The output system according to Item 1 or 2. In the management device,
When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to execute calibration,
When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to perform calibration. 3. The output system according to claim 1, wherein when at least two output devices become candidates, the execution of calibration is instructed for one of the candidates. A management device that manages a plurality of output devices,
From each of the plurality of output devices, a status information acquisition unit that acquires status information for determining the necessity of calibration in each output device;
A determination unit that determines the necessity of calibration of each output device based on the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit;
A management apparatus comprising: a calibration instruction unit that instructs each output device to execute calibration based on a determination result of the determination unit. When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to execute calibration,
When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to perform calibration. The execution of calibration is not instructed for at least one of the candidate output devices, and the execution of calibration is sequentially instructed for the other candidates. Item 6. The management device according to Item 5. When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to execute calibration,
When the determination unit determines that the output device is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output device to perform calibration. 6. The management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when at least two output devices are candidates, the execution of calibration is instructed for one of the candidates. An output device managed by the management device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
A status information detection unit that detects status information for determining the necessity of calibration;
An output device comprising: a calibration execution unit that executes calibration according to an instruction from the management device. An output device including a plurality of output processing units,
From each of the plurality of output processing units, a status information acquisition unit that acquires status information for determining the necessity of calibration in each output processing unit;
A determination unit that determines the necessity of calibration of each output processing unit based on the state information acquired by the state information acquisition unit;
An output device comprising: a calibration instruction unit that instructs each output processing unit to execute calibration based on a determination result of the determination unit. When the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output processing unit to execute calibration. ,
When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output processing unit is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed, the calibration instruction unit executes the calibration of the output processing unit. And at least one of the candidate output processing units is not instructed to execute calibration, and the other candidates are instructed to sequentially execute calibration. The output device according to claim 9. When the determination unit determines that the output processing unit is in a state where calibration needs to be performed based on the state information, the calibration instruction unit instructs the output processing unit to execute calibration. ,
When the determination unit determines, based on the state information, that the output processing unit is in a state close to a state where calibration needs to be performed, the calibration instruction unit executes the calibration of the output processing unit. The output apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when at least two output processing units become the candidates, execution of calibration is instructed for one of the candidates. From each of the plurality of output devices, obtain status information for judging the necessity of calibration in each output device,
Based on the acquired status information, determine the necessity of calibration of each output device,
An output system management method, comprising: instructing each output device to execute calibration based on a determination result. Based on the acquired state information, if it is determined that the output device is in a state that requires execution of calibration, the output device is instructed to execute calibration,
When it is determined that the output device is in a state close to the state where calibration needs to be performed, the output device is set as a candidate for instructing execution of calibration,
13. At least one of the output devices that are candidates is not instructed to execute calibration, and the other candidates are instructed to sequentially execute calibration. Output system management method.

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