JP2014201000A - Image formation device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device capable of preventing deterioration of productivity of re-output and whole job when failure is generated on an image of an imposition page and imposition is performed again for re-outputting.SOLUTION: The image formation device comprises a control part for using image data after rasterization stored in a storage part and re-outputting the image after formation of the imposition image to which failure is generated by performing imposition image formation when determination that failure is generated to the image after formation of the imposition image is made.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by imposing a plurality of pages of images on a single sheet, and an image forming system including the image forming apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, an imposition method is generally used in which images of a plurality of pages are arranged on one sheet to form an image. The imposition is realized by determining the arrangement of each page to be formed on one sheet in the sheet and performing image formation according to the determined arrangement.

  On the other hand, a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus may be output in a state in which a part of the sheet is bent or a color loss or the like occurs in the image. In that case, the image formed on the sheet needs to be formed again.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for re-outputting when imprinting is performed as described above and an image of a plurality of pages is formed on one sheet and the sheet is output in a state where a defect has occurred. It is disclosed. When it is necessary to re-output, the page to be re-output is re-arranged by the re-imposition processing and re-output is performed.

JP 2009-202436 A

  In the case where an image having a defect is output again, conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, after the image data of each page in which the defect has occurred is re-arranged by re-imposition processing, an image such as rasterization processing is used. By performing processing, print data for re-output is created, and image formation is executed based on the created print data.

  The rasterization process is an image process for converting image data in a format such as PDF into bitmap data. Today, the number of pixels per unit length is increasing because it is required to form a high-quality image. However, the rasterizing process for performing processing for each pixel is enormous, and a considerable amount of time is required for the process.

  If a rasterization process is performed each time a defect occurs in an image after imposition output and print data is generated and re-output as in the prior art, the productivity of the re-output is reduced. Further, for example, when such re-output is performed during execution of a certain job, there is a problem that productivity of the entire job is also lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and prevents improper output and a decrease in productivity of the entire job when an imperfect page image is faulty and imposition is performed again. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above and an image forming system including the same.

  As a means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a reception unit that receives image data in an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image formation for forming a plurality of images on a single sheet. An abnormality occurs in the formed image, a processing unit that performs rasterization processing that expands the image data received by the reception unit into data for each pixel, a storage unit that stores the image data after the rasterization processing, and The determination unit that determines whether or not the image stored in the storage unit is determined when the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the image after the imposition image formation. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that uses image data after rasterization processing to re-output an image after the formation of an imposition image in which an abnormality has occurred by imposition image formation.

  The invention described in claim 2 has a re-output setting unit that sets the image to be re-outputted, and the control unit re-outputs the image set by the re-output setting unit by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

  The invention according to claim 3 includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred, and the control unit re-outputs only the image specified by the specifying unit by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

  The invention according to claim 4 has a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred, and the control unit is configured such that the image specified by the specifying unit is an image belonging to a preset group. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all images belonging to the group are re-output by imposition image formation.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a colorimetric unit that performs colorimetry on an image formed on a sheet, and the determination unit detects an abnormality in the image based on a colorimetric result obtained by the colorimetry unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is present.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image by comparing the color measurement result obtained by the color measurement unit with a predicted value based on the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus in which a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image forming for forming a plurality of images on a single sheet. The control device includes: a receiving unit that receives image data; a processing unit that performs rasterization processing that develops image data received by the receiving unit into data for each pixel; and image data after the rasterization processing And a determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the formed image, and the control unit applies the imposition image to the image after the imposition image formation by the determination unit. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the image data after the imposition image formation in which an abnormality has occurred is displayed using the image data after the rasterization process stored in the storage unit. Attached image An image forming system and controlling so as to re-output the formation.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a re-output setting unit that sets the image to be re-outputted, and the control device impositions the image set by the re-output setting unit. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image forming system is controlled to re-output by forming.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control device includes a specifying unit that specifies the image in which the abnormality has occurred, and controls to output only the image specified by the specifying unit by imposition image formation. The image forming system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

  In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control device includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred, and the image specified by the specifying unit is an image belonging to a preset group. 9. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to re-output all images belonging to the group by imposition image formation.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, based on a color measurement result obtained by a color measurement device that is connected to the image forming device and measures an image formed by the image forming device, the determination unit generates an abnormality in the image. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image forming system determines whether or not the image forming operation is performed.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image by comparing a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement device with a predicted value based on the image data. The image forming system according to claim 11.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a colorimetry for colorimetrically measuring an image formed by the image forming apparatus with respect to an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image formation for forming a plurality of images on a single sheet. An image forming system to which an apparatus is connected, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives image data; and a processing unit that performs rasterization processing that expands the image data received by the receiving unit into data for each pixel. A storage unit that stores the image data after the rasterization process, an acquisition unit that acquires a color measurement result by the color measurement device, and an abnormality in a formed image based on the color measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit When the determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred with respect to the image after the imposition image formation, the determination unit determines whether or not an image has occurred. Before being Using image data after the rasterizing process, an image forming system, comprising a control unit for re-output the abnormality image imposition image formation after imposition image formation occurred.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a re-output setting unit that sets the image to be re-outputted, and the control unit impositions the image set by the re-output setting unit. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the image is output again by forming.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred, and the control unit performs imposition image formation only on the image specified by the specifying unit. 15. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the image forming system is re-output.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred, and the control unit includes a group in which the image specified by the specifying unit is set in advance. 15. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein all images belonging to the group are re-output by imposition image formation.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image by comparing a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement device with a predicted value based on the image data. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

  According to the present invention, when a problem occurs in an impositioned page image, imposition is performed again and re-output is performed, it is possible to prevent re-output and a decrease in productivity of the entire job.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the terminal in 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a print controller and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that the several image was impositioned on the paper of 1 sheet, and the image was formed. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that the malfunction has arisen in the image formed by imposition. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that it impressed and output the image which produced the malfunction. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode that the malfunction has arisen in the image over several sheets of paper. It is a figure which shows another example of the mode which reimpositioned and output the image in which the malfunction occurred. It is a figure which shows another example of a mode that the malfunction has arisen in the image formed by imposition. It is a figure which shows another example of a mode that the image which a malfunction produced was reimpositioned and output. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure performed in the terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a re-imposition setting screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed in the print controller according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the image forming system in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure performed in the terminal in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure performed in the print controller according to the second embodiment.

  The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system according to the present embodiment. The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 102, a print controller 101 connected to the image forming apparatus 102 via a bus 104, and a terminal 100 connected to the print controller 101 via a communication line 103.

  The terminal 100 is a personal computer, for example, and transmits image data stored in the terminal 100 to the print controller 101. Further, for example, when performing imposition to form a multi-page image on a single sheet by setting a job, the terminal 100 determines the layout of the multi-page image and transmits the information to the print controller 101. .

  The print controller 101 performs image processing such as rasterization on the image data transmitted from the terminal 100. In the present embodiment, the image data after the rasterization process is referred to as intermediate image data.

  The print controller 101 generates output image data based on the intermediate image data and the layout information when imposition is performed. Then, the generated output image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 102.

  The image forming apparatus 102 forms an image on a transfer material based on output image data transmitted from the print controller 101 by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of terminal 100 in the present embodiment. The terminal 100 includes a control unit 200, a display unit 201, and an input operation unit 202. The control unit 200 includes a CPU 203, a memory 204, an HDD 205, and a communication I / F 206.

  The CPU 203 performs control such as displaying on the display unit 201 based on an operation in the input operation unit 202, information input via the communication I / F 206, and the like. The memory 204 temporarily stores data necessary for each process. Various data such as image data and control programs are stored in the HDD 205. A communication I / F 206 transmits and receives information to and from the print controller 101 via the communication line 103.

  The display unit 201 is configured by a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays various screens. The input operation unit 202 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and a user can perform a desired input. The input operation unit 202 may be a so-called touch panel system integrated with the display unit 201.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the print controller 101. The print controller 101 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, an HDD 303, and a communication I / F 304. The CPU 301 controls the operation of the print controller 101 and controls data transmission to the image forming apparatus 102 based on information input from the image forming apparatus 102 and the communication I / F 304. Data required for each process is temporarily stored in the memory 302. Various data such as image data and control programs are stored in the HDD 303. The communication I / F 304 transmits / receives information to / from the terminal 100 via the communication line 103. The CPU 301 may be configured to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 102, or a control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 may be provided in the image forming apparatus 102.

  Next, an operation when the image forming system 1000 impresses and outputs a plurality of pages of images on one sheet will be described.

(Imposition layout setting)
The user performs imposition layout setting by operating the terminal 100. Specifically, how many pages of images are formed on one sheet and the arrangement of each image in the sheet are determined. FIG. 4 shows an example of the layout of each image when an image of 8 pages is impositioned on one sheet.

  When the imposition layout setting is completed, the CPU 203 of the terminal 100 reads the image data of each page on which image formation is performed from the HDD 205 and transmits the image data to the print controller 101 from the communication I / F 206 via the communication line 103. In the example of FIG. 4, the images 1 to 8 are transmitted to the print controller 101 one by one.

  Also, information on how many pages of images are to be formed on one sheet determined by the imposition layout setting, and arrangement information of each image in the sheet (this information is called imposition layout information). ) Is transmitted to the print controller 101 in the same manner.

(Intermediate image data creation)
When receiving the image data and the imposition layout information from the terminal 100, the CPU 301 of the print controller 101 performs rasterization processing on each image data. In the example of FIG. 4, rasterization processing is performed on each of the images 1 to 8. The rasterizing process is a process for converting image data in various formats such as PDF into a bitmap format for each pixel. In the present embodiment, the image data after the rasterizing process is referred to as intermediate image data. When the CPU 301 creates intermediate image data, it saves it in the HDD 303.

(Imposition processing)
Thus, when the rasterization process is completed for each image data, the CPU 301 performs imposition processing based on the created intermediate image data and the imposition layout information transmitted from the terminal 100, and outputs the output image data. create. Specifically, the intermediate image data is arranged according to the arrangement information of each image data included in the imposition layout information, and the image data for each sheet to be output is created.

(Image formation)
The CPU 301 of the print controller 101 controls the image forming apparatus 102 to form an image on the transfer material based on the generated output image data.

  Next, an operation example when an image formed by the image forming apparatus 102 has a problem will be described. If there is a defect in the image formed by the image forming apparatus 102, the print controller 101 performs imposition processing again and outputs the image in which the defect has occurred.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which an image has a defect and is output across the image 4 and the image 8 when the image is formed by imposing 8 pages on one sheet as shown in FIG. Indicates. In such a state, the images 4 and 8 need to be output again.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an imposition layout when the image 4 and the image 8 in FIG. 5 are output again. In FIG. 6, the image 4 and the image 8 are arranged side by side in the short side direction of the sheet on one sheet, and further, images for six pages of the images 9 to 14 are arranged side by side. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the images 1 to 3 and the images 5 to 7 that have already been output as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of toner. In particular, when imposing and outputting a plurality of images on a large sheet, and cutting and using the sheet after output, there is no need to re-output the output image without any trouble. This example is useful.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which output for four sheets is performed when an image is formed by imposing eight pages of images on one sheet as shown in FIG. Images 1 to 8 are impositioned on the first sheet. Images 9 to 16 are impositioned on the second sheet with the same layout as the first sheet. Images 17 to 24 are impositioned on the third sheet with the same layout as the first sheet. On the fourth sheet, images 25 to 32 are impositioned with the same layout as the first sheet.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which a defect occurs in the rightmost image in each of the first to fourth sheets. In such a state, it is necessary to output the image in which the defect has occurred again.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of an imposition layout when an image in which a problem occurs in FIG. 7 is output again. In FIG. 8, the images for a total of eight pages of images 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32, which are the images in which the problem occurred in FIG. An example of output is shown. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, when 8 pages of images are impositioned on one sheet of paper and output, when the defective images reach 8 pages, The sheet may be impositioned again and output.

  In FIG. 9, when images are formed by imposing 8 pages on one sheet as shown in FIG. 4, a total of four groups of images A to D are formed on one sheet. FIG. Each of the groups A to D includes two images. Which group each image belongs to can be set in advance by an input from the terminal 100, for example. When a group is set, the information is stored in association with each image data. For example, when there are a plurality of images related to each other, setting the images to belong to the same group may facilitate the work after the image formation is performed. The number of images belonging to one group is not limited to two.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which a defect occurs between the group B image and the group D image. In such a state, it is necessary to output the image in which the defect has occurred again.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an imposition layout when an image in which a problem occurs in FIG. 9 is output again. In this example, all the images of the group (B, D) to which the defective image (B2, D2) belongs are re-outputted. On the other hand, the images of the groups (A, C) in which no defect occurs in FIG. 9 are not re-output. Further, in addition to the images of the groups B and D, the images of the groups E and F that were to be output successively are formed on one sheet of paper.

  Since images belonging to the same group have the advantage that subsequent processing becomes easier when they are output together, as shown in FIG. 10, by re-outputting all the images belonging to the group to be re-output, The above advantages can also be utilized during output.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by CPU 203 in terminal 100 in the present embodiment. First, the CPU 203 performs imposition layout setting according to the input from the input operation unit 202 (step S1). Specifically, imposition layout information is created based on information on a job in which an image is formed, information on how many pages of an image are impositioned on one sheet, and the like. The job information for forming the image may be stored in advance in the HDD 205 or may be newly created by the user in the terminal 100.

  Subsequently, the CPU 203 transmits the image data and imposition layout information specified or created in step S1 to the print controller 101 (step S2). Thereafter, an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 102 based on the transmitted information.

  In step S3, the CPU 203 determines whether or not an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred in image formation has been made (step S3). This input may be made on the input operation unit 202 of the terminal 100 or may be made on an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus 102. If it is determined that an error has not been input (step S3: No), the CPU 203 determines whether or not job output has been completed in the image forming apparatus 102 (step S4). If it is determined that the job output has been completed (step S4: Yes), the process is terminated. If it is determined that the job output has not been completed (step S4: No), the process returns to step S3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred (step S3: Yes), the CPU 203 outputs to the print controller 101 that an abnormality has occurred in image formation (step S5) and displays it. The re-imposition setting screen is displayed on the unit 201 (step S6).

  FIG. 12 is an example of a re-imposition setting screen displayed on the display unit 201 in step S6. The re-imposition setting screen 400 is divided into a re-output sheet area setting unit 401 and a re-output range setting unit 402.

  The re-output paper area setting unit 401 sets which area is re-output on one sheet. The user selects an area to be re-output using the input operation unit 202. The selected area is shaded as shown in FIG. Thereby, the image to be re-output is specified. The user can re-output the image by selecting the area where the image in which the abnormality has occurred is selected. Further, even if an image other than an image in which an abnormality has occurred, if there is an image to be re-output, it can be re-output by selecting in the same manner.

  The re-output range setting unit 402 sets how much the region set by the re-output paper area setting unit 401 is to be re-output. The user selects either a page or a record as the re-output range criterion, and inputs a specific re-output range. In the example of FIG. 12, a setting is made such that re-output is performed for the range of 1 to 4 pages. Here, “page” in FIG. 12 refers to one sheet after imposition setting. Accordingly, FIG. 12 shows a case where 8 images are impositioned on one sheet of paper, and the rightmost two images are from the first page to the fourth page, that is, a total of eight images. It is shown that the setting of re-output is made.

  When the OK button 403 is pressed by the user, the re-output setting input in the re-output paper area setting unit 401 and the re-output range setting unit 402 is determined. On the other hand, when the cancel button 404 is pressed, the re-output setting is stopped.

  In step S7 of FIG. 11, the CPU 203 determines whether the OK button 403 or the cancel button 404 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. If it is determined that the cancel button 404 has been pressed (step S7: cancel), the CPU 203 stops the re-imposition process, causes the image forming apparatus 102 to continue image formation (step S8), proceeds to step S3, and performs image formation. Wait until an error occurs.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the OK button 403 has been pressed (step S7: OK), the CPU 203 proceeds to step S2 and displays imposition layout information based on the information set on the screen shown in FIG. To send to.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure by the CPU 301 of the print controller 101. First, the CPU 301 determines whether image data and imposition layout information have been received from the terminal 100 (step S11). The CPU 301 waits until image data and imposition layout information are received. When the CPU 301 receives the image data (step S11: Yes), the CPU 301 performs rasterization processing on the received image data (step S12). The rasterization process is an image process for converting image data described by PDL (Page Description Language) into bitmap data. When the rasterizing process is completed, the CPU 301 records the image data (intermediate image data) after the rasterizing process in the HDD 303 (step S13).

  Subsequently, the CPU 301 performs imposition processing (step S14). Specifically, image data (referred to as output image data) formed on one sheet is generated using the intermediate image data and the imposition layout information.

  When the imposition process is completed, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 to form an image based on the generated output image data (step S15). In this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the print controller 101 is configured to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 102. For example, the image forming apparatus 102 is provided with a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and output image data is converted into image data. The image forming apparatus 102 may be configured to transmit the image to the forming apparatus 102 and cause the control unit of the image forming apparatus 102 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 based on the output image data.

  Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred in image formation has been made (step S16). In this embodiment, this input is an input from CPU 203 of terminal 100 (step S5 in FIG. 11). However, an input from an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus 102 may be used.

  If there is no input indicating that an abnormality has occurred (step S16: No), it is determined whether the output of the job has ended (step S17). If it is determined that the output has ended (step S17: Yes), the processing is performed. finish. On the other hand, if the output of the job has not ended (step S17: No), the CPU 301 returns to step S16 and waits until an abnormality occurs in image formation. During this time, the image forming operation control in step S15 is continued.

  When an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred in image formation is made (step S16: Yes), the CPU 301 interrupts image formation (step S18). And it is judged whether imposition layout information was received from terminal 100 (Step S19). The imposition layout information here is imposition layout information for re-imposition processing, which is set in step S6 of FIG. 11 and transmitted in step S2.

  When the imposition layout information is received (step S19: Yes), the CPU 301 performs a re-imposition process based on the received imposition layout information (step S20). Specifically, referring to the imposition layout information, the intermediate image data to be re-imposed is read out from the intermediate image data recorded in step S13, and output image data in units of pages is generated.

  When the re-imposition processing is completed, the CPU 301 returns to step S15 and causes the image forming apparatus 102 to form an image based on the generated output image data.

  By executing the control shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, when an abnormality occurs in image formation, the re-imposition processing can be performed using the intermediate image data that has already been rasterized. As a result, the load on the CPU when performing the re-imposition processing is reduced, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity.

  In the present embodiment, an example of operation when the terminal 100, the print controller 101, and the image forming apparatus 102 are connected has been described with reference to FIGS. However, the present invention does not necessarily require the terminal 100 and can be completed by the print controller 101 and the image forming apparatus 102. In this case, the imposition layout (step S1 in FIG. 11) and the re-imposition setting screen (step S6) are made by displaying information on the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 102 and prompting the user to input. The

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image forming system 2000 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming system 2000. 14 and 15, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are attached to the same components as those in the first embodiment.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an inline colorimeter 105 is connected to the image forming apparatus 102.

  The inline colorimeter 105 is connected so as to be able to accept a sheet on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 102. The in-line colorimeter 105 performs color measurement on the image formed on the carried-in paper by the color measurement unit 401, and discharges the paper on which color measurement has been completed to the tray. As an example of the color measuring unit 401, there is a configuration in which the light emitting unit emits light to the image, the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the image, and the image density is detected based on the output of the light receiving unit. . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  The measurement result obtained by the color measurement unit is compared with a predicted value when the image is formed in an ideal state, and it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the formed image.

  Specifically, the measurement value obtained by the color measurement unit 401 is transmitted to the print controller 101. On the other hand, the memory 302 or the HDD 303 in the print controller 101 stores in advance a predicted value when an image is formed in an ideal state for the image measured by the colorimetric unit 401, and the CPU 301 stores this predicted value. The value is compared with the actually measured value transmitted. By comparing the measured value and the predicted value, for example, for each pixel, it is possible to specify which image is abnormal in one sheet.

  In order to store the predicted values, for example, the CPU 301 calculates predicted values such as density when an image is formed in an ideal state based on the image data, and stores them in the memory 302 or the HDD 303. You can do that.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by CPU 203 of terminal 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 301 of the print controller 101 in the present embodiment.

  First, the CPU 203 of the terminal 100 performs imposition layout setting according to the input from the input operation unit 202 (step S21). Specifically, imposition layout information is created based on information on a job in which an image is formed, information on how many pages of an image are impositioned on one sheet, and the like.

  Subsequently, the CPU 203 transmits the image data and imposition layout information specified or created in step S21 to the print controller 101 (step S22). Thereafter, an image is formed in the image forming apparatus 102 based on the transmitted information.

  In step S23, the CPU 203 determines whether an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred in image formation has been input from the print controller 101 (step S23). This input may be made at the input operation unit 202 of the terminal 100. If it is determined that an error has not been input (step S23: No), the CPU 203 determines whether or not job output has been completed in the image forming apparatus 102 (step S24). If it is determined that the job output has been completed (step S24: Yes), the process ends. If it is determined that the job output has not been completed (step S24: No), the process returns to step S23.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred (step S23: Yes), the CPU 203 causes the display unit 201 to display a re-imposition setting screen as shown in FIG. 12 (step S25). ).

  In step S26, the CPU 203 determines whether the OK button 403 displayed on the re-imposition setting screen has been pressed or the cancel button 404 has been pressed. If it is determined that the cancel button 404 has been pressed (step S26: cancel), the CPU 203 stops the re-imposition processing, causes the image forming apparatus 102 to continue image formation (step S27), and proceeds to step S23 to perform image formation. It waits until an input indicating that an abnormality has occurred or until the output of the job is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the OK button 403 has been pressed (step S26: OK), the CPU 203 advances to step S22, and the imposition layout information is based on the information set on the screen shown in FIG. To send to.

  In the terminal 100, the above processing is performed until the job output is completed.

  On the other hand, a processing procedure by the CPU 301 of the print controller 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 301 determines whether image data and imposition layout information have been received from the terminal 100 (step S31). The CPU 301 waits until receiving image data and imposition layout information. When the image data and imposition layout information are received (step S31: Yes), the CPU 301 calculates a predicted value when an image is formed in an ideal state, and stores it in the memory 302 or the HDD 303. (Step S32).

  Subsequently, rasterization processing is performed on the received image data (step S33). When the rasterizing process is completed, the CPU 301 records the image data (intermediate image data) after the rasterizing process on the HDD 303 (step S34).

  Next, the CPU 301 performs imposition processing (step S35). Specifically, image data (referred to as output image data) formed on one sheet is generated using the intermediate image data and the imposition layout information.

  When the imposition process is completed, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 to form an image based on the generated output image data (step S36). In this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the print controller 101 is configured to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 102. For example, the image forming apparatus 102 is provided with a control unit such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and output image data is converted into image data. It may be configured to transmit to the forming apparatus 102 and to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 102 based on the output image data in the control unit of the image forming apparatus 102.

  Next, the CPU 301 controls the operation of the in-line colorimeter 105 so that the colorimetric unit 401 measures the color of the image on the paper and acquires the measurement result (step S37).

  When the colorimetric data of the formed image is acquired, the CPU 301 compares the data acquired in step S37 with the predicted value calculated in step S32, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in image formation (step). S38). For example, if there is a difference of a predetermined value or more determined as a result of the comparison, it may be determined that there is an abnormality in image formation.

  If it is determined that no abnormality has occurred (step S38: No), it is determined whether or not the job output has ended (step S39). If it is determined that the output has ended (step S39: Yes), the process is terminated. To do. The end of job output here indicates that the determination in step S38 has been completed for all sheets output by the execution of the job.

  If the job output has not ended (step S39: No), the CPU 301 returns to step S36 to control the image forming operation.

  If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in image formation (step S38: Yes), the CPU 301 interrupts image formation (step S40).

  When image formation is interrupted, it is determined whether imposition layout information has been received from the terminal 100 (step S41). The imposition layout information here is imposition layout information for re-imposition processing, which is set in step S25 of FIG. 16 and transmitted in step S22.

  When the imposition layout information is received (step S41: Yes), the CPU 301 performs reimposition processing based on the received imposition layout information (step S42). Specifically, referring to the imposition layout information, the intermediate image data to be reimposed is read from the intermediate image data recorded in step S34, and output image data is generated in units of pages.

  When the re-imposition processing is completed, the CPU 301 returns to step S36 and controls the image forming apparatus 102 to form an image based on the generated output image data.

  In the print controller 101, the above processing is performed until the job output is completed.

  By executing the control shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when an abnormality occurs in image formation, reimposition processing can be performed using intermediate image data that has already been rasterized. As a result, the load on the CPU when performing the re-imposition processing is reduced, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity.

  In the present embodiment, the in-line colorimeter 105 is provided, and it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in image formation by measuring the brightness and chromaticity of the image formed on the paper. This eliminates the need to check the output items one by one, increasing convenience.

  Further, the inline colorimeter 105 automatically carries the paper on which the image has been formed in the image forming apparatus 102 into the apparatus and performs measurement, so that convenience is further improved. In particular, when an image is formed on a large amount of paper at a time, the effect of using the inline colorimeter 105 is great.

  In each of the above embodiments, the terminal 100, the print controller 101, the image forming apparatus 102, and the inline colorimeter 105 have been described separately. However, these functions are integrated in one image forming apparatus. Even if it exists, this invention can be implemented.

  In each of the above embodiments, the print controller 101 receives image data from the terminal 100 and performs image formation. However, the image forming apparatus 102 is provided with a reading unit, and an original image read by the reading unit. The case where image formation is performed based on the above is also within the scope of the present invention.

  In addition, it is possible to adopt an embodiment different from the above-described embodiments without departing from the present invention.

1000 Image forming system 2000 Image forming system 100 Terminal 101 Print controller 102 Image forming apparatus 105 Inline colorimeter 200 Control unit 203 CPU
301 CPU
400 Reimposition setting screen

Claims (17)

In an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image formation for forming a plurality of images on one sheet of paper,
A receiving unit for receiving image data;
A processing unit for performing rasterization processing for expanding the image data received by the receiving unit into data for each pixel;
A storage unit for storing the image data after the rasterization process;
A determination unit for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the formed image;
When the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the image after the imposition image formation, the image data after the rasterization process stored in the storage unit is used. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that re-outputs an image after the formation of an imposition image in which an abnormality has occurred by imposition image formation. A re-output setting unit for setting the image to be re-output;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit re-outputs the image set by the re-output setting unit by imposition image formation. A specifying unit for specifying an image in which the abnormality has occurred;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit re-outputs only the image specified by the specifying unit by imposition image formation. A specifying unit for specifying an image in which the abnormality has occurred;
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the image specified by the specifying unit is an image belonging to a preset group, all the images belonging to the group are re-output by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2. A colorimetric unit that performs colorimetry on images formed on paper;
5. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image based on a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement unit. apparatus. 6. The determination unit according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image by comparing a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement unit with a predicted value based on the image data. The image forming apparatus described. An image forming system in which a control device for controlling the image forming apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image formation for forming a plurality of images on a single sheet,
The control device includes a receiving unit that receives image data;
A processing unit for performing rasterization processing for expanding the image data received by the receiving unit into data for each pixel;
A storage unit for storing the image data after the rasterization process;
A determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the formed image,
When the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the image after the imposition image formation, the control device stores the rasterized image stored in the storage unit. An image forming system, wherein data is used to perform control so that an image after imposition image formation in which an abnormality has occurred is re-output by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a re-output setting unit that sets the image to be re-output,
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the control device controls to re-output the image set by the re-output setting unit by imposition image formation. The control device includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred,
The image forming system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein only the image specified by the specifying unit is controlled to be re-output by imposition image formation. The control device includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred,
8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein when the image specified by the specifying unit is an image belonging to a preset group, all images belonging to the group are controlled to be re-output by imposition image formation. 9. The image forming system according to 8. The determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image based on a color measurement result obtained by a color measurement device connected to the image forming apparatus and configured to perform color measurement on an image formed by the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to any one of claims 7 to 10. 12. The determination unit according to claim 11, wherein the determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the image by comparing a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement device with a predicted value based on the image data. The image forming system described. An image forming system in which a colorimetric device for measuring colors of an image formed by the image forming apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus capable of performing imposition image formation for forming a plurality of images on a single sheet. There,
The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives image data;
A processing unit for performing rasterization processing for expanding the image data received by the receiving unit into data for each pixel;
A storage unit for storing the image data after the rasterization process;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a color measurement result by the color measurement device;
A determination unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the formed image based on the color measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit;
When the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the image after the imposition image formation, the image data after the rasterization process stored in the storage unit is used. An image forming system comprising: a control unit that re-outputs the image after the imposition image formation in which an abnormality has occurred by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a re-output setting unit that sets the image to be re-output,
The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit re-outputs the image set by the re-output setting unit by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred,
15. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit re-outputs only the image specified by the specifying unit by imposition image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a specifying unit that specifies an image in which the abnormality has occurred,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the image specified by the specifying unit is an image belonging to a preset group, all the images belonging to the group are re-output by imposition image formation. The image forming system according to 13 or 14. The determination unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in an image by comparing a color measurement result obtained by the color measurement device with a predicted value based on image data. The image forming system according to claim 16.

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