JP2015030221A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program for executing the image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve such a problem that measurement accuracy by a measurement instrument is deteriorated when correction processing is executed using a chart measured by using an in-line measurement instrument, and standby time for bringing the measurement instrument into a steady state has to be provided in order to maintain the measurement accuracy.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: image forming means for forming an image; measurement means for measuring a chart image formed on a sheet by the image forming means by a colorimetric part disposed between a fixing part and a sheet ejection part on a sheet transport path; reception means for receiving an instruction to perform correction processing of reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means using the result of the measurement means; and further, first control means for making a job to be executed after the correction processing be executed prior to the correction processing when the instruction for the correction processing is received by the reception means, and it is determined that a temperature of the colorimetric part of the measurement means is not within a pre-set measurement permissible temperature.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program for executing the image forming method that perform color measurement using a measuring device arranged in a paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, image forming apparatuses adopting an electrophotographic system, an ink jet system, and the like have been able to output high-quality images due to improved performance of the image forming apparatus, and there is a need for higher-quality output images. ing. Among them, a calibration technique and a color matching system for improving the color stability and reproducibility are necessary techniques for providing high-quality images. In the electrophotographic system, the transfer efficiency and fixing efficiency of the device change due to durability of the output device and changes with time. In particular, an image forming apparatus that employs an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, or the like has a problem that a color variation amount is larger than that of a printing press.

  Therefore, in a conventional electrophotographic apparatus, a LUT (Look Up Table) for correcting one-dimensional gradation characteristics corresponding to each toner of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (hereinafter, C, M, Y, and K) is provided. The "single color" calibration technology to be created is installed. The LUT is a table indicating output data corresponding to input data divided at specific intervals, and can express non-linear characteristics that cannot be expressed by arithmetic expressions.

  The one-dimensional LUT for density correction is a table indicating output signal values corresponding to C, M, Y, and K input signal values, and an image is printed on paper using an amount of toner corresponding to the output signal value. Form. To create a one-dimensional LUT, first, a chart composed of data with different densities corresponding to the C, M, Y, and K toners is output from the printer. Then, this chart is measured by a scanner, a colorimeter or the like, and the measured value is compared with preset target data, thereby creating a one-dimensional LUT for density correction independently for each of CMYK. This process is called monochromatic calibration.

  However, even if the gradation characteristics of a single color are combined with a one-dimensional LUT, “mixed color” using a plurality of toners such as red, green, blue (hereinafter, indicated by R, G, B), and gray using CMY is not possible. It is difficult to guarantee the color. Therefore, a calibration technology is proposed that creates a correction value by outputting a chart created with mixed colors within the range that can be output by the printer, measuring it with a scanner or colorimeter, and comparing it with a preset target value. (See Patent Document 1). This discloses a technique for correcting a color difference of mixed colors by correcting a destination profile of an ICC profile. The ICC profile is data used at the time of color conversion defined by ICC (International Color Consortium). First, a chart created by color mixture is output by a printer and measured by a scanner or a colorimeter. A difference is created using the color measurement result and a predetermined target value. Using this, a three-dimensional LUT (destination profile) for converting the device-independent color space (L * a * b *) of the ICC profile into the device-dependent color space (CMYK) is updated to correct mixed colors. This process is called color mixture calibration. L * a * b * is one of device-independent color spaces, L * represents luminance, and a * b * represents hue and saturation.

  Further, there are the following colorimetric devices for measuring the color of the chart output during calibration and profile creation. For example, there are a scanner provided in the image forming apparatus, an externally connected measuring instrument using a personal computer, a measuring instrument incorporated in the image forming apparatus, and the like. The measuring device built in the image forming apparatus is installed, for example, between the fixing unit and the paper discharge unit of the paper conveyance path in the image forming apparatus, and is being conveyed before being discharged after passing through the fixing unit after image formation. Measure the paper.

  Using a built-in measuring device in the image forming apparatus reduces the work burden on the user when reading paper output from the image forming apparatus compared to other colorimetric devices, for calibration and profile creation. It is possible to automatically perform color measurement of the chart.

  In addition, the color measurement of the image in the paper conveyance path of the image forming apparatus is performed after the color material for image formation is added on the paper, and the color material is fixed or dried on the paper. There is a need. In an image forming apparatus that uses ink as a coloring material, it is necessary to measure the color of an output product after drying by heating with a drying device. Further, in an image forming apparatus using toner as a color material, it is necessary to perform color measurement after the toner is heated and melted and mixed by a fixing device. For this reason, the measuring device installed in the paper conveyance path needs to be arranged on the downstream side (paper discharge unit side) of the paper conveyance path from the drying device and the fixing device.

  When the printed matter is output, the heat of the chart heated by the drying device or the fixing device propagates to the measuring device built in the image forming apparatus, thereby increasing the temperature of the measuring device. In particular, when a large amount of printed matter is output continuously, the measurement accuracy may deteriorate because the temperature of the measuring device exceeds the allowable temperature that can be accurately measured. When the measuring device is in a high temperature state, the measured spectral value is different from the desired value due to a change in the optical path from the light source in the measuring device to the color sensor due to distortion of the measuring device frame and diffraction grating.

  That is, the measurement value obtained by measuring the chart in the high temperature state is different from the colorimetric value measured in the steady state by the same measurement device, so that the measurement accuracy is deteriorated. That is, since the calibration correction result is deteriorated, there is a possibility that high-precision calibration accuracy cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to maintain the calibration correction accuracy, a down time is required to wait for the calibration until the temperature in the measuring device falls within the allowable range.

  However, an increase in downtime for calibration is a factor that deteriorates user productivity. Therefore, it is desired to reduce downtime without deteriorating the correction accuracy by calibration.

  Therefore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for performing job control that preferentially outputs a job with little influence of calibration. As a result, jobs that are not affected by calibration can be output without causing downtime, and jobs that are affected by calibration can maintain image quality.

JP 2011-254350 A JP2011-186087A

  However, even if the job control of Patent Document 2 can preferentially output a job that is less affected by calibration, the temperature of the measuring instrument built in the image forming apparatus is raised depending on the job setting. May end up.

  An object of the present invention is to maintain the correction accuracy by calibration while reducing the waiting time for performing calibration when the measuring instrument incorporated in the image forming apparatus is in a high temperature state. That is.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image, and a colorimetric unit that is installed between a fixing unit and a paper discharge unit of the paper conveyance path. Measuring means for measuring the chart image formed on the sheet by means of, and receiving means for receiving an instruction to correct the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means using the result of the measuring means. When a correction processing instruction is received by the receiving unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement unit is within a preset measurement allowable temperature; and A first control unit configured to execute a job executed after the correction process before the correction process when it is determined that the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement unit is not within the measurement allowable temperature; Having And butterflies.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image and a colorimetric unit that is installed between a fixing unit and a paper discharge unit of a paper conveyance path. Measuring means for measuring the chart image formed on the paper by the forming means; and receiving means for receiving an instruction for correcting the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means using the result of the measuring means. And when the correction means is received by the reception means, the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement means after the end of the job to be executed before the correction process is within a preset allowable measurement temperature. If the prediction means for predicting whether or not the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement means after completion of the job to be executed before is predicted to be not within the measurement allowable temperature, the execution is performed before For jobs And having a second control means for executing by interrupting the received correction processing by the receiving means Te.

  According to the present invention, when waiting time for executing calibration occurs, it is possible to reduce downtime and maintain correction accuracy by calibration.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of job control processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration job control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a calibration interrupt control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of job interrupt control processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a job flow that is changed by job control processing at the time priority in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a job flow that is changed by job control processing when priority is given to image quality in the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI for setting a job control method in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a calibration job control process in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of calibration interrupt control processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of job interrupt control processing in Embodiment 2.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a job flow that is changed by job control processing according to the second exemplary embodiment. It is a figure showing a job flow in a plurality of jobs. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of job control processing according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of calibration interrupt control processing in Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of job interrupt control processing in Embodiment 3.

[Example 1]
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An image forming apparatus that uses the measurement unit (hereinafter referred to as an in-line sensor) having a color detection sensor installed between the fixing unit and the paper discharge unit of the paper conveyance path, and is used in this embodiment, A color correction system using the color measurement result will be described.

(Image forming system)
A processing flow of the image forming system according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system in this embodiment.

  An MFP (Multi Function Printer) 101 that is an image forming apparatus that uses cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (hereinafter, C, M, Y, and K) toners is connected to other network compatible devices via a network 123. Yes. The PC 124 is connected to the MFP 101 via the network 123. A printer driver 125 in the PC 124 transmits print data to the MFP 101.

  The MFP 101 will be described in detail. The network I / F 122 receives print data and the like. The printer controller 102 includes a CPU 103, a renderer 112, and an image processing unit 114. The interpreter 104 of the CPU 103 interprets the PDL (page description language) portion of the received print data and generates intermediate language data 105.

  The CMS 106 performs color conversion using the source profile 107 and the destination profile 108 to generate intermediate language data 111 (after CMS). Here, “CMS” is an abbreviation of “Color Management System”, and color conversion is performed using profile information described later. In addition, the source profile 107 is a device that does not have a device such as L * a * b * (hereinafter referred to as L * a * b *) or XYZ in which a color space depending on devices such as RGB and CMYK is defined by the CIE (International Lighting Commission). This is a profile for conversion to a dependent color space. XYZ is a device-independent color space like L * a * b *, and expresses colors with three types of stimulus values. The destination profile 108 is a profile for converting the device-independent color space into a CMYK color space depending on the device (printer 115).

  On the other hand, the CMS 109 performs color conversion using the device link profile 110 to generate intermediate language data (after CMS) 111. Here, the device link profile 110 is a profile for directly converting a device-dependent color space such as RGB or CMYK into a CMYK color space depending on the device (printer 115). Which one of the CMS 106 and the CMS 109 is selected depends on the setting in the printer driver 125.

  In this embodiment, the CMSs (106 and 109) are divided according to the types of profiles (107, 108 and 110), but a plurality of types of profiles may be handled by one CMS. The type of profile is not limited to the example given in the present embodiment, and any type of profile may be used as long as the device-dependent CMYK color space of the printer 115 is used.

  The renderer 112 generates a raster image 113 from the generated intermediate language data (after CMS) 111. The image processing unit 114 performs image processing on the raster image 113 and the image read by the scanner 119. Details of the image processing unit 114 will be described later.

  A printer 115 connected to the printer controller 102 is a printer that forms color images using output data on paper using colored toners such as C, M, Y, and K. The printer 115 includes a paper feeding unit 116 that feeds paper, a paper discharge unit 117 that discharges paper on which output data is formed, and a measurement unit 126.

  The measurement unit 126 has a color detection sensor 127 of a color measurement unit that can acquire the spectral reflectance. It is controlled by the CPU 129 that controls the printer 115. The measuring unit 126 measures the patch image printed on the recording medium such as paper by the printer 115. This patch image is a measurement image having a predetermined area with a single density. A plurality of patch images are generated with different colors and the generated patch images are printed on a recording medium is called a chart image. The chart image is read by the color detection sensor 127 included in the measurement unit 126.

  From the read spectral reflectance, it is possible to acquire the value and density of a color space such as L * a * b * and XYZ that do not depend on the device. Numeric information that is the read signal value is transmitted to the controller 102. The controller 102 performs calculation using the numerical information (signal value), and uses the result of this calculation when executing correction processing such as single color calibration or mixed color calibration. In this way, the reproduction characteristics of the printer 115 can be corrected.

  A display device 118 is a UI (user interface) that displays instructions to the user and the state of the MFP 101. The scanner 119 is a scanner including an auto document feeder. The scanner 119 irradiates a bundle or one original image with a light source (not shown), and forms an image of an original reflection on a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor with a lens. Then, a raster-like image reading signal is obtained as image data from the solid-state imaging device.

The input device 120 is an interface for receiving input from the user. Since some input devices are touch panels, they are integrated with the display device 118.
The storage device 121 stores data processed by the printer controller 102, data received by the printer controller 102, and the like.

(Image forming device)
In this embodiment, an electrophotographic laser beam printer is used. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic printer is used, but an ink jet printer or a sublimation printer may be used.

  The structure and operation of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the MFP (Multi Function Printer) 101 of FIG. 1 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the MFP 101 includes a casing 201, and the casing 201 performs control related to each mechanism for configuring an engine unit and each print process process (for example, paper feed processing) by each mechanism. 1 printer 115 and a controller. Furthermore, a control board storage unit (not shown) for storing the printer 115 and the controller is incorporated.

  Each mechanism for configuring the engine unit includes the following four mechanisms. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning with a laser beam, the electrostatic latent image is visualized, the visualized image is multiplex-transferred to the intermediate transfer body 206, and the multiplex-transferred color image is printed on paper. An optical processing mechanism for further transfer to 210. A fixing processing mechanism for fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet 210. A paper feed processing mechanism for the paper 210. A conveyance processing mechanism for the sheet 210. These are provided.

  The optical processing mechanism includes a laser driver that drives on and off laser light emitted from a semiconductor laser (not shown) in accordance with image data supplied from the printer controller 102 in the laser scanner unit 207. The laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser is swung in the scanning direction by the rotating polygon mirror. Here, the laser beam swayed in the main scanning direction is guided to the photosensitive drum 205 via the reflection mirror 209 to expose the photosensitive drum 205 in the main scanning direction.

  On the other hand, the electrostatic latent image charged on the primary charger 211 and formed on the photosensitive drum 205 by scanning exposure with laser light is visualized as a toner image by toner supplied by a developing device 212 described later. The developed toner image on the photosensitive drum 205 is transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer body 206 to which a voltage having a reverse characteristic to that of the toner image is applied. When forming a color image, the respective colors from the Y station 220, the M station 221, the C station 222, and the K station 223 are sequentially formed on the intermediate transfer member 206, and as a result, a full-color visible image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 206. .

  Next, the visible image formed on the intermediate transfer member 206 conveys the sheet 210 fed from the sheet storage 213 and presses the sheet 210 against the intermediate transfer member 206 by the transfer roller 214. At the same time, by applying a bias having a reverse characteristic to that of the toner to the transfer roller 214, the transfer is performed on the paper 210 fed in synchronization with the sub-scanning direction by the paper feed processing mechanism (secondary transfer). The photosensitive drum 205 and the developing device 212 are detachable.

  In addition, an image formation start position detection sensor 215, a paper feed timing sensor 216, and a density sensor 217 are disposed around the intermediate transfer body 206. Here, the paper feed timing sensor 216 is for determining a print start position when image formation is performed. The paper feed timing sensor 216 is for measuring the paper feed timing of the paper 210, and the density sensor 217 is for measuring the density of the patch during density control. When density control is performed, the density sensor 217 measures the density of each patch.

  The fixing processing mechanism includes a first fixing unit 250 and a second fixing unit 260 for fixing the toner image transferred to the sheet 210 by heat pressure. The first fixing unit 250 includes a fixing roller 251 for applying heat to the sheet 210, a pressure belt 252 for pressing the sheet 210 against the fixing roller 251, and a post-fixing sensor 253 for detecting completion of fixing. Each of these rollers is a hollow roller, and has a heater therein, and is configured to convey the sheet 210 at the same time as being rotationally driven. The second fixing unit 260 is located on the downstream side of the conveyance path of the paper 210 relative to the first fixing unit 250, and adds gloss to the toner image on the paper 210 fixed by the first fixing unit 250. Or for the purpose of securing the fixing property. Similarly to the first fixing unit 250, the second fixing unit 260 has a fixing roller 261, a pressure roller 262, and a post-fixing sensor 263.

  Some types of paper 210 do not need to pass through the second fixing unit 260. In this case, for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, a conveyance path 230 for discharging the paper 210 without passing through the second fixing unit 260 is provided. The sheet 210 can be guided to the conveyance path 230 by the conveyance path switching flapper 231.

  The sheet 210 is guided to the conveyance path 235 by the conveyance path switching flapper 232, the position of the sheet 210 is detected by the reversing sensor 237, and then the reversing unit 236 performs a switchback operation to replace the leading end of the sheet 210. .

  Further, after the first fixing unit 250 or the second fixing unit 260, a color detection sensor 127 that detects and measures the patch image output on the sheet 210 is disposed.

  A color detection operation instruction is issued according to an instruction from the user using the input device 120, and the detected detection result is transmitted to the printer controller 102, and density adjustment, gradation adjustment, and color mixture adjustment disclosed in Patent Document 1 are performed. Is executed.

(Job control system)
Job control settings relating to calibration in the present embodiment will be described.

  The job described here is a series of processes to be executed. For example, in the case of a copy function, a series of processing from when a user sets a document and presses a copy start button until printing is completed is called a job. In the case of a print function, a series of processing from when a print instruction is issued from a PC until a document is printed is called a job.

  Therefore, the calibration job refers to a series of processes for completing the correction process.

  FIG. 14 shows the order in which a plurality of jobs are registered in the job list and processed. The processing order of the job list is, in principle, First-In First-Out, and is processed in the registered order. In FIG. 14, the job (job A) being executed is at the bottom, and the registered job (job B) is at the top.

  The job control setting is a setting for job control that is performed when the color detection sensor 127 may be in a high temperature state. In this embodiment, the job control setting can be selected from “time priority”, “image quality priority”, and “no control”.

  “Time priority” is a control method in which a job that does not affect the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127 is interrupted prior to calibration when there is a possibility of waiting time due to calibration. Here, the job relating to the temperature rise in the present embodiment is a job in which the fixed paper is transported through the color detection sensor 127.

  “Image quality priority” is a job that does not affect the calibration standby time when there is a possibility that the calibration standby time may occur. This is a control method for interrupting. The job not affected by the correction result by the calibration in this embodiment is a C, M, Y, or K monochrome job.

  “No control” is a control method that does not perform any job control for reducing the standby time even when there is a possibility of waiting time due to calibration. However, a job such as FAX or BOX storage that does not use the printer 115 may be interrupted prior to calibration.

  There are the following patterns as timing when job control related to calibration occurs. There are a case where a job interrupts the waiting time for executing calibration, a case where calibration is interrupted and executed when a job being executed ends, and a case where calibration is interrupted and executed during job execution.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of job list control in the case where job control setting is time priority and a job is interrupted within the waiting time for calibration. When there is a waiting time for executing calibration, a job that can be interrupted is searched for from job A and job B registered after the calibration.

  Jobs that can be interrupted with priority given to job control settings are single-sided jobs that do not affect the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127 (fixed paper is not conveyed through the color detection sensor 127). Enable interrupts within the waiting time. While the job B is being printed, the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 can be lowered, and the standby time for executing calibration can be reduced.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of job list control in the case where job control setting is time priority and calibration is interrupted when a job being executed ends.

  FIG. 7B illustrates a case where the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 when the job A being executed is completed is predicted to be within an allowable range (measurement allowable range) where accurate measurement can be performed, and the next job B ends. This is a case where the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 is predicted to be outside the allowable measurement range. In this case, calibration is executed between job A and job B. As a result, the standby time for executing calibration can be reduced, so that downtime can be reduced.

  Here, as a method for predicting the temperature rise of the sensor, there is a method of calculating the amount of heat Q [J] using the Fourier law of Equation (1) and calculating the temperature of the sensor.

Here, k is the thermal conductivity [W · m ⁻¹ · K ⁻¹ ], A is the area [m ² ] where the sensor and the paper contact, t ₁ is the temperature [K] after fixing the paper, and t ₂ is The sensor temperature [K] and L are the sensor thickness [m]. The thermal conductivity k and the thickness L are known depending on the model, and the area A and the temperature t1 after fixing the paper can be calculated by setting the job. Temperature t ₂ of the sensor, since the previously acquired in step S302 of FIG. 3 to be described later, since it is possible to calculate the movement of heat by the job, it is possible to predict the temperature rise. As another means, a correspondence table for determining whether the sensor temperature is within the measurement allowable range based on the sensor temperature and the number of output is created in advance, and the sensor temperature acquired in step S302 is output. It can be determined from the job information whether the temperature is within the allowable temperature. Any other method may be used as long as it can predict the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127.

  FIG. 7C shows an example of job list control in the case where job control setting is time priority and calibration is interrupted during job execution. If the sensor temperature acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range, and the temperature of the sensor when job A being executed is predicted to be outside the measurement allowable range, calibration is interrupted in the middle of job A. Let it run. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for calibration that occurs after the end of job A. Here, since the output time of the job A is delayed if the calibration is interrupted in the middle, a setting for permitting the job A to be interrupted before the execution of the job A may be added. In addition, as a condition for enabling calibration interruption, interruption may be permitted only when a paper discharge destination different from the job being executed exists.

  FIG. 8A shows an example of job list control when the job control setting is priority on image quality and the job is interrupted within the waiting time for calibration. When there is a waiting time for executing calibration, a job that can be interrupted is searched for from job A and job B registered after the calibration. Jobs whose job control settings can be interrupted with priority on image quality are single-sided jobs that do not affect the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127 (fixed paper is not transported through the color detection sensor 127) and are corrected by calibration. Monochrome job with less impact. Therefore, job A can be interrupted within the waiting time.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of job list control in the case where the job control setting is image quality priority and the calibration is interrupted when the job being executed ends.

  At the end of job A being executed, the temperature of the sensor is predicted to be within the allowable measurement range, and when the next job B ends, the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 is predicted to be outside the allowable measurement range, and job B is calibrated. It is determined that the job is less affected by the correction. At that time, calibration is interrupted between job A and job B and executed. As a result, the waiting time for executing calibration can be reduced, and therefore downtime can be reduced.

  FIG. 8C shows an example of job list control when the job control setting is image quality priority and calibration is interrupted in the job being executed.

  FIG. 8C shows that the temperature of the sensor acquired in advance is within the measurement allowable range, and the temperature of the sensor when job A being executed ends is outside the measurement allowable range. This is a case where it is determined that the number of jobs is small. In this case, calibration is interrupted in the middle of job A. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for executing calibration that occurs after job A ends. Here, if calibration is interrupted and executed, the output time of job A will be delayed. Therefore, a setting for permitting interruption of job A before execution of job A may be added. In addition, as a condition for enabling calibration interruption, interruption may be permitted only when a paper discharge destination different from the job being executed exists.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a UI (User Interface) for setting job control related to calibration displayed by the display device 118 or the like. The display device 118 displays buttons 902, 903, and 904 for setting job control relating to calibration in the UI 901 and a check box 905 for permitting calibration interruption during job execution. A button 902 is a button for setting time priority. A button 903 is a button for setting image quality priority. A button 904 is a button for setting no control. A check box 905 is a check button for setting whether or not to permit execution by interrupting calibration during execution of a job. The setting value is stored in a non-volatile memory that is not described in the storage device 121 or the printer controller 102, and the set button is selected as if the color is reversed or the like. Shall. When the setting is changed by the user, the setting change is completed by pressing one of the buttons 902, 903, and 904 and pressing the end button of the button 907. The changed setting value is stored in a non-volatile memory that is not described in the storage device 121 or the printer controller 102. When the setting change is not performed, the cancel button of the button 906 is pressed by the user so that the change is canceled and the setting value stored in advance is maintained. Although the number of buttons to be set is three in this embodiment, the number of setting buttons may be increased or decreased according to the number of settings.

  The processing flow of the job control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The job control system in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 executing. In addition, the display device 118 displays an instruction to the user on the UI, and receives the user's instruction from the input device 120. Note that the timing processed by the job control system of the embodiment is when a job is instructed by the user, when a job being executed is completed, or when a calibration is performed at a predetermined timing. Cases.

  In step S301, the printer controller 102 checks whether there is calibration in the job list. There are the following timings when calibration enters the job list. That is, there are a timing when an instruction for correction processing is performed from the user using the input device 120, a timing when the elapsed time from the previous calibration execution and the number of printed sheets exceeds a preset threshold, and the like.

  If it is determined in S301 that calibration exists in the job list, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, temperature information in the sensor is acquired using a temperature sensor (not shown) in the color detection sensor 127. If it is determined in step S301 that no calibration exists in the job list, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the printer controller 102 checks whether there is a job being executed.

  In step S303, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the first job in the job list is calibration. If it is determined that the calibration is calibration, the printer controller 102 proceeds to S305 and performs a calibration job control process described later. .

  If it is determined in step S303 that the first job is not calibration, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the printer controller 102 determines whether the temperature in the color detection sensor 127 acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range. The temperature measurement allowable range in the color detection sensor 127 uses a numerical value stored in advance in a non-volatile memory not described in the storage device 121 or the printer controller 102, or a range set by the user. It may be a thing.

  If it is determined in step S304 that the temperature in the color detection sensor 127 is within the allowable measurement range, the printer controller 102 instructs execution of calibration.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the temperature in the color detection sensor 127 is outside the allowable measurement range, a calibration job control process in step S305 described later is performed.

  If it is determined in step S307 that there is a job being executed, the job control process ends. If it is determined in step S307 that there is no job being executed, the printer controller 102 determines in step S308 whether there is a waiting job. If it is determined in step S308 that there is no standby job, the job control process ends. If it is determined in step S308 that there is a waiting job, execution of the first job of the waiting job is instructed, and the job control process is terminated.

  Next, the flow of the calibration job control process in step S305 will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration job control process in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  First, in step S401, the printer controller 102 acquires information on the job being executed. If there is no job being executed and is waiting, information on the first job to be executed next is acquired and information indicating that the job is waiting is added.

  In step S402, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job information read in step S401 is calibration. If it is determined that the first job is calibration, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the printer controller 102 performs a job interrupt control process to be described later, and ends the calibration job control process.

  If it is determined in step S402 that the first job is not calibration, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the printer controller 102 determines whether the first job is being executed. If it is determined in step S403 that it is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S <b> 404, the printer controller 102 instructs to execute the first job in standby, and ends the calibration job control process.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the process is being executed, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting is “no control”. If it is determined in step S405 that the job control setting is “no control”, the calibration job control process is terminated in order to stop the job interrupt process.

  If it is determined in step S405 that the job control setting is not “no control”, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the controller 102 determines whether or not the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S406 that it is outside the measurement allowable range, the calibration job control process is terminated. If it is determined in step S406 that the measurement is within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the printer controller 102 performs a calibration interrupt control process, which will be described later, and ends the calibration job control process.

  Next, the flow of the calibration interrupt control process in step S407 will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S501, the printer controller 102 predicts sensor temperature information from the job information being executed and the sensor temperature acquired in step S303, and calculates the temperature of the sensor after completion of the job being executed.

  Next, in step S502, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the predicted temperature after completion of the job calculated in step S501 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S501 that the predicted temperature is within the allowable temperature, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the printer controller 102 reads next job information.

  In step S504, the printer controller 102 predicts the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after the job read in step S503 is completed. The temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after completion of the job read in step S503 is calculated from the setting of the job read in step S503 and the predicted temperature after completion of the job being executed calculated in step S501. If there is no job read in step S503, the temperature predicted in step S501 is used as the calculation result.

  In step S505, the printer controller 102 determines whether the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after completion of the job calculated in step S504 is within the measurement allowable range. If the temperature predicted in step S505 falls within the allowable measurement range, the interrupt process is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the temperature predicted in step S505 falls outside the allowable measurement range, in step S506, the printer controller 102 determines that the job control setting is “image quality priority” and the job read in step S503 is affected by correction by calibration. It is determined whether or not is large. If the determination result in step S506 is yes, the interrupt process is stopped and the calibration job control process is terminated. This is because the next job to be executed is affected by the interruption of the calibration.

  If the determination result in step S506 is no, the process advances to step S507 to perform control so that calibration is interrupted after the job being executed is completed. This control corresponds to (b) of FIG.

  In step S506, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S507 to perform job interrupt processing. This control corresponds to (b) of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the sensor temperature is out of the allowable measurement range in the job being executed, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not calibration can be executed during job execution. Here, the determination method of whether or not interruption is possible is that the job being executed is set to allow calibration interruption, and the paper output destination used for calibration is different from the job being executed. It is determined that interruption is possible.

  If it is determined in step S508 that the calibration can be interrupted, the process proceeds to step S509. In step S509, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting is “image quality priority” and whether the job being executed is affected by correction by calibration, that is, whether the job is a monochrome job. . If the determination result in step S509 is no, in step S510, the printer controller 102 performs control so that calibration is interrupted to the job being executed, and the calibration job control process ends. This control corresponds to (c) of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that the calibration cannot be interrupted, the calibration interrupt is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated. If the determination result in step S509 is yes, the calibration interrupt control is performed because the color interrupted by calibration interrupts the result executed before the correction in the same job and the color executed after the correction. The process ends.

  In step S509, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S510 to perform job interruption processing. This control corresponds to (c) of FIG.

  Next, the flow of job interrupt control processing in step S408 will be described with reference to FIG. The job interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S601, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting is “no control”. If it is determined in step S601 that the job control setting is “no control”, the job interruption is prohibited within the waiting time, so that the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 falls within the allowable measurement range without interruption. stand by.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the job control setting is not “no control”, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the printer controller 102 reads next job information from the job list. In step S603, the printer controller 102 determines whether there is a job read in step S602. If it is determined in step S603 that there is no job, there is no job that can be interrupted, and the process waits until the temperature of the sensor falls within an allowable range. If it is determined in step S603 that the next job exists, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job is related to the temperature increase of the color detection sensor 127 (fixed paper is not conveyed through the color detection sensor 127). If it is determined that the job is related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127, the process returns to step S602. In step S602, the printer controller 102 reads whether there is next job information. If it is determined that the job is not related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127, the process advances to step S605. In step S <b> 605, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting of the main body is “image quality priority” and the job is greatly affected by the correction by the calibration, that is, whether the job is a monochrome job. To do. If the determination result in step S605 is no, it can be determined that the corresponding job can be interrupted, and the process advances to step S606. In step S606, the printer controller 102 performs an interrupt process with the corresponding job as the first job. This control corresponds to (a) of FIG. If the determination result of step S605 is yes, the process returns to step S602. In step S602, it is determined whether there is a job that can be interrupted in the job list by reading the next job.

  In step S605, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S606 to perform job interruption processing. This control corresponds to (a) of FIG.

  Although the job control method for reducing the downtime when the waiting time due to calibration occurs in the present embodiment has been described, any method may be used as long as it is a method for reducing the waiting time due to calibration. . In this embodiment, the description is made using calibration, but it goes without saying that the method of outputting a patch and acquiring a colorimetric value of the patch using the color detection sensor 127 can be applied.

  According to the present embodiment, by performing job control that interrupts a job or calibration in the job list, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for calibration and maintain the correction accuracy by calibration.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, the control method of the interrupting job for reducing the waiting time due to the calibration is switched by the main body setting. However, there is a possibility that an interrupt that the user does not want occurs, such as a job that must be output after calibration is used for the interrupt. In contrast, in this embodiment, a method for switching the job control method for each job when there is a waiting time due to calibration will be described. Hereinafter, the job control system of this embodiment will be described. The image forming system and the image forming apparatus are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Job control system)
Job control settings relating to calibration in this embodiment will be described.
The job control setting is a setting for job control that is performed when the color detection sensor 127 is likely to be in a high temperature state, and can be set for each job. In this embodiment, it is possible to select the job control setting from “time priority”, “image quality priority”, and “interrupt disabled”.

  Since “time priority” and “image quality priority” are the same as those in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  “Interrupt prohibition” is a control method for prohibiting execution of calibration by interrupting even when a standby time due to execution of calibration may occur. Further, it is also a control method for prohibiting a job set as “interrupt prohibited” from being interrupted and executed before the calibration is executed.

  However, a job such as FAX or BOX storage that does not use the printer 115 may be interrupted and executed.

  FIG. 13A shows an example of job list control when a job is interrupted within a waiting time for calibration. When there is a waiting time for executing calibration, a job that can be interrupted is searched for from jobs A and B registered in the job list after the calibration. Job A is set to priority on image quality on one color side. Since job A may be affected by calibration correction in color printing, it cannot be executed by interrupting the waiting time. Job B is determined to be able to be interrupted because time priority is set on one side of monochrome.

  Therefore, control is performed so that job B is interrupted and executed during the standby time.

  FIG. 13B shows an example of a job control method for interrupting calibration after the job being executed is completed. The temperature of the sensor when job A ends is within the allowable measurement range, and when job B ends, the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 is predicted to be outside the allowable measurement range. Since job B is set to priority on image quality on both sides of monochrome, even if calibration is interrupted before job B, the effect of correction is small. . Thereby, it is possible to reduce the standby time due to calibration.

  An example of a job control method for interrupting calibration between jobs being executed is shown in FIG. If it is predicted that the temperature of the sensor acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range and the temperature of the sensor at the end of execution of job A is outside the measurement allowable range, the calibration is interrupted in the middle of job A. Like that. Job A is set with priority on image quality, but can be interrupted because it is monochrome and is less affected by calibration. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for executing calibration that occurs after job A ends. Here, if calibration is interrupted in the middle of job A, the output time of job A will be delayed. For this reason, a setting for permitting interruption for job A may be added. In addition, as a condition for enabling calibration interruption, calibration may be interrupted only when the paper discharge destination for discharging the paper used by the job being executed is different.

  FIG. 13D shows an example of an interrupt control method in the case where there is a job that is set to disable interrupts among jobs registered in the job list. When a waiting time due to calibration occurs, a job that can be interrupted is searched for from Job A and Job B registered after the calibration. Job A is one side of color, but since interrupt prohibition is set, it is interrupted and not executed. Since the setting of job B is time-priority setting on one side of monochrome, it is determined that it can be interrupted and executed. Therefore, by interrupting job B, it is possible to reduce the standby time due to calibration.

  The processing flow of the job control system in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The job control system in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 executing. In addition, the display device 118 displays an instruction to the user on the UI, and receives the user's instruction from the input device 120.

  Note that the timing processed by the job control system of the embodiment is when a job is instructed by the user, when a job being executed is completed, or when a calibration is performed at a predetermined timing. Cases.

Regarding the job control processing, the same processing as that in FIG.
The flow of the calibration job control process in step S305 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration job control process in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  First, in step S1001, the printer controller 102 acquires information on the job being executed. If there is no job being executed and is waiting, information on the first job to be executed next is acquired and information indicating that the job is waiting is added.

  In step S1002, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job information read in step S1001 is calibration. If it is determined that the first job is calibration, the process advances to step S1008. In step S1008, the printer controller 102 performs job interrupt control processing described later, and ends the calibration job control processing.

  If it is determined in step S1002 that the first job is not calibration, the process advances to step S1003. In step S1003, the printer controller 102 determines whether the first job is being executed. If it is determined in step S1003 that the process is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, the printer controller 102 instructs to execute the first job in standby, and ends the calibration job control process.

  If it is determined in step S1003 that the job is being executed, in step S1005, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting of the job read in step S1001 is “interrupt prohibited”. If it is determined in step S1005 that the job control setting is “interrupt prohibited”, the calibration job control process is terminated in order to stop the job interrupt process.

  If it is determined in step S1005 that the job control setting is not “interrupt prohibited”, the process advances to step S1006. In step S1006, the controller 102 determines whether the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S1006 that the measurement is outside the allowable measurement range, the calibration job control process ends. If it is determined in step S1006 that the measurement is within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, the printer controller 102 performs a calibration interrupt control process, which will be described later, and ends the calibration job control process.

  Next, the flow of the calibration interrupt control process in step S1007 will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S1101, the printer controller 102 predicts sensor temperature information from the job information being executed and the sensor temperature acquired in step S303, and calculates the temperature of the sensor after the job being executed is completed.

  Next, in step S1102, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the predicted temperature after completion of the job calculated in step S1101 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S1101 that the predicted temperature is within the allowable temperature, the printer controller 102 reads the next job information in step S1103.

  In step S1104, the printer controller 102 predicts the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after the job read in step S1103 is completed. The temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after completion of the job read in step S1103 is calculated from the setting of the job read in step S1103 and the predicted temperature after completion of the job being executed calculated in step S1101. If there is no job read in step S1103, the temperature predicted in step S1101 is used as the calculation result.

  Next, in step S1105, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after completion of the job calculated in step S1104 is within the measurement allowable range. If the temperature predicted in step S1105 falls within the allowable measurement range, the interrupt process is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1105 that the predicted temperature is outside the allowable measurement range, the process of step S1106 is performed.

  In step S1106, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the job control setting of the job read in step S1103 is “image quality priority”, and the job read in step S1103 is affected by correction by calibration (is not a monochrome job). judge. If the determination result in step S1106 is yes, the interrupt process is interrupted and the calibration job control process is terminated because the interruption will affect the next job to be executed. If the determination result in step S1106 is no, the process advances to step S1107 to perform control so that calibration is interrupted after the job being executed is completed. This control corresponds to (b) of FIG.

  In step S1106, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S1107 to perform job interrupt processing.

  If the temperature predicted in step S1105 is within the allowable measurement range, it is not necessary to interrupt the calibration, so the interruption is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1102 that the sensor temperature is out of the permissible measurement range in the job being executed, the process advances to step S1108. In step S1108, the printer controller 102 determines whether calibration can be interrupted during the job. Here, the method for determining whether interruption is possible is that the job being executed is set to allow calibration interruption, and the paper output destination used for calibration is different from the job being executed Is determined to be interruptible.

  If it is determined in step S1108 that the calibration can be interrupted, the process of step S1109 is performed. In step S <b> 1109, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job control setting of the job read in step S <b> 1103 is “image quality priority” and the job being executed is affected by correction by calibration, that is, whether the job is not a monochrome job. judge. If the determination result of step S1109 is no, the process proceeds to step S1110. In step S1110, the printer controller 102 performs control so that calibration is interrupted to the job being executed, and the calibration job control process ends. This control corresponds to (c) of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S1108 that the calibration cannot be interrupted, the calibration interrupt is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated. If the determination result in step S1109 is yes, calibration interrupts because the color interrupted by calibration interrupts the result executed before correction in the same job and the result executed after correction. The control process ends.

  In step S1109, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S1110 to perform job interrupt processing.

  Next, the flow of job interrupt control processing in step S1008 will be described with reference to FIG. The job interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S1201, the printer controller 102 reads the next job information from the job list. In step S1202, the printer controller 102 determines whether there is a job read in step S1201. If it is determined in step S1201 that there is no job, there is no job that can be interrupted, and the process waits until the temperature of the sensor falls within the allowable measurement range. If it is determined in step S1202 that the next job exists, the printer controller 102 determines in step S1203 whether the job control setting of the job read in step S1201 is “interrupt prohibited”. If it is determined in step S1203 that the job control setting is “interrupt disabled” (job A in FIG. 13D), since the job is not interrupted, the process returns to step S1201, and in the subsequent job list It is determined whether there is a job that can be interrupted.

  If it is determined in step S1203 that the job is not “interrupt prohibited”, in step S1204, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job is related to a temperature increase of the color detection sensor 127. If it is determined that the job is related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127, in step S1201, the printer controller 102 reads whether there is next job information. If it is determined that the job is not related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127 (fixed paper is not conveyed through the color detection sensor 127), the process advances to step S1205.

  In step S <b> 1205, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job read in step S <b> 1201 is “image quality priority” and is a job that is affected by correction by calibration. If the determination result in step S1205 is no, it can be determined that the corresponding job can be interrupted. Accordingly, in step S1206, the printer controller 102 performs an interrupt process with the corresponding job as the top job.

  This control corresponds to (d) of FIG.

  If the determination result in step S1205 is yes, the process returns to step S1201 to determine whether there is a job that can be interrupted in the job list by reading the next job. In step S1205, even if the main body setting is image quality priority, if the next job has a small correction effect (monochromatic job), the process advances to step S1206 to perform job interruption processing.

  According to this embodiment, when there is a waiting time for executing calibration, the job control method can be switched for each job. As a result, it is possible not only to reduce interrupts that are not desired by the user, but also to reduce the waiting time for calibration execution and maintain calibration accuracy.

Example 3
In the first and second embodiments, the color detection sensor 127 has been described as being arranged on the transport path 235. However, when the color detection sensor 127 is arranged on the conveyance path 239, all the print jobs are conveyed through the color detection sensor 127, so that the job is related to the temperature rise of the sensor. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a job control system in the case where the color detection sensor 127 is disposed on the conveyance path 239 will be described. Since the image forming system is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted, and the image forming apparatus is the same except that the color detection sensor 127 is disposed on the transport path 239. Is omitted.

  The flow of processing of the job control system in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The job control system in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 executing. In addition, the display device 118 displays an instruction to the user on the UI, and receives the user's instruction from the input device 120. Note that the timing processed by the job control system of the embodiment is when a job is instructed by the user, when a job being executed is completed, or when a calibration is performed at a predetermined timing. Cases.

Regarding the job control processing, the same processing as that in FIG.
The flow of the calibration job control process in step S305 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration job control process in this embodiment is realized by the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  First, in step S1501, the printer controller 102 acquires information on the job being executed. If there is no job being executed and is waiting, information on the first job to be executed next is acquired and information indicating that the job is waiting is added.

  In step S1502, the printer controller 102 determines whether the job information read in step S1501 is calibration. If it is determined that the first job is calibration, the process advances to step S1508. In step S1508, the printer controller 102 performs a job interrupt control process described later, and ends the calibration job control process.

  If it is determined in step S1502 that the top job is not calibration, the printer controller 102 determines in step S1503 whether the top job is being executed. If it is determined in step S1503 that the job is not being executed, in step S1504, the printer controller 102 instructs the first job to be executed while waiting, and ends the calibration job control process.

  If it is determined in step S1503 that the job is being executed, the printer controller 102 determines in step S1005 whether the job control setting is “interrupt prohibited”. If it is determined in step S1505 that the job control setting is “interrupt disabled”, the calibration job control process is terminated in order to stop the job interrupt process.

  If it is determined in step S1505 that the job control setting is not “interrupt prohibited”, the process advances to step S1506. In step S1506, the controller 102 determines whether or not the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 acquired in step S302 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S1506 that the measurement is outside the allowable measurement range, the calibration job control process ends. If it is determined in step S1506 that the measurement is within the permissible measurement range, in step S1507, the printer controller 102 performs a calibration interrupt control process described later, and ends the calibration job control process.

  Next, the flow of the calibration interrupt control process in step S1507 will be described with reference to FIG. The calibration interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S1601, the printer controller 102 predicts sensor temperature information from the job information being executed and the sensor temperature acquired in step S303, and calculates the temperature of the sensor after the job being executed is completed.

  Next, in step S1602, the printer controller 102 determines whether or not the predicted temperature after completion of the job calculated in step S1601 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S1601 that the predicted temperature is within the allowable measurement range, the printer controller 102 reads the next job information in step S1603.

  In step S1604, the printer controller 102 predicts the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after the job read in step S1603 is completed. The temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after completion of the job read in step S1603 is calculated from the setting of the job read in step S1603 and the predicted temperature after completion of the job being executed calculated in step S1601. If there is no job read in step S1603, the temperature predicted in step S1601 is used as the calculation result.

  In step S1605, the printer controller 102 determines whether the temperature of the color detection sensor 127 after the job calculated in step S1604 is within the measurement allowable range. If it is determined in step S1605 that the predicted temperature is within the allowable measurement range, the interrupt process is stopped and the calibration interrupt control process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S1105 that the predicted temperature is outside the measurement allowable range, control is performed so that calibration is interrupted after the job being executed is completed, and the calibration job control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1602 that the sensor temperature is out of the permissible measurement range in the job being executed, the process advances to step S1607. In step S1607, the printer controller 102 determines whether the discharge destination of the job being executed is different from the discharge destination of the paper used for calibration.

  If it is determined in step S1607 that the paper discharge destination is different, the process advances to step S1608. In step S1608, the printer controller 102 performs control so that calibration is interrupted to the job being executed. Then, the calibration job control process is terminated after the interrupt control.

  Next, the flow of job interrupt control processing in step S1508 will be described with reference to FIG. The job interrupt control process in this embodiment is realized by executing using the CPU 103 in the printer controller 102 and a memory (not shown) in the controller.

  In step S1701, the printer controller 102 reads next job information from the job list. In step S1202, the printer controller 102 determines whether there is a job read in step S1201. If it is determined in step S1701 that there is no job, there is no job that can be interrupted, and the process waits until the temperature of the sensor falls within the allowable measurement range. If it is determined in step S1702 that the next job exists, the printer controller 102 determines in step S1703 whether the job is related to the temperature increase of the color detection sensor 127. If it is determined that the job is related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127, the process returns to S1701. In step S1701, the printer controller 102 reads whether there is next job information. If it is determined in step S1703 that the job is not related to the temperature rise of the color detection sensor 127, the process advances to step S1704. In step S1704, the printer controller 102 performs processing for interrupting the job as the first job, and ends the job interrupt control processing. In the job interrupt control of this embodiment, only jobs that are not printed, such as FAX and BOX storage, are permitted to be interrupted.

In the present embodiment, the job control method in the case where the color detection sensor 127 is arranged on the transport path 239 has been described, but the reversing unit 236 may be omitted.
According to this embodiment, even when the color detection sensor 127 is arranged on the transport path 239, it is possible to reduce the waiting time that occurs for executing calibration.

(Other examples)
The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (13)

An image forming means for forming an image;
A measuring unit for measuring a chart image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit by a colorimetric unit installed between the fixing unit and the sheet discharging unit of the sheet conveyance path;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to correct the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means using the result of the measuring means;
When an instruction for correction processing is received by the receiving means,
Determining means for determining whether or not the temperature of the colorimetric unit of the measuring means is within a preset allowable measurement range;
When the determination unit determines that the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement unit is not within the measurement allowable range, a job executed after the correction process is executed before the correction process. And an image forming apparatus. The job executed by the first control unit before the correction process is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is not conveyed through the color measurement unit of the sheet conveyance path. The job executed by the first control unit before the correction process is
The paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit is not transported through the color measurement unit of the paper transport path, and the image forming unit forms an image in a single color. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1. The job executed by the first control unit before the correction process is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is a job that does not form an image on a sheet. An image forming means for forming an image;
A measuring unit for measuring a chart image formed on the sheet by the image forming unit by a colorimetric unit installed between the fixing unit and the sheet discharging unit of the sheet conveyance path;
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to correct the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image forming means using the result of the measuring means;
When an instruction for correction processing is received by the receiving means,
A predicting means for predicting whether or not the temperature of the color measuring unit of the measuring means after completion of the job to be executed before the correction processing is within a preset allowable measurement range;
When it is predicted by the prediction means that the temperature of the color measurement unit of the measurement means after the job to be executed before is not within the measurement allowable range,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second control unit that interrupts and executes the correction process received by the receiving unit for the previously executed job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second control unit interrupts the correction processing before the job to be executed before is completed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second control unit interrupts the correction processing after the job to be executed previously is completed. The interruption of the correction process by the second control means is
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed when the correction process is permitted to be executed by interrupting the previously executed job. The job interrupted by the correction process by the second control means is:
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming unit forms an image with a single color. The job executed by the second control unit before the correction process is as follows:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming unit is a job that does not form an image on a sheet. An image forming step for forming an image;
A measurement step of measuring the chart image formed on the paper by the image forming step by a color measurement unit installed between the fixing unit and the paper discharge unit of the paper conveyance path;
A reception step of receiving an instruction to correct the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image formation step using the result of the measurement step;
When an instruction for correction processing is received by the receiving step,
A determination step of determining whether or not the temperature of the colorimetric unit is within a preset allowable measurement range;
A first control step of causing a job to be executed after the correction process to be executed before the correction process when it is determined by the determination step that the temperature of the colorimetric unit is not within the measurement allowable range; And an image forming method. An image forming step for forming an image;
A measurement step of measuring the chart image formed on the paper by the image forming step by a color measurement unit installed between the fixing unit and the paper discharge unit of the paper conveyance path;
A reception step of receiving an instruction to correct the reproduction characteristics of the image formed by the image formation step using the result of the measurement step;
When an instruction for correction processing is received by the receiving step,
A prediction step for predicting whether or not the temperature of the colorimetric unit after the end of the job to be executed before the correction processing is within a preset allowable measurement range;
When it is predicted by the prediction step that the temperature of the color measurement unit after the job to be executed before is not within the measurement allowable range,
And a second control step of interrupting and executing the correction process received in the reception step with respect to the previously executed job.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image forming method according to claim 11 or 12.

Images