JP2016107415A - Image formation device, calibration control program, and calibration control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform control so as to execute calibration at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A control unit for processing a job comprises: a reference image formation part which forms a reference image in which the concentration of each of CMYK is changed by using a printing part provided in an image formation device when the execution timing of predetermined calibration has arrived; a concentration deviation region extraction part which extracts a concentration deviation region where the deviation between a concentration measured value and a concentration target value for each of CMYK is equal to or greater than a prescribed value by comparing the concentration measured value of each of CMYK obtained by colorimetry of the reference image by a colorimetry part with the preset concentration target value of each of CMYK; a concentration region acquisition part which acquires a concentration region where pixels are distributed for each of CMYK on the basis of the color value of each pixel of the image of a job to be processed; and a calibration necessity determination part which determines the necessity of the calibration on the basis of whether or not the concentration region overlaps with the concentration deviation region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a calibration control program, and a calibration control method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that automatically executes calibration, a calibration control program that controls execution timing of calibration, and a calibration control method. .

  In image forming devices such as copiers and multifunction peripherals (MFPs) equipped with a color printing function, the color of the printed matter changes over time, so regular calibration is performed to change the color. Is corrected. In addition, there is a type in which periodic calibration is automatically performed using a colorimetric unit (inline sensor) built in the image forming apparatus. As a calibration method, a color chart image in which patches of CMYK colors are arranged is formed on a sheet or an intermediate transfer belt, and each patch formed on the sheet or the intermediate transfer belt by an inline sensor provided in the image forming apparatus. , Measure the amount of color change by comparing the colorimetric value of the in-line sensor and the reference value (color setting value of each patch), and perform feedback whenever necessary so that the amount of color change falls within the appropriate range. The method is used.

  With regard to such calibration, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228688 discloses whether a received job is monochrome in a printing apparatus that performs color adjustment processing as necessary in order to print color data from a host computer or the like. Disclosed is a color printing apparatus having job determination means for determining whether a color is present, and means for canceling color adjustment when a received job is monochrome when color adjustment of a printing unit is necessary Has been.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is a printing apparatus having a function of executing calibration for every predetermined number of prints, and acquires information indicating whether or not the calibration should be permitted during execution of a print job. There is disclosed a printing apparatus that includes an information acquisition unit that performs control and a control unit that controls the calibration with reference to the acquired information when the predetermined number is reached during execution of a print job.

JP 2001-162869 A JP 2006-062197 A

  In calibration, after correcting the gamma characteristic (referred to as gamma automatic adjustment) for matching the input image signal and the actually printed toner density, an image of a color chart for calibration is formed, The color chart image is colorimetrically measured. In this series of processes, the gamma automatic adjustment takes time because it is necessary to sufficiently stir the toner in order to adjust the toner density. For this reason, if calibration is automatically performed during continuous job processing, the next job processing is waited until the calibration is completed, which causes a delay in job processing.

  With respect to this problem, in Patent Document 1, calibration is performed only when the received job is a color print job, and in Patent Document 2, the attributes of the printed document (color image, color graphic, document only, etc.) are used. Accordingly, the user can set whether or not to execute calibration. However, even when printing a color graphic for which an appropriate color is required, it may not actually be necessary to perform calibration. As an example, the case where the timing for performing automatic calibration is reached when printing a business card using variable data will be described below.

  FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the gradation (input%) of the input image and the output density (toner density). The dots in the figure are the results of measuring the output density of each color of CMYK by the image forming apparatus. The thick solid line is the target value of the output density. In the low gradation area, the output density colorimetric result and the target value match, but in the high gradation area (the part surrounded by an ellipse in the figure), the output density colorimetric result and the target value are There is a situation where they do not match (divide). On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a color printed matter (business card) to be printed, and the business card includes a black text object and a blue-green graphic object (the color is expressed by hatching in the figure). Yes. The CMYK value of this graphic object is a density of C: 60%, M: 7%, Y: 34%, K: 0%, and the density of each color corresponding to this graphic object is an area indicated by an arrow in FIG. is there. As can be seen from FIG. 10, this area does not overlap with the density area where the colorimetric result of the output density and the target value are different from each other. Therefore, even if calibration is not performed, it is equivalent to the CMYK density target value. An output result can be obtained.

  However, in Patent Document 1, calibration is always performed when the received job is a color printing job, and in Patent Document 2, when the user sets “color graphic performs calibration”. Will always be calibrated. Therefore, there is a problem that even if a job is printable with an expected color without performing calibration, the job processing is delayed by performing calibration.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is an image forming apparatus, a calibration control program, and a calibration that can be controlled so that calibration is performed at an appropriate timing. It is to provide a control method.

  One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration, and a control unit that processes a job is provided in the image forming apparatus when a predetermined calibration execution time is reached. A reference image forming unit that forms a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed using the printing unit, a density measurement value of each color of CMYK in which the colorimetric unit measures the reference image, and a preset color of CMYK A density deviation area extracting unit that extracts a density deviation area in which a deviation between the actual density value and the density target value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value for each color of CMYK, and each image of a job to be processed Based on the color value of the pixel, a density area acquisition unit that acquires a density area in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK, and whether or not the density area overlaps the density deviation area Characterized in that it and a calibration necessity determining unit determines the necessity of calibration.

  One aspect of the present invention is a calibration control program that operates in an image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration, and when the control unit of the image forming apparatus reaches a predetermined calibration execution time, A first process for forming a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed using a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus; a density measurement value of each color of CMYK in which the colorimetry unit measures the reference image; Second processing for comparing density target values of CMYK colors set in advance and extracting density deviation regions where the deviation between the actual measured density value and the target density value is a predetermined value or more for each color of CMYK. Third processing for obtaining density areas in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each pixel of the image, whether or not the density area overlaps with the density deviation area Based on the fourth process of determining the necessity of the calibration, characterized in that to execute the fifth process, which processes the job according to the determination result.

  One aspect of the present invention is a calibration control method in an image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration, and a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus when a predetermined calibration execution time is reached. And a first processing for forming a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed, a density measurement value of each color of CMYK obtained by measuring the reference image by the color measurement unit, and a preset density target value of each color of CMYK. And a second process for extracting a density deviation region in which the deviation between the actual density value and the target density value for each color of CMYK is a predetermined value or more, and the color value of each pixel of the image of the job scheduled to be processed Then, based on the third process of acquiring density areas in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK, and whether the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, the calibration is performed. A fourth process of determining the necessity of ® down, and executes and a fifth process for processing a job according to the determination result.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the calibration control program, and the calibration control method of the present invention, it is possible to perform control so that calibration is performed at an appropriate timing.

  The reason is that the image forming apparatus (calibration control program) forms a color chart image without performing gamma automatic adjustment when the calibration execution timing is reached, and measures the color measurement result. A density divergence area that deviates from the CMYK density target value is extracted, and a density area in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK is acquired based on the color value of each pixel of the job image. This is because when the area does not overlap, control is performed so that the processing of the job is executed without performing calibration.

  As a result, it is possible to print continuously without performing calibration until immediately before a job that requires calibration, and the job can be processed efficiently.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of the printing system which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other example of the printing system which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client apparatus which concerns on 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (calibration process) of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a density deviation area and a job density area. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation (reserved job replacement process) of the image forming apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the color measurement result of CMYK density | concentration, and a target value. It is a figure which shows an example of a color printed matter (business card). FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of a conventional image forming apparatus.

  As shown in the background art, in an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, since the color of a printed matter changes with time, periodic calibration is performed. FIG. 12 shows the operation of the image forming apparatus when calibration is automatically performed. First, the image forming apparatus counts the number of printed sheets when printing a job (S501), and checks whether the automatic calibration cycle has been reached by comparing the number of printed sheets with a predetermined threshold (S502). If the automatic calibration cycle has not been reached, it is determined whether there is a next job (S508). If there is a next job, the process returns to S501 and the same processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S502 that the automatic calibration cycle has been reached, after performing gamma automatic adjustment (S503), a color chart image for calibration is formed (S504), and the color chart image is inlined. The color is measured by the sensor (S505), and the color adjustment is performed by feeding back the color measurement result to the printer profile (S506). Then, after clearing the automatic calibration cycle counter (S507), it is determined whether there is a next job (S508). If there is a next job, the process returns to S501 to repeat the same processing.

  As described above, in calibration, automatic gamma adjustment is performed in order to form a color chart image having an appropriate density, but this automatic gamma adjustment takes time. Therefore, in an image forming apparatus that automatically performs periodic calibration, if calibration is automatically performed during continuous job printing, printing of the next job is waited until the calibration is completed. , The job can not be carried out quickly.

  To solve this problem, a method for performing calibration only when the received job is a color printing job, or a method for setting whether or not to execute calibration according to the attribute of the print document has been proposed. Yes. However, these methods have a problem in that job processing is delayed because calibration is performed even on a document that can be printed with an expected color without performing calibration. is there.

  Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the calibration execution timing is reached, the image forming apparatus forms a color chart image without automatic gamma adjustment and performs color measurement, and the color measurement result (density measurement). The density area (value deviation area) where the value) deviates from the density target value is extracted, and the density area where the pixels are distributed is acquired based on the color value of each pixel of the job image. Then, the job density area is compared with the density deviation area, and based on whether the job density area overlaps with the density deviation area, an output result equivalent to the target value can be obtained without performing calibration. Judge whether or not. Then, based on the determination result, whether or not to perform calibration is controlled.

  As a result, it is possible to print continuously without performing calibration until immediately before a job that requires calibration, and the job can be processed efficiently.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, the image forming apparatus, the calibration control program, and the calibration control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. 1 and 2 are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of a printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the density deviation area and the job density area with respect to the density target value. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system of the present embodiment is configured by arranging a client apparatus 10 and an image forming apparatus 20 that can be connected via a communication network on an intranet. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 includes a color measurement unit (inline sensor). However, as shown in FIG. 2, a color measuring device 40 is provided separately from the image forming apparatus 20 to form an image. The color chart 50 printed out by the apparatus 20 may be measured by the colorimeter 40 and the result may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 20. Hereinafter, the configuration of each apparatus will be described in detail based on the printing system of FIG.

[Client device]
The client device 10 according to the present embodiment is a computer device such as a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 11, the storage unit 15, the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, and the network I / F unit 18 are used. Etc.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12 and a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, which are connected via a bus. The CPU 12 controls the operation of the entire client device 10 by developing a control program stored in the ROM 13 or the storage unit 15 in the RAM 14 and executing it. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the control unit 11 includes an OS (Operating System) 11a, a language (PCL (Printer Control Language) or PSL) that allows the image forming apparatus 20 to interpret document data created by an application. It also functions as a printer driver 11b that converts to PDL (Page Description Language) such as (Post Script) and instructs printing.

  The storage unit 15 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores a program for the CPU 12 to control each unit, printer driver setting information, information on processing functions of the own device, and the like.

  The display unit 16 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays a printer driver setting screen and the like. The operation unit 17 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch sensor formed on the display unit 16, and the like, and enables various operations such as print settings.

  The network I / F unit 18 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, establishes a connection with the image forming apparatus 20 connected via the communication network, and transmits a job (PDL data) to the image forming apparatus 20. And device information is received from the image forming apparatus 20.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 20 is an MFP or the like. As shown in FIG. 4A, the control unit 21, the storage unit 25, the display operation unit 26, the image processing unit 27, the printing unit (engine) 28, and the color measurement unit ( Inline sensor) 29, a network I / F unit 30, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 22 and a memory such as a ROM 23 and a RAM 24, and the CPU 22 develops the control program stored in the ROM 23 and the storage unit 25 on the RAM 24 and executes it to execute the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 20 (job processing). Including processing and calibration execution).

  The storage unit 25 is configured by an HDD or the like, and includes PDL data acquired from the client device 10, bitmap image data generated from the PDL data, a program, and a counter for determining whether to perform calibration (automatic calibration) For example, the target value of the output density of each color of CMYK.

  The display operation unit 26 is a touch panel in which an operation unit such as a touch sensor is arranged on a display unit such as an LCD, and enables various displays and operations related to printing.

  The image processing unit 27 analyzes the PDL data, rasterizes each page, and generates bitmap image data for each page.

  The printing unit 28 is an engine that forms an image on a sheet based on the bitmap image data generated by the image processing unit 27 according to an electrophotographic process. Specifically, the recording unit includes a writing unit that performs exposure by irradiating a laser beam based on image data, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a charging device, a photosensitive member cleaning unit, and a primary transfer roller, and each color toner of CMYK. A photosensitive unit that forms an image, an intermediate transfer belt that is rotated by a roller and functions as an intermediate transfer member that conveys the toner image formed on the photosensitive unit to a sheet, and a toner image that is formed on the intermediate transfer belt. A secondary transfer roller for transferring to the paper, a fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper, a feeding roller for feeding the paper, a registration roller, a loop roller, a reversing roller, a paper discharge roller, and the like. Composed. The developing device includes a stirring roller that stirs the toner by rotating the roller and frictionally charges the toner, and a toner concentration sensor that detects the toner density. Is performed to adjust the toner concentration.

  The color measurement unit 29 is an in-line sensor that measures the color chart image in which patches are arranged. This in-line sensor is composed of, for example, three types of RGB sensors provided in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt of the printing unit 28 or in the paper conveyance path between the fixing device and the paper discharge tray. The measured color measurement result is transferred to the control unit 21.

  The network I / F unit 30 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, and establishes a connection with the client device 10 connected to the communication network.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit 21 includes a calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a, a reference image forming unit 21b, a density deviation region extracting unit 21c, a density region acquiring unit 21d, and a calibration necessity determining unit. 21e etc.

  When the job is printed, the calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a counts how many sheets have been printed since the previous automatic calibration was performed, and when the number of printed sheets reaches a preset threshold, the calibration is performed at a timing. Judge that it became. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute calibration based on the number of printed sheets. However, the criterion for determination is not limited to the number of printed sheets. For example, the operation time and printing time of the image forming apparatus 20 Alternatively, it may be determined whether it is time to perform calibration based on the total length of printed paper, the amount of toner consumed, and the like.

  The reference image forming unit 21b is a reference for determining whether or not the output density (toner density) is deviated from the target value when the calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a determines that the calibration timing has come. A reference image (hereinafter, referred to as a color chart image in which patches having different densities of CMYK colors are arranged) is a place (for example, on an intermediate transfer belt) where the color measurement unit (inline sensor) 29 can perform color measurement. ) To form. As shown in FIG. 2, when color measurement is performed using an external colorimeter 40, the printing unit 28 may be controlled to form a color chart image on a sheet.

  The density divergence area extracting unit 21c is a colorimetric result (color value obtained by converting RGB output values into output densities of CMYK colors, hereinafter referred to as measured values of output densities of CMYK colors). Are compared with the target values of the output densities of CMYK colors set in advance by the image forming apparatus 20, and the colorimetric result is deviated from the target value (the amount of deviation from the target value is less than a predetermined value). A large density area (hereinafter referred to as a density deviation area) is extracted.

  The density area acquisition unit 21d specifies the color value of each pixel of the bitmap image generated by rasterizing the job (PDL data), and the pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each specified pixel. Get the density area. The density region may be a region in which one or more pixels are distributed. However, a region in which pixels of a predetermined value (for example, about several percent of the total number of pixels) or more are distributed may be substantially used. An area that affects the color tone can be acquired as a density area.

  The calibration necessity determination unit 21e compares the CMYK color density regions of the job acquired by the density region acquisition unit 21d with the density divergence regions extracted by the density divergence region extraction unit 21c, and the density regions of the CMYK colors of the job. It is determined whether or not calibration is performed depending on whether or not overlaps with the density deviation region. For example, when all CMYK density areas do not overlap with the density deviation area, or when it can be determined that the CMYK density area does not substantially overlap with the density deviation area, that is, the CMY density area is the density deviation area. If the density area of the color mainly used in the job (most frequently used) does not overlap with the density deviation area, the density area of the majority of CMYK colors is the density deviation area. If the ratio of the overlap between the density area and the density deviation area is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the calibration need not be performed immediately.

  The calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a, the reference image forming unit 21b, the density deviation region extracting unit 21c, the density region acquiring unit 21d, and the calibration necessity determining unit 21e may be configured as hardware or the control unit 21. The calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a, the reference image forming unit 21b, the density deviation region extracting unit 21c, the density region acquiring unit 21d, and the calibration necessity determining unit 21e (in particular, the standard image forming unit 21b, the density deviation region extracting unit 21c, It may be configured as a calibration control program that functions as the density region acquisition unit 21d and the calibration necessity determination unit 21e), and the CPU 22 may execute the calibration control program.

  1 to 4 show an example of the printing system of the present embodiment, and the configuration thereof can be changed as appropriate. For example, the controller portion and the engine portion of the image forming apparatus 20 may be configured as separate devices, or the image forming apparatus 20 may be provided with a scanner unit and a post-processing unit.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 in the printing system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The CPU 22 executes the process of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 by developing the calibration control program stored in the ROM 23 or the storage unit 25 in the RAM 24 and executing it.

  First, when printing a job, the control unit 21 (calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a) of the image forming apparatus 20 internally counts how many sheets have been printed since the previous automatic calibration was performed (S101). Although this flow shows an example of counting the number of printed sheets, as described above, the determination is made based on the operation time and printing time of the image forming apparatus 20, the total length of printed paper, the amount of toner consumed, and the like. May be.

  When the printing of the job is finished, the control unit 21 (calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a) determines whether the automatic calibration cycle has been reached (S102). Specifically, when the count value reaches a preset threshold value, it is determined that the automatic calibration cycle has been reached. Note that the threshold value may be held by the image forming apparatus 20 or set by the user. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not automatic calibration is performed at a break between jobs, but it may be determined whether or not automatic calibration is performed in the middle of a job.

  If it is determined that the automatic calibration cycle has not been reached, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a next job (S111), and if there is a next job, returns to S101 and repeats the same processing. When it is determined that the automatic calibration cycle has been reached, the control unit 21 checks whether there is a reserved job (whether the job is registered in the job queue) (S103). If there is no reserved job, the control unit 21 performs calibration (S110).

  FIG. 6 shows the contents of calibration. First, the control unit 21 performs gamma automatic adjustment (S201), and forms an image of a color chart for calibration on the intermediate transfer belt or on the paper. In step S202, the color chart image is measured using the color measurement unit (inline sensor) 29 (S203), and the color measurement result is fed back to the printer profile (S204). Thereafter, the automatic calibration cycle counter is cleared (S205).

  On the other hand, if there is a reserved job in S103, the control unit 21 (reference image forming unit 21b) determines whether it is necessary to perform calibration before printing the reserved job. An image is formed (S104), and the color measurement unit (in-line sensor) 29 measures the color chart image (S105). Note that the image of the color chart formed in S104 does not have to be the same as the image of the color chart formed at the time of calibration, and any image can be used as long as it can determine the deviation from the density target value of each color of CMYK. .

  After the color measurement, the control unit 21 (density deviation region extraction unit 21c) obtains the color measurement result (actually measured output density of each color of CMYK) acquired from the color measurement unit (inline sensor) 29 and the target of the output density of each color of CMYK. The values are compared with each other, and a density deviation region where the colorimetric result deviates from the target value is extracted (S106). C1, M1, Y1, and K1 in FIG. 7 are examples in which density regions that are deviated from the target value (the amount of deviation from the target value is larger than a predetermined threshold) are extracted.

  Next, the control unit 21 (density area acquisition unit 21d) specifies the color value of each pixel of the bitmap image of the reserved job, and the density in which the pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each pixel. An area is acquired (S107). C2, M2, Y2, and K2 in FIG. 7 are examples in which density regions of each color of CMYK are acquired for the printed matter (business card) in FIG.

  Next, the control unit 21 (calibration necessity determination unit 21e) determines the density areas of the CMYK colors of the reserved job specified in S107 and the density deviation areas for the CMYK density target values of the image forming apparatus 20 extracted in S106. By comparison, it is determined whether the density area overlaps with the density deviation area (S108).

  As shown in the example of FIG. 7, when the density areas of the CMYK colors of the reserved job do not overlap with the density deviation areas, the control unit 21 (calibration necessity determination unit 21e) does not perform calibration, but sets the target value. It is determined that an output result equivalent to is obtained. On the other hand, if the density area of each color of CMYK in the reserved job overlaps with the density deviation area, the color of the printed matter may change unless calibration is performed. Therefore, the process proceeds to S110, and the control unit 21 performs calibration. carry out.

  FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the density areas of all the CMYK colors of the reserved job do not overlap with the density deviation area at all. However, even when the density area of any of the CMYK colors slightly overlaps with the density deviation area. When the desired color tone can be realized, it can be determined that the density region does not substantially overlap with the density deviation region.

  For example, if the density area of any one of CMY colors overlaps with the density deviation area, the color tends to change. Therefore, it is determined that calibration is necessary, and the K density area overlaps with the density deviation area. However, since the color does not change, it can be determined that it is not necessary to perform calibration immediately.

  Also, regarding CMYK, mainly used colors, if the density area overlaps with the density divergence area, it is easy to identify color changes. For a color that has not been detected, even if the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, it is difficult to identify a change in color, so it can be determined that it is not necessary to perform calibration immediately.

  In addition, if the density area of a large number (for example, the majority) of CMYK overlaps with the density deviation area, it is easy to identify a change in color, so it is determined that calibration is necessary, and a small number of colors Even if the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, it is difficult to identify a change in color, so it can be determined that it is not necessary to perform calibration immediately.

  As described above, even when the automatic calibration timing is reached, if the density areas of the CMYK colors do not overlap with the density deviation areas for the CMYK density target values of the image forming apparatus 20, the job is not performed and calibration is not performed. Since the above process is continued, printing can be continuously performed without performing calibration until immediately before the job that requires calibration, and the job can be processed efficiently.

  Next, an image forming apparatus, a calibration control program, and a calibration control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the density area of the job overlaps with the density deviation area, the calibration is performed. However, there are a plurality of reserved jobs, and among them, the density area does not overlap with the density deviation area. If there is, the job can be printed without performing calibration. Therefore, in this embodiment, the jobs can be processed efficiently by rearranging the job order so that a printable job is executed first without performing calibration, and delaying the calibration execution timing. To.

  In this case, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 is the same as that in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. However, the calibration necessity determination unit 21e includes the density areas of the CMYK colors of the reserved job specified by the density area acquisition unit 21d. The density divergence area extraction unit 21c compares the density divergence area with the CMYK density target value of the image forming apparatus 20 to determine whether the density area overlaps with the density divergence area. If there are non-overlapping jobs, the job order is changed so that the job is processed first.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 20 in the printing system having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The CPU 22 executes the process of each step shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9 by developing the calibration control program stored in the ROM 23 or the storage unit 25 in the RAM 24 and executing it.

  First, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 21 (calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a) of the image forming apparatus 20 prints a print job after performing the previous automatic calibration. Whether printing has been performed is counted internally (S301). When the job printing is finished, the control unit 21 (calibration cycle monitoring unit 21a) determines whether or not the automatic calibration cycle has been reached (S302). If it is determined that the automatic calibration cycle has not been reached, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a next job (S306), and if there is a next job, returns to S301 and repeats the same processing.

  When determining that the automatic calibration cycle has been reached, the control unit 21 checks whether there is a reserved job (whether the job is registered in the job queue) (S303). If there is no reserved job, the control unit 21 performs calibration (S305). Specifically, as in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, automatic gamma adjustment is performed, a color chart image for calibration is formed, the color chart image is measured, and the color measurement result is obtained. Feedback to the printer profile. Thereafter, the automatic calibration cycle counter is cleared.

  On the other hand, when there is a reservation job, the control unit 21 performs a reservation job replacement process (S304). FIG. 9 shows details of the reservation job replacement process. The control unit 21 (reference image forming unit 21b) forms a color chart image (S401), and the color measuring unit (inline sensor) 29 The color of the chart image is measured (S402).

  After the color measurement, the control unit 21 (density deviation region extraction unit 21c) obtains the color measurement result (actually measured output density of each color of CMYK) acquired from the color measurement unit (inline sensor) 29 and the target of the output density of each color of CMYK. The values are compared with each other, and a density deviation region where the colorimetric result deviates from the target value is extracted (S403). Next, the control unit 21 (density area acquisition unit 21d) specifies the color value of each pixel of the bitmap image of the reserved job, and the density in which the pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each pixel. An area is acquired (S404). Then, the control unit 21 (calibration necessity determination unit 21e) compares the density areas of the CMYK colors of the reserved job specified in S404 with the density deviation areas for the CMYK density target values of the image forming apparatus 20 extracted in S403. Then, it is determined whether the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, and the determination result is stored in the storage unit 25 or the like (S405).

  Next, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a next reserved job (S406). If there is a next reserved job, the control unit 21 returns to S404, acquires the density areas of the CMYK colors of the next reserved job, It is determined whether it overlaps with the density deviation region for the CMYK density target value of the image forming apparatus 20 extracted in S403, and the determination result is stored in the storage unit 25 or the like.

  When the comparison / determination between the density area and the density deviation area is completed for all the reserved jobs, the control unit 21 (calibration necessity determination unit 21e) performs calibration based on the determination result stored in the storage unit 25 or the like. The order of the reserved jobs (job queues) is changed so that a printable job is processed first without executing the job (S407).

  Next, the control unit 21 (calibration necessity determination unit 21e) inserts automatic calibration as a reserved job between a job that can be printed without performing calibration and a job that requires calibration. (S408). In this embodiment, automatic calibration is inserted as a reserved job, and it is possible to notify the user at which timing calibration is performed, but calibration is required without inserting it into the reserved job. Calibration may be automatically performed before the job to be performed.

  When the change of the order of the reserved jobs is completed, the control unit 21 takes out one reserved job (S409), and checks whether the reserved job is an automatic calibration job (S410). If it is not an automatic calibration job, the job is printed (S411), and if it is an automatic calibration job, calibration is executed (S412). Thereafter, the control unit 21 confirms whether there is a next reserved job (S413), and repeatedly executes the processes of S409 to S412 for all the reserved jobs.

  In this way, even if the automatic calibration timing is reached, if there is a job that can be printed without performing calibration in the reserved job, the calibration is performed by processing the job first. Can be printed continuously without performing calibration until immediately before the job requiring the job, and the job can be processed efficiently.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control can be changed suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the color chart image is measured using the inline sensor has been described. However, the control of the present invention is similarly applied to the case where the external colorimeter 40 is measured. Can be applied.

  In the first embodiment, for each reservation job, color chart image formation and color measurement, extraction of density divergence areas, acquisition of density areas of CMYK colors of the reservation job, density areas and density divergence areas In the case of a reservation job within a certain time or a certain number of sheets after the processing of the previous reservation job, the concentration deviation area extracted for the previous reservation job is diverted (that is, Color chart image formation, color measurement, and density deviation region extraction may be omitted).

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus capable of executing calibration, a calibration control program that operates in the image forming apparatus, a recording medium that records the calibration control program, and a calibration control method in the image forming apparatus. is there.

10 Client device 11 Control unit 11a OS
11b Printer driver 12 CPU
13 ROM
14 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Memory | storage part 16 Display part 17 Operation part 18 Network I / F part 20 Image forming apparatus 21 Control part 21a Calibration cycle monitoring part 21b Reference | standard image formation part 21c Density deviation area extraction part 21d Density area | region acquisition part 21e Determination of necessity of calibration Part 22 CPU
23 ROM
24 RAM
25 storage unit 26 display operation unit 27 image processing unit 28 printing unit 29 inline sensor 30 network I / F unit 40 colorimeter 50 color chart

Claims (21)

An image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration,
The control unit that processes the job
A reference image forming unit that forms a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed using a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus when a predetermined calibration execution time is reached;
The color measurement unit compares the actual measured density values of the CMYK colors obtained by measuring the reference image with preset density target values of the CMYK colors, and the deviation between the actual measured density values and the target density values of the CMYK colors is determined. A concentration divergence region extraction unit that extracts a concentration divergence region of a predetermined value or more;
A density area acquisition unit that acquires density areas in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each pixel of the image of the job to be processed;
A calibration necessity determination unit that determines whether the calibration is necessary based on whether the density region overlaps with the density deviation region;
An image forming apparatus. When the density area does not overlap with the density deviation area, the control unit processes the job to be processed without performing the calibration even when the calibration execution time is reached. To
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit, when the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, processes the job to be processed after performing the calibration.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calibration necessity determination unit determines that the calibration is necessary when the density area of any one color of CMY overlaps with the density deviation area.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calibration necessity determination unit determines that the calibration is necessary when the density regions of the majority of CMYK colors overlap the density deviation region.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calibration necessity determination unit determines that the calibration is necessary when the density area of the color most frequently used in the job scheduled to be processed in CMYK overlaps with the density deviation area. judge,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calibration necessity determination unit includes a plurality of jobs to be processed, and when the jobs in which the density area overlaps with the density deviation area and jobs that do not overlap exist in the plurality of jobs, The processing order of the plurality of jobs is changed so that a job whose density area does not overlap with the density deviation area is processed first.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The reference image forming unit forms the reference image on an intermediate transfer belt of the printing unit or on a sheet conveyed to the printing unit,
The density divergence area extraction unit extracts the density divergence area based on the measured density value obtained by measuring the reference image with an in-line sensor built in the printing unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The reference image forming unit forms the reference image on a sheet conveyed to the printing unit;
The density divergence area extraction unit extracts the density divergence area based on the measured density value obtained by measuring the reference image with a colorimeter outside the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The calibration includes adjustment of toner density,
The reference image forming unit forms the reference image without adjusting the toner density;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A calibration control program that operates on an image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration,
In the control unit of the image forming apparatus,
A first process of forming a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed using a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus when a predetermined calibration execution time is reached;
The color measurement unit compares the actual measured density values of the CMYK colors obtained by measuring the reference image with preset density target values of the CMYK colors, and the deviation between the actual measured density values and the target density values of the CMYK colors is determined. A second process for extracting a density deviation region of a predetermined value or more;
A third process of acquiring density regions in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on the color value of each pixel of the image of the job to be processed;
A fourth process for determining whether the calibration is necessary based on whether the density area overlaps with the density deviation area;
Executing a fifth process for processing the job according to the determination result;
A calibration control program characterized by that. In the fifth process, when the density area does not overlap with the density deviation area, the job to be processed is executed without performing the calibration even when the calibration execution time is reached. Process,
The calibration control program according to claim 11. In the fifth process, when the density area overlaps with the density deviation area, the job to be processed is processed after the calibration is performed.
The calibration control program according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: In the fourth process, when the density area of any one color of CMY overlaps with the density deviation area, it is determined that the calibration is necessary.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the program is a calibration control program. In the fourth process, when the density areas of the majority of CMYK colors overlap with the density deviation area, it is determined that the calibration is necessary.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the program is a calibration control program. In the fourth process, if the density area of the color most frequently used in the job scheduled for processing in CMYK overlaps with the density deviation area, it is determined that the calibration is necessary.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the program is a calibration control program. In the fourth process, when there are a plurality of jobs scheduled to be processed and the jobs in which the density area overlaps the density deviation area and a job that does not overlap exist in the plurality of jobs, the density area is The processing order of the plurality of jobs is changed so that a job that does not overlap with the density deviation area is processed first.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: In the first process, the reference image is formed on an intermediate transfer belt of the printing unit or on a sheet conveyed to the printing unit,
In the second process, the density deviation region is extracted based on the measured density value obtained by measuring the color of the reference image with an in-line sensor built in the printing unit.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein In the first process, the reference image is formed on a sheet conveyed to the printing unit,
In the second process, the density deviation region is extracted based on the measured density value obtained by measuring the reference image with a colorimeter outside the image forming apparatus.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein The calibration includes adjustment of toner density,
In the first process, the reference image is formed without adjusting the toner density.
The calibration control program according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the program is a calibration control program. A calibration control method in an image forming apparatus capable of performing calibration,
A first process of forming a reference image in which the density of each color of CMYK is changed by using a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus when a predetermined calibration execution time is reached;
The color measurement unit compares the actual measured density values of the CMYK colors obtained by measuring the reference image with preset density target values of the CMYK colors, and the deviation between the actual measured density values and the target density values of the CMYK colors is determined. A second process for extracting a density deviation region that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
A third process of acquiring a density region in which pixels are distributed for each color of CMYK based on a color value of each pixel of an image of a job to be processed;
A fourth process for determining whether the calibration is necessary based on whether the density area overlaps with the density deviation area;
Executing a fifth process for processing the job according to the determination result;
A calibration control method characterized by the above.

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