JP2016143047A - Image forming apparatus, image forming method and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method and an image forming program capable of simplifying post-processing of a continuous sheet.SOLUTION: An image forming method applied to an image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming part which repeatedly prints an image on a continuous sheet in a fixed cycle; a conveyance part which conveys the continuous sheet to the image forming part; a detection part which detects an inclination amount of the continuous sheet conveyed to the image forming part; and a control part which controls the image forming part, and includes a step S15 of performing inclination correction for making an inclination amount of the image correspond to the detected inclination amount on the image before printing, and a step S18 of determining whether or not the next image can be printed in the fixed cycle with increase of the drawing processing time of the image generated due to the inclination correction and adjusting the image write-start timing of the next image on the basis of the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program.

  When printing an image on continuous paper, there is a phenomenon that the continuous paper swings to the left or right for a certain period after the start of transporting the continuous paper, or an event that the continuous paper is transported while maintaining a certain amount of inclination. In some cases, the continuous paper passes through the image forming unit in a tilted state. At this time, tilt correction is performed to match the tilt amount of the printed image with the tilt amount of the continuous paper.

JP 2014-034140 A

  However, in the inclination correction, since the processing time for image drawing in the continuous paper conveyance direction becomes longer than in the case where the inclination amount with respect to the continuous paper conveyance direction is 0 degree, the cycle in which the images are printed changes. . For this reason, for example, when post-processing such as cutting out a printed image is executed, it is difficult to make the post-processing execution cycle coincide with the cycle in which the image is printed.

  On the other hand, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, with regard to the conveyance of continuous paper, both high-precision printing based on the conveyance accuracy of the paper feed roller and the prevention of accumulation of conveyance errors are achieved. However, this technique does not consider the inclination of continuous paper.

  Although it is possible to recognize the position of the printed image and execute post-processing, the apparatus and control for post-processing become complicated.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program capable of simplifying the post-processing of continuous paper.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) an image forming unit that repeatedly prints images on a continuous sheet at a constant period;
A transport unit that transports the continuous paper to the image forming unit;
A detection unit that detects an inclination amount of the continuous paper conveyed to the image forming unit;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
The controller is
Inclination correction that matches the inclination amount of the image with the detected inclination amount is performed on the image before printing,
It is determined whether it is possible to print the next image at the fixed period due to an increase in the drawing processing time of the image caused by the tilt correction, and the image writing timing of the next image is determined based on the determination result. An image forming apparatus characterized by adjusting the above.

(2) The image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image is set to satisfy the formula (ΔDelay = OrgV × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ + OrgI × Cosθ × 2) when AdjI is smaller than AdjV2. And
AdjI is defined by OrgI × Cosθ,
AdjV2 is defined by OrgH × Sinθ,
OrgV is the image height before the tilt correction,
OrgH is the image width before the tilt correction,
OrgI is an image interval before the tilt correction,
The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein θ is a tilt amount with respect to a conveyance direction of the continuous paper.

(3) The image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image is set to satisfy the equation (ΔDelay = AdjI−AdjV2) when AdjI is AdjV2 or more.
AdjI is defined by OrgI × Cosθ,
AdjV2 is defined by OrgH × Sinθ,
OrgV is the image height before the tilt correction,
OrgI is an image interval before the tilt correction,
The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein θ is a tilt amount with respect to a conveyance direction of the continuous paper.

(4) an input unit for inputting an instruction not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit does not adjust an image writing timing of the next image when the instruction is input.

  (5) The control unit according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit does not adjust an image writing timing of the next image when the detected tilt amount is equal to or less than a threshold value. Image forming apparatus.

  (6) The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the image forming unit forms a patch or a toner band for stabilizing the image during the adjusted image writing timing of the next image. .

(7) It further includes a counting unit that counts the number of times that the image writing timing of the next image is adjusted
The image forming apparatus according to (2), wherein the control unit stops printing in the image forming unit when the counted number exceeds a threshold value.

  (8) The image forming apparatus according to (7), wherein the count value of the count unit is reset when execution of a print job requesting printing of the image is started.

  (9) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the continuous paper is in the form of roll paper.

(10) The continuous paper is subjected to post-processing in which the printed image is cut out;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the fixed period corresponds to a clipping period in the post-processing.

(11) An image forming unit that repeatedly prints images on continuous paper at a constant period, a transport unit that transports the continuous paper to the image forming unit, and an inclination amount of the continuous paper transported to the image forming unit An image forming method applied to an image forming apparatus having a detecting unit that performs control and a control unit that controls the image forming unit,
Applying tilt correction to the image before printing by the control unit to match the tilt amount of the image with the detected tilt amount; and
The control unit determines whether or not it is possible to print the next image at the fixed period due to an increase in the drawing processing time of the image caused by the tilt correction, and based on the result of the determination, An image forming method comprising adjusting an image writing timing of an image.

(12) An image forming unit that repeatedly prints an image on a continuous sheet at a constant period, a transport unit that transports the continuous sheet to the image forming unit, and an inclination amount of the continuous sheet transported to the image forming unit An image forming program for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: a detecting unit that controls the image forming unit; and a control unit that controls the image forming unit.
A procedure of applying an inclination correction to the image before printing so that the inclination amount of the image matches the inclination amount detected by the control unit; and a drawing processing time of the image generated by the inclination correction by the control unit And determining whether or not it is possible to print the next image at the predetermined period due to the increase in the number of images, and adjusting the image writing timing of the next image based on the result of the determination. An image forming program executed by a forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus, the image forming method, and the image forming program according to the present invention, even when the continuous paper transported to the image forming unit is inclined, the image is placed at a predetermined cycle on the continuous paper at a predetermined cycle. It is possible to print with. Therefore, for example, post-processing such as cutting out a printed image is simplified. That is, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program that can simplify post-processing of continuous paper.

1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating an example of the continuous paper applied to FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the post-process by the post-processing apparatus shown by FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control part shown by FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first mode related to the image writing timing adjustment process shown in FIG. 4. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the space | interval AdjV2 corresponding to the image rear end process period shown by FIG. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an image interval AdjI after inclination correction shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second mode related to the image writing timing adjustment process shown in FIG. 4. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an image forming method according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing image writing timing adjustment processing shown in FIG. 10. FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating an example of the initial setting screen of the display part shown by FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the dimension ratio of drawing is exaggerated on account of description, and may differ from an actual ratio.

  1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining continuous paper applied to FIG. 1, and FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the post-process by the post-processing apparatus shown.

  An image forming apparatus 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to repeatedly print an image on a continuous paper P at a constant cycle, and is applied to, for example, the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the continuous paper P is a label paper in the form of a roll paper, and has a label 10 having a base 12 and an adhesive layer 14 and a release paper 20 as shown in FIG. .

  The image forming system 100 includes a paper feed device 200, a paper feed adjustment device 300, an image forming device 400, a paper discharge adjustment device 500, a post-processing device 600, and a mount paper discharge device 700.

  The sheet feeding device 200 includes a support shaft 230 and a plurality of rollers. The support shaft 230 is rotatably arranged, and a roll-shaped continuous paper P is attached to the support shaft 230. The continuous paper P wound around the support shaft 230 is conveyed to the paper feed adjusting device 300 via a plurality of rollers.

  The paper feed adjusting device 300 is located between the paper feed device 200 and the image forming device 400 and has a plurality of rollers. The paper feed adjusting device 300 continuously sags the continuous paper P conveyed from the paper feed device 200. After being held, the image forming apparatus 400 is configured to convey it. As a result, a minute speed difference or a slight inclination between the conveying speed in the sheet feeding device 200 and the conveying speed in the image forming apparatus 400 is absorbed.

  The image forming apparatus 400 is used to repeatedly print an image on the base paper 12 (see FIG. 2) of the continuous paper P at a constant cycle.

  The paper discharge adjusting device 500 is located between the image forming device 400 and the post-processing device 600 and has a plurality of rollers. The paper discharge adjusting device 500 continuously sags the continuous paper P conveyed from the image forming device 400. After being held, it is configured to be conveyed to the post-processing apparatus 600. Thereby, a minute speed difference between the conveying speed in the image forming apparatus 400 and the conveying speed in the post-processing apparatus 600 and a minute inclination are absorbed.

  The post-processing apparatus 600 includes a label cutter 610, a peeling roller 620, and a support shaft 630.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the label cutter 610 is used to perform post-processing for cutting out the mount 12 at regular intervals along the image printed on the mount 12 of the continuous paper P. The post-processing cycle by the label cutter 610 coincides with the image printing cycle in the image forming apparatus 400 (the operation of the label cutter 610 is synchronized). Therefore, post-processing by the label cutter 610 is simplified. The mechanism for cutting out the mount 12 is not particularly limited, and for example, a laser cut, a die (die) cut, a movable blade cut, or the like can be applied as appropriate.

The peeling roller 620 is used for peeling the unnecessary portion P _W from the continuous paper P. The unnecessary portion _PW is a portion (cass side) that occupies the outer periphery of the cut out region (label side) of the mount 12. The support shaft 630 is rotatably arranged and is used for winding the continuous paper P from which the unnecessary portion _PW is peeled off.

  The post-processing is not limited to cutting by the label cutter 610, and for example, laminating can be applied.

The mount paper discharge device 700 includes a support shaft 730 and a plurality of rollers. The support shaft 730 is rotatably arranged. The unnecessary part _PW peeled from the continuous paper P is wound around the support shaft 730 via a plurality of rollers.

  Note that when the post-processing of the continuous paper P is separately performed, the paper discharge adjusting device 500, the post-processing device 600, and the mount paper discharge device 700 can be omitted from the image forming system 100.

  Next, the image forming apparatus 400 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control unit shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 400 includes a control unit 410, a paper feeding / conveying unit 420, an image forming unit 430, a fixing unit 440, a paper discharging / conveying unit 450, an operation panel 460, a paper feeding tray unit 470, a document reading unit 480, and a communication interface 490. (See FIG. 1).

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 410 includes a CPU 412 and a storage unit 414.

  The CPU 412 is a control circuit composed of a microprocessor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program, and each function of the image forming apparatus 400 is exhibited by the CPU 412 executing a corresponding program. Is done.

  The storage unit 414 is used to store various programs and various data, and includes ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for example, flash memory), a hard disk drive device, and the like. Are appropriately combined. For example, a program stored in the ROM is read by the CPU 412 as necessary, and is executed using the RAM as a work area for temporarily storing the program and data necessary for executing the program.

  The stored program includes an image forming program 416. The image forming program 416 is used, for example, to execute tilt correction processing, image quality adjustment processing, and image writing timing adjustment processing. The tilt correction process, the image quality adjustment process, and the image writing timing adjustment process can be created in the form of a single application software.

  The tilt correction process is a process of detecting the tilt amount of the continuous paper P conveyed to the image forming unit 430 and matching the tilt amount of the printed image with the detected tilt amount. The image quality adjustment process is, for example, a process of forming a patch or a toner band and stabilizing an image. The patch is formed at a predetermined position in the continuous paper P, and the detection result of the image quality is fed back to the color adjustment when the next image is formed. The toner band is formed for supplying toner as a lubricant to a cleaning blade (not shown) for cleaning the image carrier. The image writing timing adjustment process will be described later.

  The sheet feeding / conveying unit 420 includes, for example, a plurality of rollers driven by a motor, and is used to convey the continuous paper P from the sheet feeding adjusting device 300 to the image forming unit 430. An inclination sensor 422 that detects an inclination amount of the continuous paper P conveyed to the image forming unit 430 is disposed in the paper feed conveyance unit 420. The detection result by the tilt sensor 422 is used for the tilt correction process of the image forming program 416.

  The image forming unit 430 has an engine that forms an image on a continuous paper P that is a recording medium using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic process including charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing steps. The print data stored in the storage unit 414 is used for printing in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 412. Printing (image formation) is not limited to a form using an electrophotographic process, and an impact method, a thermal transfer method, and an inkjet method can be applied as appropriate.

  Specifically, the image forming unit 430 includes a photosensitive drum 432, an intermediate transfer belt 434, a transfer roller 436, and an image sensor 438.

  The photosensitive drum 432 is an image bearing member having a photosensitive layer made of a resin such as polycarbonate including an organic photoconductor (Organic Photo Conductor: OPC), and is yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C ) And black (K), and are used to form an electrostatic latent image. The intermediate transfer belt 434 is an endless belt, is wound around a plurality of rollers, and is supported so as to be able to run. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 432 are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 434, and the toner images (color images) in which the layers of the respective colors (Y), (M), (C), and (K) are superimposed. ) Is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 434. The transfer roller 436 is used to transfer the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 434 to the continuous paper P.

  The image sensor 438 is used to detect an image quality adjustment patch formed on the intermediate transfer belt 434. The detection result by the image sensor 438 is used for image quality adjustment processing of the image forming program 416. The image sensor 438 can also be disposed downstream of the fixing unit 440 in the continuous paper conveyance direction as necessary. In addition, when a patch for adjusting image quality is separately detected, the image sensor 438 can be omitted.

  The fixing unit 440 includes a fixing roller 442 and a pressure roller 444. When the toner image transferred onto the continuous paper P passes between the fixing roller 442 and the pressure roller 444 (nip portion), pressure and heat are applied to melt and fix the toner image.

  The paper discharge conveyance unit 450 includes, for example, a plurality of rollers driven by a motor, and is used for conveying the continuous paper P from the fixing unit 440 to the paper discharge adjustment device 500.

  The operation panel 460 also serves as a display unit and an input unit, and includes a display unit 462 and a keyboard unit 464. The display unit 462 is used to display a device configuration, a print job progress status, an error occurrence status, a setting that can be changed at present, a warning for alerting the user, and the like. The keyboard unit 464 includes a plurality of keys including a selection key for specifying a paper size, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing start of operation, a stop key for instructing stop of operation, a keyboard for inputting characters, and the like. Have a key. Note that the display unit 462 may be a touch panel configured to be able to input an instruction depending on the position of a finger or pen that touches.

  The paper feed tray unit 470 is used for a plurality of paper feed trays that store single paper (cut paper) and a plurality of paper feed trays that are used to send single paper (cut paper) from the paper feed tray to the transport path one by one. And a roller. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 400 can use a single sheet (cut sheet) in addition to the continuous sheet P.

  The document reading unit 480 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 482 and a scanner 484. The scanner 484 has, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor and is used to generate image data of a document sent from the automatic document feeder 482.

  The communication interface 490 is an expansion device including a so-called LAN board, and is used to add a communication function for executing data transmission / reception via the network to the image forming apparatus 400. The received data is, for example, a print job. The network is a local area network (LAN) that connects computers and network devices according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (Fiber-Distributed Data Interface), and LANs are dedicated to each other. It consists of various networks such as a wide area information communication network (WAN) connected by a line, the Internet, and combinations thereof. The network protocol is, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  When the image forming apparatus 400 is dedicated to printing the continuous paper P, the paper feed tray unit 470 and the document reading unit 480 can be omitted from the image forming apparatus 400. Further, the image forming unit 430 is not limited to the tandem type having the photosensitive drum 432 and the intermediate transfer belt 434, and a rotary type using a single photosensitive drum can be applied.

  Next, image writing timing adjustment processing will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the first mode related to the image writing timing adjustment process shown in FIG. 4, and an interval AdjV2 corresponding to the image trailing edge processing period shown in FIG. 6h and FIG. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the image interval AdjI after inclination correction shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is for explaining a second mode related to the image writing timing adjustment processing shown in FIG. FIG.

  In the image writing timing adjustment process, it is determined whether or not the next image can be printed at a constant cycle due to an increase in the image drawing process time caused by the inclination correction, and the next result is determined based on the result of the determination. The image writing timing of the image is adjusted. Therefore, even when the continuous paper P conveyed to the image forming unit 430 is inclined, it is possible to print an image at a predetermined position on the continuous paper P at a predetermined period. Therefore, post-processing such as cutting out a printed image in the post-processing apparatus 600 is simplified.

  The image writing timing adjustment process has a first mode and a second mode. In the following description, the image writing timing of the next image changes depending on the conveyance speed of the continuous paper P, and is therefore appropriately represented by the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the image writing timing of the next image.

  In the first mode, as shown in FIG. 5, when the timing of the end of writing of the current image and the start of image writing of the next image overlap, that is, the image interval AdjI after tilt correction is set at the rear end of the image. When the interval is smaller than the interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period, the image writing timing of the next image is delayed (the image interval is increased) so that the next image can be printed at a constant cycle.

  Specifically, the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image is expressed by the equation (ΔDelay = AdjV1- (AdjV2-AdjI) + AdjI = AdjV1-AdjV2 + AdjI × 2 = OrgV × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ + OrgC × By adjusting so as to satisfy × 2), it is possible to print the next image at a constant period.

  Note that the image interval AdjI after the inclination correction is defined by the product of the image interval OrgI before the inclination correction and Cos θ, as shown in FIG. The interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period at the rear end of the image is represented by the product of the image width OrgH before the inclination correction and Sinθ, as shown in FIG. θ is the amount of inclination with respect to the transport direction of the continuous paper P. AdjV1 is a distance in the conveyance direction of the image, and is defined by the product of the image height OrgV and Cosθ before the inclination correction. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of defective (unused) portions in the continuous paper P.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the second mode, when the current image writing end timing and the image writing start of the next image do not overlap, that is, the image interval AdjI after the inclination correction is set at the trailing edge of the image. When the interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period is equal to or larger than the interval AdjV2, control for increasing the image writing timing of the next image (decreasing the image interval) so that the next image can be printed at a constant period. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defective portion (not used) in the continuous paper P.

  Specifically, by adjusting the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image so as to satisfy the equation (ΔDelay = AdjI−AdjV2 = OrgI × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ) at a constant cycle. The next image can be printed.

  Next, the image forming method according to the present invention will be described.

  9 is a flowchart for explaining an image forming method according to the present invention, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an image writing timing adjustment process shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a display unit shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating an example of the initial setting screen of. Note that the algorithm shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is stored as an image forming program in the storage unit 414 and executed by the CPU 412.

  As shown in FIG. 9, first, when execution of a print job requesting image printing is started, a counter DelayCount is initialized to “0” (step S10).

  The counter DelayCount is a counting unit that counts the number of times of adjusting the image writing timing of the next image. The counted number is used for determination to stop printing in the image forming unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent printing from being stopped excessively. The resetting of the count value DelayCount can be performed after the power of the image forming apparatus 400 is turned on or when the continuous paper P is replaced in addition to the start of execution of the print job.

  Then, the image interval OrgI before tilt correction is acquired (step S11), and the next image writing timing ΔDelay is initialized to “0” (step S12).

  Next, preparation for output of the next image is executed (step S13). The inclination sensor 422 detects the inclination amount θ of the continuous paper P conveyed to the paper conveyance section 420 of the image forming apparatus 400 via the paper feeding device 200 and the paper feeding adjustment device 300 (step S14). Processing is set (step S15). Thereby, the inclination amount of the image to be printed is set so as to coincide with the detected inclination amount θ.

  Thereafter, drawing of an image is started (step S16), and it is determined whether or not an instruction for not adjusting the image writing timing of the next image is input during drawing of the image (step S17). Therefore, whether or not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image can be appropriately set according to the situation, so that the degree of freedom in operation is improved.

  When it is determined that an instruction not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image has not been input (step S17; YES), an image writing timing adjustment process is executed (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S20. When it is determined that an instruction not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image is input (step S17; NO), the image interval OrgI before correction is set to the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the image writing timing of the next image. Once set (step S19), the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, it is determined whether or not image drawing has ended. When it is determined that drawing of images has been completed (step S20; YES), it is determined whether or not drawing of all images has ended (step S21).

  If it is determined that drawing of all images has been completed (step S21; YES), the process ends. When it is determined that drawing of all images has not been completed (an undrawn image exists) (step S21; NO), it is determined whether the value of the counter DelayCount is greater than a threshold value (step S22). ).

  If it is determined that the value of the counter DelayCount is greater than the threshold value (step S22: YES), the process ends. When it is determined that the value of the counter DelayCount is equal to or less than the threshold (step S22: YES), the process waits for the next image writing timing (a wait is provided) (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S23, if the image quality adjustment process is set to be executed in step S109 of the image writing timing adjustment process described later, the image quality adjustment process is executed during the image writing timing period of the adjusted next image. Is done. The image quality adjustment processing is not limited to the embodiment that is performed every time, and can be set to skip appropriately.

  Next, image writing timing adjustment processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the inclination amount θ detected by the inclination sensor 422 is smaller than a threshold value (step S100).

  When it is determined that the inclination amount θ is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S100: NO), the image interval OrgI before correction is set to the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the image writing timing of the next image (step S101), and the process To return.

  When it is determined that the tilt amount θ is less than the threshold value (step S100: YES), the image width OrgH before tilt correction and the image height OrgV before tilt correction are acquired (step S102), and the processing period of the rear end of the image Is calculated (step S103), and the distance AdjV1 in the image transport direction is calculated (step S104). Accordingly, it is possible to avoid inefficient use of the resources of the image forming apparatus 400 in consideration of the allowable error θ of the tilt amount.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the distance AdjV1 in the conveyance direction of the image is smaller than the interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period at the rear end of the image (step S105).

  When it is determined that the distance AdjV1 in the image conveyance direction is equal to or larger than the interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period at the rear end of the image (step S105: NO), the next image can be printed at a constant cycle. Is set to the second mode (step S106), and the process returns. In the second mode, the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the image writing timing of the next image is adjusted so as to satisfy the equation (ΔDelay = AdjI−AdjV2 = OrgI × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ).

  When it is determined that the distance AdjV1 in the image conveyance direction is equal to or larger than the interval AdjV2 corresponding to the processing period at the rear end of the image (step S105: NO), the next image can be printed at a constant cycle. In addition, the first mode is set (step S107). In the first mode, the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the image writing timing of the next image is expressed by the equation (ΔDelay = AdjV1- (AdjV2-AdjI) + AdjI = AdjV1-AdjV2 + AdjI × 2 = OrgV × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ + Org × Cos ) To meet. At this time, it is also preferable to add a margin amount in advance to AdjV2 in consideration of the drawing processing preparation time for the next image.

  Next, “1” is added to the value of the counter DelayCount (step S108), and the image quality adjustment process is set to be executed during the image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image (step S109). ) The process returns.

  The presence / absence of an instruction not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image according to step S17, the threshold value compared with the value of the counter DelayCount according to step S22, and the threshold value compared with the inclination amount θ according to step S100 are, for example: It is possible to set (input) using an initial setting screen displayed on the display unit shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the continuous paper conveyed to the image forming unit is inclined, it is possible to print an image at a predetermined position on the continuous paper at a predetermined cycle. is there. Therefore, for example, post-processing such as cutting out a printed image is simplified. That is, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an image forming program that can simplify post-processing of continuous paper.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the continuous paper is not limited to the form of roll paper, and an alternately folded form can be applied. The continuous paper is not limited to label paper, and continuous slip paper, continuous form paper, or the like can be applied.

  The means, method and program according to the present invention can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. When the present invention is realized by a program, the program is provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) -ROM (Read Only Memory), or a recording medium. Regardless, it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program is usually transmitted to and stored in a storage device such as a magnetic disk device. Further, the program can be provided as a single application software, or can be provided by being incorporated into another software as one function.

100 image forming system,
200 paper feeder,
230 support shaft,
300 paper feed adjustment device,
400 image forming apparatus,
410 control unit,
412 CPU,
412 control unit,
414 storage unit,
416 image forming program;
420 paper feeding and conveying section,
422 Tilt sensor,
430 image forming unit,
432 photosensitive drum,
434 intermediate transfer belt,
436 transfer roller,
438 Image sensor,
440 fixing unit,
442 fusing roller,
444 pressure roller,
450 paper delivery conveyor,
460 operation panel,
462 display unit,
464 keyboard,
470 paper feed tray section,
480 Document reading unit,
482 Automatic document feeder (ADF),
484 scanner,
490 communication interface,
500 paper discharge adjustment device,
600 aftertreatment equipment,
610 label cutter,
620 peeling roller,
630 support shaft,
700 mount paper delivery device,
730 support shaft,
P continuous paper,
Unnecessary part peeled from _PW continuous paper,
10 labels,
12 mounts,
14 Adhesive layer,
20 Release paper.

Claims (12)

An image forming unit that repeatedly prints images on a continuous sheet at a constant cycle;
A transport unit that transports the continuous paper to the image forming unit;
A detection unit that detects an inclination amount of the continuous paper conveyed to the image forming unit;
A control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
The controller is
Inclination correction that matches the inclination amount of the image with the detected inclination amount is performed on the image before printing,
It is determined whether it is possible to print the next image at the fixed period due to an increase in the drawing processing time of the image caused by the tilt correction, and the image writing timing of the next image is determined based on the determination result. An image forming apparatus characterized by adjusting the above. The image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image is set to satisfy the equation (ΔDelay = OrgV × Cosθ−OrgH × Sinθ + OrgI × Cosθ × 2) when AdjI is smaller than AdjV2.
AdjI is defined by OrgI × Cosθ,
AdjV2 is defined by OrgH × Sinθ,
OrgV is the image height before the tilt correction,
OrgH is the image width before the tilt correction,
OrgI is an image interval before the tilt correction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein θ is an inclination amount with respect to a conveyance direction of the continuous paper. The image interval ΔDelay corresponding to the adjusted image writing timing of the next image is set so as to satisfy the equation (ΔDelay = AdjI−AdjV2) when AdjI is equal to or larger than AdjV2.
AdjI is defined by OrgI × Cosθ,
AdjV2 is defined by OrgH × Sinθ,
OrgV is the image height before the tilt correction,
OrgI is an image interval before the tilt correction,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein θ is an inclination amount with respect to a conveyance direction of the continuous paper. An input unit for inputting an instruction not to adjust the image writing timing of the next image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not adjust an image writing timing of the next image when the instruction is input.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not adjust an image writing timing of the next image when the detected amount of inclination is equal to or less than a threshold value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming unit forms a patch or a toner band for stabilizing the image during the adjusted image writing timing period of the next image. A counting unit that counts the number of times that the image writing timing of the next image is adjusted;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit stops printing in the image forming unit when the counted number becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the count value of the count unit is reset when execution of a print job requesting printing of the image is started.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuous paper is in the form of roll paper. The continuous paper is subjected to post-processing in which the printed image is cut out,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed period corresponds to a clipping period in the post-processing. An image forming unit that repeatedly prints images on continuous paper at a constant period, a transport unit that transports the continuous paper to the image forming unit, and a detection unit that detects the amount of inclination of the continuous paper transported to the image forming unit And an image forming method applied to an image forming apparatus having a control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
Applying tilt correction to the image before printing by the control unit to match the tilt amount of the image with the detected tilt amount; and
The control unit determines whether or not it is possible to print the next image at the fixed period due to an increase in the drawing processing time of the image caused by the tilt correction, and based on the result of the determination, An image forming method comprising adjusting an image writing timing of an image. An image forming unit that repeatedly prints images on continuous paper at a constant period, a transport unit that transports the continuous paper to the image forming unit, and a detection unit that detects the amount of inclination of the continuous paper transported to the image forming unit And an image forming program for controlling an image forming apparatus having a control unit for controlling the image forming unit,
A procedure of applying an inclination correction to the image before printing so that the inclination amount of the image matches the inclination amount detected by the control unit; and a drawing processing time of the image generated by the inclination correction by the control unit And determining whether or not it is possible to print the next image at the predetermined period due to the increase in the number of images, and adjusting the image writing timing of the next image based on the result of the determination. An image forming program executed by a forming apparatus.