JP2016165858A - Image forming device, and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct the positional relation of post-processing on an image after the image formation.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: a post-processing unit 20 enabled to change the position of predetermined post-processing thereby to perform post-processing upon the paper after image formation; a reading unit 32 for reading out the paper on which an image is formed; and a control unit 14 for controlling the post-processing unit 20 on the basis of the reading result of the reading unit 32 so that the position of the post-processing upon the image formed on the paper may have a predetermined positional relation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  In Patent Document 1, the position of the title column in the document image obtained by reading the document is estimated with respect to the moving direction of the document, and if the estimated position of the title column with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium does not match the estimated position, It has been proposed to rotate image data of an image.

  In Patent Document 2, when a stapling is specified, if a character or image is recognized in the binding portion, an image shift or image reduction process is performed to prevent the character or image from overlapping the binding portion before printing. It has been proposed to do.

  In Patent Document 3, the rotation of the document image is determined based on the printing conditions (such as the document setting direction and the staple binding position), and the orientation of the image formed on the transfer paper and the orientation of the insertion sheet match in the discharged state. It has been proposed to determine whether or not to warn before printing if there is a mismatch.

JP 2012-30534 A JP 2007-144792 A

  An object of the present invention is to correct the positional relationship of post-processing with respect to an image after image formation.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined post-processing position is changeable, a post-processing unit that performs the post-processing on a recording medium after image formation, and the recording on which an image is formed. A reading unit that reads the medium, and a control unit that controls the post-processing unit based on a reading result of the reading unit so that the position of the post-processing with respect to the image formed on the recording medium has a predetermined positional relationship; .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the control unit performs the post-processing so as to eliminate or reduce an overlap between the image and the post-processing as the predetermined positional relationship. Control the position.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the post-processing position with respect to the image formed on the recording medium has a predetermined positional relationship based on the control result of the control unit. As described above, the image forming apparatus further includes a correction unit that corrects image information at the next image formation.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a warning unit that warns when an overlap between an image and the post-processing is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and whether or not the position of the post-processing is changed And an operation unit for selecting.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detection unit that detects information indicating replacement of the recording medium, and the detection unit detects the information. Every time, reading by the reading unit is performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit is an image area represented by auxiliary information included in image information representing an image formed on the recording medium. Then, the range of the image is detected by collating with the reading result of the reading unit, and the post-processing unit is controlled so that the position of the post-processing with respect to the detected range of the image has a predetermined positional relationship.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the post-processing section is a staple process, a punch process, or a folding process.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a reversing unit for reversing the front and back of the recording medium, and the post-processing unit performs a double folding process as the post-processing, and the control Based on the reading result of the reading unit, the unit controls the reversing unit so that the image is placed inside by the double folding process, and then controls the post-processing unit.

  An image forming program according to a ninth aspect causes a computer to function as a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of correcting the positional relationship of post-processing with respect to an image after image formation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or reduce the overlap of the post-processing with respect to the image as compared with the case of correcting the position of the post-processing with respect to the image before the image formation.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the post-processing position with respect to the image can be reflected in the next image formation so as to have a predetermined positional relationship.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to warn that the position of post-processing with respect to an image cannot be set to a predetermined positional relationship and to select whether or not to change the position of post-processing. It becomes.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, efficient post-processing can be performed as compared with the case where the recording medium is always read.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the image range more accurately than in the case where the image range is detected only by the reading result of the recording medium.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to correct the positional relationship of the staple position, punch hole position, or crease with respect to the image after the image formation.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to correct the positional relationship of the double folding with respect to the image after the image formation.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, it is possible to provide an image forming program capable of correcting the positional relationship of post-processing with respect to an image after image formation.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image reading unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system in an image reading unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detection of the area | region of the image by an image reading part. It is a figure which shows the example of a detection of an image range, (A) shows the example of a slightly smaller image with respect to a paper, (B) shows the example in which the cube image was formed in the whole surface, (C) is the whole surface An example in which an ellipse is formed is shown, and (D) shows an example in which characters are formed. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by an image reading control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. (A) shows an example in which staple processing that does not overlap with an image is performed, (B) shows an example in which an overlap with an image having a width equal to or less than the width of the staple has occurred, and (C) shows an overlap of images having the same width as the staple. (D) is a diagram illustrating an example in which an overlap of images larger than the width of a staple has occurred. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning screen when an overlap of images larger than the staple width occurs. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when stapling is performed in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. (A) shows an example in which punching processing not overlapping with an image is performed, (B) shows an example in which an overlap with an image of half or less punch holes occurs, and (C) shows an image of half or more punch holes. An example in which overlap occurs is shown, and (D) is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen when an overlap of images of half or more punch holes has occurred. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when punching is performed in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. (A) shows an example in which the image and the crease do not overlap, (B) shows an example in which an overlap of the image and the crease has a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm) or less, and (C) shows a predetermined value. (D) shows an example of a warning screen when an overlap of an image with a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm) or more and a fold has occurred. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when performing a half-fold process in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the example of double folding with the image made into the inside, (B) is a figure which shows double folding with the image made outside. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when performing a double-fold folding process in the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a display operation unit 12, a control unit 14, an image generation unit 16, an image formation unit 18, and a post-processing unit 20.

  The display operation unit 12 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal and an operation unit for performing various settings relating to image formation. In this embodiment, for example, by operating the display operation unit 12, the size, type, number, presence / absence of post-processing, type of post-processing, etc. are set.

  The control unit 14 comprehensively controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 and controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the contents set in the display operation unit 12. The control unit 14 includes, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an input / output unit, and controls an operation for forming an image. Is stored in advance, and the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by executing the program.

  The image generation unit 16 generates image information representing a document image by reading the document image. Alternatively, image information of a document image to be imaged is generated by acquiring image information transmitted from an external computer.

  The image forming unit 18 includes a paper feeding unit 22, a paper transport unit 24, an image processing unit 26, a printing unit 28, a fixing unit 30, and an image reading unit 32.

  The paper feed unit 22 stores paper as a recording medium and supplies the paper to the paper transport unit 24. The paper supply unit 22 includes a plurality of storage units 22A for storing papers of different sizes and types. The paper set by the display operation unit 12 is supplied from each storage unit 22A to the paper transport unit 24. When image information is acquired from the outside, a sheet of a type designated from the outside is supplied from each storage unit 22A to the sheet transport unit 24. Each accommodating portion 22A is provided with a remaining amount sensor 22B for detecting the remaining amount of paper, an attachment / detachment sensor 22C for detecting attachment / detachment of the accommodation portion 22A, and the like.

  The paper transport unit 24 transports the paper supplied from the paper feed unit 22 to a position where an image is formed on the paper, and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the post-processing unit 20. In addition, the paper transport unit 24 includes a paper reversing path 34 for reversing the front and back of the paper. By transporting the paper to the paper reversing path 34, the front and back of the paper are reversed.

  The image processing unit 26 receives image information generated by the image generation unit 16 or received from the outside by the image generation unit 16, performs image processing for the image forming unit 18 to process, and performs image processing after image processing Information is output to the printing unit 28.

  The printing unit 28 receives image information from the image processing unit 26 and forms an image represented by the image information on a sheet. For example, the printing unit 28 may employ an electrophotographic method to transfer an image onto a sheet, or may employ an inkjet method or the like to form an image on a sheet by ejecting ink onto the sheet. May be.

  The fixing unit 30 performs processing for fixing an image on a sheet. As the processing for fixing, the image is fixed on the paper by applying at least one of pressing and heating to the paper on which the image is formed.

  The image reading unit 32 reads the paper on which the image is formed, and acquires image information for performing various corrections (for example, misregistration correction, color correction, etc.). In the present embodiment, post-processing performed by the post-processing unit 20 is also corrected using image information obtained by the image reading unit 32. Details of post-processing correction will be described later.

  On the other hand, the post-processing unit 20 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper on which the image is formed. In the present embodiment, as post-processing, punch processing for punching paper, stapling processing for binding paper, bi-folding processing for folding the paper in half, and double-folding folding processing for folding the paper open are performed as examples. In the present embodiment, the post-processing position is variable, and the post-processing position is moved according to an instruction from the control unit 14. For example, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 14, the hole position for punch processing, the binding position for staple processing, the folding position for bi-fold processing, and the like are moved.

  Here, a specific configuration of the image reading unit 32 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image reading unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  In the following description, the depth direction (main scanning direction) of the apparatus of the image forming apparatus 10 is the X direction, the apparatus length direction (sub-scanning direction that is the paper transport direction) is the Y direction, and the height direction of the apparatus is Z. The direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 32 includes an irradiation unit 36, an imaging unit 38, and a setting unit 42.

  The irradiation unit 36 is disposed on the upper side of the sheet conveyance path 44 and has a pair of lamps 36A and 36B, and irradiates light toward the sheet on which the image is formed. Each of the lamps 36A and 36B is a xenon lamp elongated in the X direction, and the length of the irradiation range is set to be larger than the width of the largest sheet to be conveyed.

  The image forming unit 38 includes an image forming optical system that forms an image on the image image sensor 40 from the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 36 and reflected by the paper. For example, a plurality of mirrors for changing the optical axis in each of the Y direction and the Z direction are provided, and the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 36 and reflected by the paper is imaged on the image image sensor 40. In the present embodiment, the case where the image sensor 40 is a line sensor will be described as an example, but an area sensor may be applied.

  Further, a control board 46 including an image reading control unit to be described later is provided above the image forming unit 38.

  With the above configuration, in the image reading unit 32, the image image sensor 40 outputs (feeds back) the imaged light, that is, a signal corresponding to the image density, to the control unit 14 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 10. It has become. The control unit 14 corrects an image formed in the printing unit 28 based on a signal from the image image sensor 40. For example, when the electrophotographic system is applied as the printing unit 28, the image forming apparatus 10 corrects the intensity of light irradiated by the exposure device, the image formation position, and the like based on the signal from the image image sensor 40. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the control unit 14 also corrects the position of post-processing by the post-processing unit 20 based on a signal from the image image sensor 40.

  On the other hand, the setting unit 42 is provided with various standards when the image sensor 40 is used or during calibration. Specifically, a reference roll 42A that is long in the X direction is provided. The reference roll 42A has a plurality of surfaces for performing calibration of the image reading unit 32. The reference roll 42A is rotated according to the calibration to be performed, and the image reading unit 32 is calibrated.

  As calibration of the image reading unit 32, offset & gain adjustment, shading correction, image sensor calibration, and the like are performed. Here, in the offset and gain adjustment, the output upper and lower limit values of the image sensor 40 are adjusted. In the shading correction, the illumination distribution of the read image is corrected based on the profile of the read image based on white. In the image sensor calibration, the color patch on the color calibration plate is read and the read value of the image sensor 40 is corrected.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system in the image reading unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The image reading unit 32 includes an image reading control unit 50 for controlling reading by the image image sensor 40.

  The image reading control unit 50 includes an image image sensor controller 52, a reading image processing unit 54, a memory 56, a control CPU 58, a ROM / RAM 60, and a communication controller 62.

  An image image sensor 40 is connected to the image image sensor controller 52, and a signal representing an image obtained by the image image sensor 40 reading an image is acquired.

  The reading image processing unit 54 performs various image processing on the signal acquired by the image image sensor controller 52 in accordance with instructions from the control CPU 58. Further, a memory 56 is connected to the reading image processing unit 54, and the memory 56 is used as a work area when performing image processing.

  The control CPU 58 controls the operation of the image reading unit 32. Specifically, by executing a program stored in advance in the ROM / RAM 60, image reading control by the image image sensor 40 and image processing control by the reading image processing unit 54 are performed.

  A communication controller 62 is connected to the control CPU 58 and is connected to the control unit 14 of the image forming apparatus 10.

  In addition to the above, the image reading unit 32 is connected to various external devices. Examples of the external device 64 include a power supply substrate, an irradiation unit 36, a motor for driving the reference roll 42A of the setting unit 42, a fan for cooling the image reading unit 32, and the like.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the post-processing part 20 is provided as mentioned above. The post-processing unit 20 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper on which the image is formed. However, the image formed on the paper may overlap the post-processing position due to the influence of paper shrinkage, paper lot-to-lot variations, image formation deviation, and the like.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the position of post-processing performed on the paper after image formation is corrected using the reading results of the image reading unit 32 provided for performing various corrections.

  Specifically, the image reading unit 32 reads an image formed on a sheet including the sheet, and detects an image range from the read result. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in an image search region T having a predetermined size, the distribution of image density is obtained in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and after calculating the average value in the region, the density distribution in each direction is calculated. The image area of the image search area T is detected by determining whether or not there is a pixel position exceeding the average value. Further, the image search area T is sequentially moved from the reading origin (0, 0) and the above is repeated to detect the image range including the paper range. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the image range is determined by the maximum values in the upper, lower, left, and right directions. FIG. 5A shows an example of an image that is slightly smaller than the paper, FIG. 5B shows an example in which a cubic image is formed on the entire surface, and FIG. 5C shows an ellipse on the entire surface. FIG. 5D shows an example in which characters are formed, and each image range is indicated by an arrow.

  Then, the control unit 14 compares the detected image range with the planned post-processing position to detect an overlap between the image and the post-processing position, and corrects the post-processing position when an overlap is detected. To do.

  Here, specific processing in the image reading unit 32 of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the image reading control unit 50 in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

  In Step 100, the communication controller 62 receives a measurement start request from the control unit 14 that is a host device, and proceeds to Step 102.

  In step 102, the control CPU 58 controls the image image sensor controller 52 to start reading an image by the image image sensor 40, and the process proceeds to step 104. As a result, image information obtained by reading is subjected to image processing by the reading image processing unit 54 and sequentially stored in the memory 56.

  In step 104, the control CPU 58 controls the reading image processing unit 54 to detect image information at a predetermined position, and the process proceeds to step 106. That is, the image information in the image search region T is detected from the image information obtained by reading by the image image sensor 40.

  In step 106, the image information detected by the control CPU 58 is stored in the memory 56, and the process proceeds to step 108.

  In step 108, the communication controller 62 transmits the detected image information to the control unit 14 as a host device, and the process proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the control CPU 58 determines whether or not image formation has been completed. In this determination, image information is detected while sequentially moving the image search area from the reading origin, and it is determined whether or not the detection of the image information in the image search area has been completed for all areas. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 102 and the above processing is repeated, and if the determination is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, when the communication controller 62 receives a measurement stop request from the control unit 14 as the host device, the series of processing of the image reading unit 32 is terminated.

  Next, specific processing for post-processing correction performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. Hereinafter, as an example of post-processing, an example of stapling processing, punching processing, bi-folding processing, and double-folding folding processing will be described.

(Staple processing)
When the post-processing unit 20 performs stapling as post-processing, the image area overlaps with the staple position due to the effects of paper contraction, paper lot variation, image formation deviation, and the like. For example, FIG. 7A illustrates an example in which a staple process that does not overlap an image is performed. On the other hand, FIG. 7B shows an example in which an overlap with an image having a width equal to or less than the width of the staple occurs, and FIG. 7C shows an example in which an image having the same width as the staple width has occurred. D) shows an example in which an overlap of images larger than the staple width has occurred.

  In the following description, the correction range where the staple correction range by the post-processing unit 20 is smaller than the staple width is described as the correction range. As shown in FIG. 7D, when an overlap of images larger than the staple width occurs, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed to allow the user to select whether or not to perform post-processing. Will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when stapling is performed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 9 will be described as starting when the staple setting is performed by the display operation unit 12 (or an external computer in the case of printing) and an image formation instruction is issued.

  In step 200, the control unit 14 performs staple setting for the post-processing unit 20 and proceeds to step 202. For example, the control unit 14 notifies the post-processing unit 20 that the staple setting has been made, and notifies the number of sheets to be bound and the like.

  In step 202, the control unit 14 controls each part of the image forming unit 18 to start image formation, and the process proceeds to step 204. That is, an image based on the image information obtained from the image generation unit 16 is formed on the sheet.

  In step 204, the control unit 14 detects the image range and proceeds to step 206. The image range is detected by the control unit 14 acquiring the image information read by the image reading unit 32 and detecting the image range based on the reading result of the image reading unit 32. For example, as described above, in the predetermined image search region T, after obtaining the image density distribution in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and calculating the average value in the region, the pixels exceeding the average value in the density distribution in each direction The image area of the image search area T is detected by determining whether or not there is a position. Further, the image range is detected by sequentially moving the image search region T and repeating the above. When detecting an image range, an image area and an image reading unit represented by additional information included in image information such as setting values set by the display operation unit 12 and header information of image information in the case of a print instruction You may collate with 32 reading results. A more accurate image range is detected by collating the incidental information with the reading result of the image reading unit 32 and detecting the range of the image.

  In step 206, the control unit 14 compares the image range and the planned staple position, and the process proceeds to step 208. Since the staple position is predetermined for the area of the paper, it is detected whether or not the image area and the staple position overlap.

  In step 208, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is an overlap between the staple and the image. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 218.

  In step 210, the control unit 14 determines whether the overlap between the staple and the image is larger than the width of the staple. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 212. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 216.

  In step 212, the control unit 14 displays a predetermined warning screen on the display operation unit 12 and proceeds to step 214. For example, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display operation unit 12 (or the computer that requested the print). In the example of FIG. 8, a warning message indicating that image overlap has occurred and an image image indicating overlap between the image and the planned staple position are displayed. Further, in FIG. 8, a display button for continuing the staple process (“continue as it is” in FIG. 8) and a display button for setting no staple (“change to no staple” in FIG. 8) are also displayed. .

  In step 214, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is a stapling instruction. In this determination, for example, it is determined whether or not the “continue as it is” display button shown in FIG. 8 is operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 216. On the other hand, if the “change without stapling” display button shown in FIG. 8 is operated, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 220.

  In step 216, the control unit 14 instructs the post-processing unit 20 to correct the staple position, thereby correcting the staple position of the post-processing unit 20, and the process proceeds to step 218. That is, the staple position is corrected by the post-processing unit 20 so that there is no overlap between the image and the staple.

  In step 218, the post-processing unit 20 performs stapling on the paper on which the image has been formed, and the process proceeds to step 220. When the image and the stapling position overlap, the overlapping of the images is eliminated by moving the stapling position and performing the stapling process. However, when stapling is performed as it is even if the correction range is exceeded (when the “Continue as is” display button in FIG. 8 is operated), the staple position is corrected within the movement range and overlapped with the image. Is suppressed.

  In step 220, the post-processing unit 20 discharges the sheet from the image forming apparatus 10 and ends a series of processes.

(Punch processing)
Even when punching is performed as post-processing, the image area and the position of the punch hole overlap due to the effects of paper shrinkage, paper lot variation, and image formation deviation. For example, FIG. 10A shows an example in which punching processing that does not overlap an image is performed. On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows an example in which an overlap with an image of half or less punch holes has occurred, and FIG. 10C shows an example in which an overlap of images with half or more punch holes has occurred.

  Hereinafter, the correction range of punch holes by the post-processing unit 20 will be described as a correction range up to an overlap of images that are half or less of punch holes. As shown in FIG. 10C, when an overlap of images of more than half of the punched holes occurs, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 10D is displayed to determine whether or not to perform post-processing. It is assumed that the selection is made.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow when punching is performed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 11 will be described as starting when punch setting is performed by the display operation unit 12 (or an external computer in the case of printing) and an image formation instruction is issued.

  In step 300, the control unit 14 performs punch setting for the post-processing unit 20 and proceeds to step 302. For example, the control unit 14 notifies the post-processing unit 20 that the punch setting has been made, and notifies the punch position and the number of punches.

  In step 302, the control unit 14 controls each unit of the image forming unit 18 to start image formation, and the process proceeds to step 304. That is, an image based on the image information obtained from the image generation unit 16 is formed on the sheet.

  In step 304, the control unit 14 detects the image range and proceeds to step 306. The image range is detected by the control unit 14 acquiring the image information read by the image reading unit 32 and detecting the image range based on the reading result of the image reading unit 32. For example, as described above, in the predetermined image search region T, after obtaining the image density distribution in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and calculating the average value in the region, the pixels exceeding the average value in the density distribution in each direction The image area of the image search area T is detected by determining whether or not there is a position. Further, the image range is detected by sequentially moving the image search region T and repeating the above. When detecting an image range, an image area and an image reading unit represented by additional information included in image information such as setting values set by the display operation unit 12 and header information of image information in the case of a print instruction You may collate with 32 reading results. A more accurate image range is detected by collating the incidental information with the reading result of the image reading unit 32 and detecting the range of the image.

  In step 306, the control unit 14 compares the image range and the planned punch position, and the process proceeds to step 308. Since the scheduled punch position is predetermined for the area of the paper, it is detected whether or not the image area and the punch position overlap.

  In step 308, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is an overlap between the punch hole and the image. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 310, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 318.

  In step 310, the control unit 14 determines whether the overlap between the punch hole and the image is half or more of the punch hole. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 312. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 316. .

  In step 312, the control unit 14 displays a predetermined warning screen on the display operation unit 12 and proceeds to step 314. For example, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 10D is displayed on the display operation unit 12 (or the computer that requested the print). In the example of FIG. 10D, a warning message indicating that an image overlap has occurred, and an image image indicating the overlap between the image and the planned punch position are displayed. Further, in FIG. 10D, a display button for continuing the punching process (“continue as it is” in FIG. 10D) and a display button for making no punching (“no punch” in FIG. 10D). ")" Is also displayed.

  In step 314, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is a punch instruction. In this determination, for example, it is determined whether or not the “continue as it is” display button shown in FIG. 10D is operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 316. On the other hand, if the “change without punch” display button shown in FIG. 10D is operated, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 320.

  In step 316, the control unit 14 instructs the post-processing unit 20 to correct the punch position, thereby correcting the punch position of the post-processing unit 20, and the process proceeds to step 318. That is, the punch position is corrected by the post-processing unit 20 so that the overlap between the image and the punch hole is eliminated.

  In step 318, the post-processing unit 20 performs punch processing on the paper on which the image is formed, and the process proceeds to step 320. When the image and the punch position overlap, the overlapping of the image is eliminated by moving the punch position and performing the punching process. However, when punch processing is performed as it is even if the correction range is exceeded (when the “continue as it is” display button in FIG. 10D is operated), the position of the punch hole is corrected within the movement range, Overlap with the image is suppressed.

  In step 320, the post-processing unit 20 discharges the sheet from the image forming apparatus 10 and ends a series of processes.

(Folding process)
Even when the folding process is performed as post-processing, the image region and the position of the fold overlap with each other due to the effects of paper contraction, paper lot-to-lot variation, image formation deviation, and the like. For example, FIG. 12A illustrates an example in which the image and the fold line do not overlap. On the other hand, FIG. 12B shows an example in which a crease overlaps with an image having a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm) or less, and FIG. 12C is larger than a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm). An example in which an image and a fold overlap occurs is shown.

  In the following description, the correction range of the crease position correction range by the post-processing unit 20 up to the overlap of the crease and an image having a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm) or less will be described. As shown in FIG. 12C, when an crease overlaps with an image having a predetermined value (for example, 1 mm) or more, a warning screen as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the user is allowed to select whether or not to perform.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow when the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs the bi-fold process. Note that the processing in FIG. 13 will be described as starting when the display operation unit 12 (or an external computer in the case of printing) performs a half-fold setting and gives an image formation instruction.

  In step 400, the control unit 14 performs a two-fold setting for the post-processing unit 20 and proceeds to step 401. For example, the control unit 14 notifies the post-processing unit 20 that the folding setting has been made.

  In step 401, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is a paper reset. In this determination, for example, it is determined whether or not the attachment / detachment of the sheet storage unit 22A is detected by the attachment / detachment sensor 22C. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the sheet that causes the overlap between the crease and the image. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 422. .

  In step 402, the control unit 14 controls each part of the image forming unit 18 to start image formation, and the process proceeds to step 404. That is, an image based on the image information obtained from the image generation unit 16 is formed on the sheet.

  In step 404, the control unit 14 detects the image range and proceeds to step 406. The image range is detected by the control unit 14 acquiring the image information read by the image reading unit 32 and detecting the image range based on the reading result of the image reading unit 32. For example, as described above, in the predetermined image search region T, after obtaining the image density distribution in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and calculating the average value in the region, the pixels exceeding the average value in the density distribution in each direction The image area of the image search area T is detected by determining whether or not there is a position. Further, the image range is detected by sequentially moving the image search region T and repeating the above. When detecting an image range, an image area and an image reading unit represented by additional information included in image information such as setting values set by the display operation unit 12 and header information of image information in the case of a print instruction You may collate with 32 reading results. A more accurate image range is detected by collating the incidental information with the reading result of the image reading unit 32 and detecting the range of the image.

  In step 406, the control unit 14 compares the image range and the planned folding position, and the process proceeds to step 408. Since the scheduled folding position is predetermined with respect to the area of the paper, it is detected whether or not the image area and the position of the fold overlap.

  In step 408, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is an overlap between the position of the crease and the image. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 410. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 418. .

  In step 410, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the crease position and the image overlap are equal to or greater than a predetermined value (1 mm in the present embodiment). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 412. If not, the process proceeds to step 416.

  In step 412, the control unit 14 displays a predetermined warning screen on the display operation unit 12, and the process proceeds to step 414. For example, a warning screen as shown in FIG. 12D is displayed on the display operation unit 12 (or the print request source computer). In the example of FIG. 12D, a warning message indicating that image overlap has occurred and an image image indicating overlap between the image and the planned folding position are displayed. Further, in FIG. 12D, a display button for continuing the bi-folding process (“continue as it is” in FIG. 12D) and a display button for making no bi-folding (“ "Change without folding") is also displayed.

  In step 414, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is a folding instruction. In this determination, for example, it is determined whether or not the “continue as it is” display button shown in FIG. 12D is operated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 416. On the other hand, if the “change without folding” display button shown in FIG. 12D is operated, the determination is negative and the routine proceeds to step 420.

  In step 416, the control unit 14 instructs the post-processing unit 20 to correct the position of the crease, so that the post-processing unit 20 corrects the position of the fold, and the process proceeds to step 418. That is, the position of the fold is corrected by the post-processing unit 20 so that the image and the fold are not overlapped.

  In step 418, the post-processing unit 20 performs a folding process on the paper on which the image is formed, and the process proceeds to step 420. When the image and the position of the fold overlap, the image is not overlapped by moving the position of the fold and performing the folding process. However, when the folding process is performed as it is even if the correction range is exceeded (when the “continue as is” display button in FIG. 12D is operated), the position of the fold is corrected within the movement range, Overlap with the image is suppressed.

  In step 420, the post-processing unit 20 discharges the sheet from the image forming apparatus 10 and ends a series of processes.

  On the other hand, in step 422, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the previous measurement result image and the fold overlap are equal to or greater than a predetermined value (1 mm in the present embodiment). If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 402 described above. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 424.

  In step 424, the position of the image is corrected and the process proceeds to step 402. That is, the image and fold overlap are corrected by correcting the image information and shifting the position of the image.

(Folding folding process)
When performing the double folding process as the post-processing, the double folding process is performed on the paper discharged from the image forming unit 18 depending on the paper discharge direction of the image forming unit 18 and the double folding method by the post-processing unit 20. In some cases, the image may be on the outside.

  Therefore, when performing the double-folding folding process as post-processing, when the double-folding folding is performed by forming an image on one side, as shown in FIG. 14B, the image is conveyed to the post-processing unit 20 so as not to be outside. Correct the orientation of the paper to be printed. Specifically, based on the reading result of the image reading unit 32, when the image is outside, the sheet is reversed by the sheet reversing path 34 and conveyed to the post-processing unit 20, thereby FIG. ) So that the image is on the inside.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing when the double-fold folding process is performed in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing in FIG. 15 will be described as starting when the double-fold folding setting is performed by the display operation unit 12 (or an external computer in the case of printing) and an image formation instruction is issued.

  In step 500, the control unit 14 performs the double spread setting for the post-processing unit 20, and the process proceeds to step 502. For example, the control unit 14 notifies the post-processing unit 20 that the double door folding setting has been made.

  In step 502, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the single-side setting is performed. In this determination, it is determined whether or not single-sided setting has been performed by the display operation unit 12 (or an external computer in the case of printing). If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 504, and the determination is negative. Then, the process proceeds to step 512.

  In step 504, the control unit 14 controls each unit of the image forming unit 18 to start image formation, and the process proceeds to step 506.

  In step 506, the control unit detects an image range and proceeds to step 508. The image range is detected by the control unit 14 acquiring the image information read by the image reading unit 32 and detecting the image range based on the reading result of the image reading unit 32. For example, as described above, in the predetermined image search region T, after obtaining the image density distribution in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and calculating the average value in the region, the pixels exceeding the average value in the density distribution in each direction The image area of the image search area T is detected by determining whether or not there is a position. Further, the image range is detected by sequentially moving the image search region T and repeating the above. When detecting an image range, an image area and an image reading unit represented by additional information included in image information such as setting values set by the display operation unit 12 and header information of image information in the case of a print instruction You may collate with 32 reading results. A more accurate image range is detected by collating the incidental information with the reading result of the image reading unit 32 and detecting the range of the image.

  In step 508, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is an image on the surface that is outside the double-fold folding. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 510, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 512.

  In step 510, the control unit 14 controls the paper transport unit 24 to reverse the front and back of the paper through the paper reversing path 34, and then transports the paper to the post-processing unit 20 and proceeds to step 512. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image from being outside when the double-fold folding process is performed in the following steps.

  In step 512, the post-processing unit 20 performs a double folding process on the paper on which the image is formed, and the process proceeds to step 514.

  In step 514, the post-processing unit 20 discharges the sheet from the image forming apparatus 10 and ends a series of processes.

  In the above embodiment, only the folding process is performed, and in steps 402, 422, and 424, when there is no paper reset and the amount of overlap with the image is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the position of the image is corrected. However, it is not limited to this. For example, in the case of stapling and punching, similarly, the position of the image may be corrected when there is no paper resetting and the amount of overlap with the image is a predetermined value or more. Alternatively, the steps 402, 422, and 424 of the folding process may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the detection of the image range in steps 204, 304, and 404 is always performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image range may be detected every time the paper is replaced. In this case, the detection of the replacement of the sheet may be detected, for example, based on whether or not the attachment / detachment of the accommodating portion 22A is detected by the attachment / detachment sensor 22C.

  In addition, each process performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment is a process example performed by causing a computer to execute a program. However, a part or all of the process executed by the program is performed by hardware. You may do it.

  The processing performed by the image forming apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment may be stored and distributed as a program in a storage medium.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Display operation part 14 Control part 20 Post-processing part 22C Detachment sensor 24 Paper conveyance part 32 Image reading part 34 Paper inversion path

Claims (9)

A predetermined post-processing position can be changed, and a post-processing unit that performs the post-processing on a recording medium after image formation;
A reading unit for reading the recording medium on which an image is formed;
A control unit that controls the post-processing unit based on a reading result of the reading unit so that a position of the post-processing with respect to an image formed on the recording medium has a predetermined positional relationship;
An image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the position of the post-processing so that an overlap between an image and the post-processing is eliminated or reduced as the predetermined positional relationship.   A correction unit that corrects image information at the time of next image formation so that the position of the post-processing with respect to the image formed on the recording medium has a predetermined positional relationship based on a control result by the control unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 provided.   The alarm unit for warning when an overlap between the image and the post-processing is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and an operation unit for selecting whether or not to change the position of the post-processing. Image forming apparatus. A detection unit for detecting information indicating replacement of the recording medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein reading is performed by the reading unit every time the information is detected by the detection unit.   The control unit detects an image range by collating an image area represented by auxiliary information included in image information representing an image formed on the recording medium and a reading result of the reading unit, and detects the range of the detected image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is controlled such that a position of the post-processing with respect to a range has a predetermined positional relationship.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is a staple process, a punch process, or a folding process. Further comprising a reversing unit for reversing the front and back of the recording medium, the post-processing unit performs a double folding process as the post-processing,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the post-processing unit after controlling the reversing unit so that the image is placed inside by a double folding process based on a reading result of the reading unit.   An image forming program for causing a computer to function as a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.