JP2018060088A - Image forming system, program for image forming apparatus, and method for controlling image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system that reduces waste paper while ensuring quality in taking up a print by preventing deformation of continuous paper on which an image is formed, and improves a user's operability of the apparatus by stopping a desired image formed on the paper at an appropriate position.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises: conveying parts 91, 92, and 93 that convey continuous paper S; an image forming part 70 that forms an image on the continuous paper; and a control part 10 that changes the position to stop the image on the continuous paper on a conveyance path for the continuous paper on the basis of at least one of the setting on the image, setting on the continuous paper, and setting on correction of the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  In recent years, image formation on continuous paper such as roll paper has been performed by an image forming apparatus. At that time, the continuous paper supplied from the paper feeding device to the image forming apparatus is formed on the surface by the image forming apparatus, conveyed to the winding device, and taken up.

  The continuous paper transported from the paper feeding device to the image forming apparatus can be pressed and heated by the fixing unit of the image forming apparatus even during standby when no image is formed. For this reason, when the continuous paper is, for example, a resin-based paper containing a resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, the continuous paper may be deformed or melted by the heat of the fixing unit because it is weaker than the normal paper containing no resin. .

  As a prior art for preventing the deformation of the continuous paper due to the temperature of the fixing unit during standby, there is one described in Patent Document 1. That is, after the image formation is completed, the continuous paper is conveyed while the roller pair of the fixing unit that pressurizes and heats the continuous paper is pressed. Thereafter, the roller pair is separated at a predetermined timing, and the continuous paper is conveyed at a slower speed than in the pressure-bonded state. Then, the conveyance of the continuous paper is stopped when the temperature of the fixing unit is lowered to a predetermined temperature or lower. This combines the forced cooling of the fixing unit using the continuous paper as a heat radiator by conveying the continuous paper with the fixing unit in a pressure-bonded state, and the natural cooling of the fixing unit by separating the fixing unit. As a result, the temperature of the fixing unit can be appropriately reduced to prevent deformation of the continuous paper.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-90787

  However, the prior art described in Patent Document 1 conveys continuous paper on which no image is formed until the temperature of the fixing unit decreases, regardless of the type of the preceding paper. There is a problem of generating paper (waste paper). In addition, there is a problem that consideration is not given to stopping an image for confirmation that requires confirmation by the user, such as a so-called test print image, or an inspection image for color inspection such as a color chart at an appropriate position.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, by preventing deformation of the continuous paper on which the image has been formed and the like, while reducing the waste paper while ensuring the winding quality of the printed material, the user can stop the desired image on which the image has been formed at an appropriate position. The object is to improve the operability of the apparatus.

  The above-described problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

  (1) Continuous paper based on at least one of a conveyance unit that conveys continuous paper, an image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper, a setting related to an image, a setting related to continuous paper, and a setting related to image correction An image forming system comprising: a control unit that changes a stop position of an image formed on a continuous sheet in a conveyance path in which the image is conveyed.

  (2) The image forming unit further includes a fixing unit that fixes an image formed by toner formed on the continuous paper, and a winding unit that winds up the continuous paper on which the image is fixed. When it is determined that the image formed on the continuous sheet is a confirmation image for confirmation by the user based on the setting relating to the image, the fixing unit determines the stop position of the image determined as the confirmation image. The image forming system according to (1), wherein the user changes to a first position where the user can check the confirmation image from outside the image forming system.

  (3) When the control unit determines that the continuous paper on which the image is formed is not a film-based paper including at least a part of the resin based on the setting related to the continuous paper, The stop position of the most upstream image with respect to the continuous paper transport direction is set to the first position or the second position downstream of the fixing unit upstream of the first position with respect to the continuous paper transport direction. The image forming system according to (2), which is changed.

  (4) If the control unit determines that the sheet is the film-based sheet based on the setting related to the continuous sheet, the control unit determines the most upstream image in the conveyance direction of the continuous sheet among the images formed on the continuous sheet. The image forming system according to (3), wherein the stop position is changed to a position downstream of the stop position when it is determined that the sheet is a sheet other than the film-type sheet with respect to the continuous sheet conveyance direction.

  (5) When the control unit determines that the image formed on the continuous sheet is an inspection image for correcting the image based on the setting relating to the correction of the image, the control unit is the inspection image. The image forming system according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the stop position of the image determined to be changed to the first position.

  (6) an inspection unit that inspects an image formed on continuous paper in the conveyance path between the fixing unit and the winding unit; and the control unit is configured to perform settings related to the correction of the image. Based on this, when it is determined that the image formed on the continuous paper is an inspection image for correcting the image, the inspection unit determines the stop position of the image determined to be the inspection image. The image forming system according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the image forming system is changed to a third position that can be inspected.

  (7) The control unit determines that the most upstream image in the continuous sheet conveyance direction among the images formed on the continuous sheet is the inspection image, and is located on the most downstream side of the most upstream image. The image forming system according to (6), wherein a stop position at an end position is set as the stop position of the image determined to be the inspection image.

  (8) When the control unit corrects an image during image formation by the image forming unit based on the setting related to the image correction, the control unit in the continuous sheet conveyance direction among the images formed on the continuous sheet. The image forming system according to (3) or (4), wherein the stop position of the most upstream image is changed to the second position.

  (9) The control unit determines that an image formed on continuous paper based on a print job having a smaller number of pages than a certain number of pages is a confirmation image, according to any one of the above (2) to (8) The image forming system described.

  (10) Procedure (a) for transporting continuous paper to an image forming apparatus having a transport unit for transporting continuous paper and an image forming unit for forming an image on continuous paper, and procedure (b) for forming an image on continuous paper And the stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper in the conveyance path in which the continuous paper is conveyed, based on at least one of the setting relating to the image, the setting relating to the continuous paper, and the setting relating to image correction. A program for an image forming apparatus for executing the procedure (c).

  (11) A control method of an image forming system having a transport unit that transports continuous paper and an image forming unit that forms an image on the continuous paper, the step (a) of transporting continuous paper, and image formation on the continuous paper The image formed on the continuous paper in the conveyance path on which the continuous paper is conveyed based on at least one of the setting (b) and the setting relating to the image, the setting relating to the continuous paper, and the setting relating to image correction. And (c) changing the stop position.

  By preventing deformation of the continuous paper on which images have been formed, while reducing the waste paper while ensuring the winding quality of the printed material, the desired image on which the images have been formed is stopped at an appropriate position, and the user can Operability can be improved.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an outline of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming system under the control of the image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an image forming system, an image forming apparatus program, and an image forming system control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

  In the following description, the position on the conveyance path of the image formed on the continuous paper may be simply referred to as “image position”.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an outline of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 110, a paper feeding apparatus 120, a winding apparatus 130, and an inspection apparatus 140. The image forming apparatus 110, the paper feeding apparatus 120, the winding apparatus 130, and the inspection apparatus 140 are connected to each other via a signal line so that they can communicate with each other. The winding device 130 constitutes a winding unit. The inspection device 140 constitutes an inspection unit.

  The paper feeding device 120, the winding device 130, and the inspection device 140 may be configured as a part of the image forming apparatus 110 by being incorporated in the image forming apparatus 110.

  The paper feeding device 120 stores and holds a paper feed roll R0 that is the original winding of the continuous paper S, and sends the continuous paper S to the image forming apparatus 110 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper S. The continuous paper S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 110 is transported to the winding device 130 on the downstream side in the transport direction of the continuous paper S, and is wound by the collection roll R1. The conveyance direction of the continuous paper S is indicated by arrows in FIG.

  The inspection device 140 inspects the inspection image formed on the continuous paper S as described later. The inspection result is used to adjust the image forming apparatus 110 for correcting an image formed by the image forming apparatus 110. The inspection image is an image for adjustment of the image forming apparatus 110 for the purpose of image correction, and is, for example, a color chart including a plurality of color patches.

  The continuous paper S may be a long label paper in which a label coated with an adhesive is bonded to a long release paper. The label can be made of, for example, a resin material including a resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. The label may be made of plain paper produced by attaching vegetable fibers or other fibers. The release paper can be made of plain paper or a resin-based material. The continuous paper S including at least a part of the resin material is referred to as a film paper, and the continuous paper S other than the film paper is referred to as a paper paper.

  Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 110 and the inspection apparatus 140 will be described in more detail.

  The image forming apparatus 110 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, an operation unit 40, a display unit 50, an image control unit 60, an image forming unit 70, a fixing unit 80, and a conveyance unit 90. Are connected to each other via a bus B.

  The control unit 10 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 10 controls each component of the image forming apparatus 110 and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. That is, the control unit 10 performs overall control and processing related to image formation while cooperating with each component constituting the image forming apparatus 110. Further, the control unit 10 communicates with the paper feeding device 120 and the winding device 130 to acquire information from the paper feeding device 120 and the winding device 130 and controls these devices.

  Details of the operation of the control unit 10 will be described later.

  The storage unit 20 may be configured by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). A program executed by the control unit 10 and data processed by the control unit 10 are temporarily stored in the RAM. Various programs and various data are stored in the ROM. Various programs including programs for the control unit 10 to control each component of the image forming apparatus 110, the paper feeding apparatus 120, and the winding apparatus 130, image data received through the communication unit 30, and other various types by the HDD. Data is saved.

  The communication unit 30 is an interface for performing communication between the image forming apparatus 110 and an external device. As the communication unit 30, a network interface according to a standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), SATA, PCI Express, USB, IEEE1394, or the like is used. As the communication unit 30, various local connection interfaces such as a wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IEEE802.11 can be used.

  The operation unit 40 includes a touch panel for performing various settings, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing operation start, a stop key for instructing operation stop, and a reset key for initializing various setting conditions. It consists of fixed keys.

  The display unit 50 includes a touch panel that displays various information and inputs various settings, a display lamp, and the like. In addition, the function which overlaps with the operation part 40 and the display part 50 can have either the operation part 40 or the display part 50 have.

  The image control unit 60 performs layout processing and rasterization processing of print data included in the print job received by the communication unit 30, and generates image data that is bitmap format image data. A print job is a general term for print commands to the image forming apparatus 110 and includes print data and print settings. The print data is data of a document to be printed, and the print data can include various data such as image data, vector data, and text data. Specifically, the print data may be PDL (Page Description Language) data, PDF (Portable Document Format) data, or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) data. The print settings are settings related to image formation on paper, and may include various settings such as the number of pages (number of originals), the number of copies, the purpose of the image, the type of paper, and the designation of print image correction. The print setting can also be set from the operation unit 40.

  The image forming unit 70 undergoes charging, exposure, development, and transfer processes by an electrophotographic method, and an image of a toner image (hereinafter referred to as “toner image”) on the surface of the continuous paper S based on the image data. Form.

  The image forming unit 70 includes a writing unit (not shown) corresponding to each of the basic colors, developing units 71Y, 71M, 71C, 71K (hereinafter collectively referred to as “developing unit 71”), intermediate transfer A belt 72, a transfer roller 73, a counter roller 74, and the like are provided.

  Each developing unit 71 has the same configuration except that the color of the toner stored therein is different. A latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum of the developing unit 71 by exposure of the writing unit according to the image data, and a toner image of each color is formed by developing the latent image with a developing device. The toner images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 72 as an image carrier (primary transfer), and are sequentially superimposed to form a full color toner image.

  The intermediate transfer belt 72 is stretched by a plurality of rollers such as a counter roller 74. The transfer roller 73 is urged at a predetermined pressure toward the opposing roller 74 with the intermediate transfer belt 72 interposed therebetween. As a result, a nip portion N <b> 2 is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 72 that covers the counter roller 74 and the transfer roller 73. The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 72 is transferred onto the continuous paper S (secondary transfer) at the nip portion N2, and a toner image is formed on the continuous paper S. This toner image is heated by the fixing unit 80 and fixed on the surface of the paper.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, an intermediate transfer belt type image forming apparatus is illustrated. However, a direct transfer type image forming apparatus that does not include an intermediate transfer belt and directly transfers from a photosensitive drum to a sheet may be used. Good. In this direct transfer type image forming apparatus, a plurality of photosensitive drums as image carriers are arranged side by side in the conveying direction together with a plurality of corresponding transfer rollers, and toner images of respective colors formed on the respective photosensitive drums are arranged. A full color toner image is formed by sequentially transferring the images on the continuous paper S.

  The fixing unit 80 fixes the toner image formed on the surface of the continuous paper S by heating and pressurizing at the nip portion N3. The fixing unit 80 includes a heating roller 81, a fixing belt 82, an upper pressure roller 83, and a lower pressure roller 84. The heating roller 81 has a plurality of heaters such as halogen lamps arranged inside a hollow space.

  An endless fixing belt 82 is stretched between the heating roller 81 and the upper pressure roller 83. The temperature of the fixing belt 82 is controlled to be a predetermined temperature by a heating roller 81 heated by a heater.

  The lower pressure roller 84 is urged at a predetermined pressure toward the upper pressure roller 83 with the fixing belt 82 interposed therebetween. As a result, a nip portion N <b> 3 is formed between the fixing belt 82 that covers the upper pressure roller 83 and the lower pressure roller 84. The toner image formed on the continuous paper S is conveyed to the nip portion N3 and fixed on the surface of the continuous paper S by heating and pressing.

  The transport unit 90 includes a plurality of transport rollers 91, 92, 93 and a drive source such as a drive motor (not shown) that drives the transport rollers 91, 92, 93.

  Both rollers of the transport roller 91 are urged together to form a nip portion N1, and transport the continuous paper S to be sandwiched. Similarly, both rollers of the transport roller 93 are urged together to form a nip portion N4, and transport the continuous paper S to be sandwiched. The transport roller 92 is a driven roller and rotates while contacting the upper surface (front surface) of the continuous paper S. A conveyance path through which the continuous paper S is conveyed is constituted by the conveyance rollers 91, 92, and 93.

  The conveyance path is provided with an optical sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of the continuous paper S and an image formed on the continuous paper S, which are arranged along the conveyance direction. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the jam of the continuous paper S and to detect the position of the image formed on the continuous paper S in the transport path.

  The control unit 10 controls the continuous paper S on which the image is formed to be conveyed to the winding device 130. Specifically, among the images formed on the continuous paper S, the portion of the continuous paper S on which the most upstream image is formed with respect to the conveying direction of the continuous paper S is located at a position in the winding device 130 where the user can take it out. The continuous paper S is conveyed until it reaches. Hereinafter, the most upstream image in the conveying direction of the continuous paper S among the images formed on the continuous paper S is referred to as a “most upstream image”. For example, when the continuous paper S is a label paper, the image formed on the last label in the transport direction of the continuous paper S among the images formed is the most upstream image. Further, a position in the winding device 130 where the user can take out the continuous paper S is referred to as a “paper winding position”. The control unit 10 stops the conveyance of the continuous paper S when the most upstream image reaches the paper winding position. The paper winding position is an example of an initial stop position of the most upstream image, and is set by the user. Setting the stop position of the most upstream image to be a paper winding position relatively far from the fixing unit 80 is advantageous in terms of preventing deformation of the continuous paper S on which a printed image is formed. This is disadvantageous in that it cannot be inspected and the amount of waste paper is reduced. The initial stop position of the most upstream image may be set to a position other than the paper winding position, for example, a position on the conveyance path between the image forming apparatus 110 and the winding apparatus 130 and at least image formation. It can be at any position closer to the winding device 130 than the device 110.

  Based on at least one of the setting related to the image, the setting related to the continuous paper, and the setting related to the correction of the image, the control unit 10 sets the stop position in the conveyance path of the image formed on the continuous paper S as follows. Change to Here, the setting relating to the image is a setting of the purpose and application of the image. For example, the setting relating to the image includes a setting that the image is a confirmation image for confirmation by the user such as a so-called test printing image, and a setting that the image is a product image. The setting relating to the continuous paper is a setting of the type of the continuous paper S and includes, for example, a setting that the continuous paper S is a film-type paper and a setting that the continuous paper S is a paper-type paper. The setting relating to image correction is a setting as to whether or not the image is an inspection image used for image correction. Settings relating to images, settings relating to continuous paper, and settings relating to image correction may be included as print settings in a print job received by the image forming apparatus 110. On the other hand, settings relating to images, settings relating to continuous paper, and settings relating to image correction may be directly input to the image forming apparatus 110 from the operation unit 40 of the image forming apparatus 110.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the image formed on the continuous paper S is a confirmation image based on the setting relating to the image, the control unit 10 changes the stop position of the image in the conveyance path to a confirmable position. Here, the checkable position is a position on the conveyance path between the fixing unit 80 and the winding device 130, and a position where the user can check the image on the continuous paper S from outside the image forming system 100. It is. That is, the confirmable position is a position on the conveyance path where the user can visually recognize the image on the continuous paper S between the fixing unit 80 and the winding device 130. Setting the stop position of the confirmation image to be a confirmable position is advantageous in that a desired image can be confirmed immediately after the image formation, but the inspection of the image is not always possible and the deformation of the continuous paper S can be prevented. This is disadvantageous. The confirmable position constitutes the first position.

  The confirmable position may be any position within the range of the conveyance path indicated by P1 in FIG.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the continuous paper S is a paper-based paper based on the setting relating to the continuous paper, the control unit 10 changes the stop position of the most upstream image to the waste paper reduction position. Here, the waste paper reduction position is a position on the conveyance path upstream of the confirmable position and downstream of the fixing unit 80 with respect to the conveyance direction of the continuous paper S. Setting the stop position of the most upstream image as the waste paper reduction position is advantageous in terms of reduction of the waste paper and the ability to correct the image during image formation as will be described later. This is disadvantageous in that it is not possible and in terms of preventing deformation of the continuous paper S. The waste paper reduction position constitutes the second position.

  When the most upstream image also serves as the confirmation image, the stop position of the most upstream image can be set as a confirmable position.

  The waste paper reduction position can be any position within the range of the conveyance path indicated by P2 in FIG.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the continuous paper S is a film-type paper based on the setting related to the continuous paper, the control unit 10 sets the stop position of the most upstream image to be higher than the stop position when the non-film-type paper is determined. Then, the position is changed to a downstream position with respect to the conveyance direction of the continuous paper S. That is, the control unit 10 sets the stop position of the most upstream image when the continuous paper S is a film-type paper downstream from the stop position when it is determined that the continuous paper S is a paper-type paper. Is offset by a preset offset amount. The offset amount can be set to an amount that does not deform at least the portion of the continuous paper S on which the most upstream image is formed even if the most upstream image on the film-type paper is stopped at the offset stop position.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the image formed on the continuous paper S is an inspection image based on the settings related to image correction, the control unit 10 sets the stop position of the image to an inspectable position that can be inspected by the inspection device 140. change. The inspectable position constitutes a third position. On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that the image fixed on the continuous paper S is an inspection image, the control unit 10 may change the stop position of the image to a confirmable position. This is because the inspection image may be inspected visually by the user.

  The control unit 10 may determine that the most upstream image is an inspection image. Then, the position of the end on the most downstream side of the image determined to be the inspection image with respect to the transport direction of the continuous paper S may be stopped at the inspectable position or the visually recognizable position. That is, the product image corresponding to the most upstream image may be used as the inspection image. In this case, in the settings relating to image correction, it can be set that the product image that is finally formed on the continuous paper S in the execution of the print job is an inspection image.

  When the image correction is performed during the image formation by the image forming unit 70 based on the setting relating to the image correction, the control unit 10 changes the stop position of the most upstream image to the waste paper reduction position. Image correction during image formation by the image forming unit 70 can be performed as follows. That is, in the image forming unit 70, the transfer roller 73 and the opposing roller 74 are temporarily separated, and the transfer of the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 72 to the continuous paper S is temporarily stopped. Then, the toner image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 72 is inspected by an inspector (not shown) having the same function as the inspecting device 140. The toner image may be, for example, a color chart toner image or a product image toner image. The inspection result obtained by the inspection device is used for adjustment of the image forming apparatus 110 for correcting an image formed by the image forming apparatus 110.

  When a plurality of print jobs are set in the image forming apparatus 110, the control unit 10 determines that an image fixed on the continuous paper S based on a print job having a smaller number of pages is a confirmation image. Can be judged. This is because there is a high possibility that the number of pages of a print job for the purpose of trial printing is generally relatively small. The case where a plurality of print jobs are set is a case where a plurality of print jobs are received by the communication unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 110, for example.

  The inspection device 140 is constituted by, for example, a colorimeter, scans an image formed on the continuous paper S, performs color measurement, and transmits the color measurement value to the image forming device 110 as an inspection result. Based on the colorimetric value received from the inspection apparatus 140, the image forming apparatus 110 performs adjustment for correction so that the colorimetric value of the image formed by the image forming apparatus 110 matches the target value.

  The operation of the image forming system 100 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system under the control of the image forming apparatus. This flowchart is executed by the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 110 according to a program.

  The control unit 10 sets a continuous paper stop position (S101). That is, the control unit 10 follows the user's instruction input from the operation unit 40 or the like, so that the checkable position, the waste paper reduction position, the inspectable position, and the stop position when the continuous paper S is film-based paper are used. Set the offset amount.

  The control unit 10 starts image formation on the continuous paper S based on the print job (S102).

  The control unit 10 determines a print job (S103). Specifically, the control unit 10 determines the print job with respect to the setting contents based on the settings relating to the image, the settings relating to the continuous paper, and the settings relating to image correction set in the print settings included in the print job. (S103).

  The control unit 10 determines whether to change the stop position of the continuous paper S (S104). When determining that the stop position of the continuous paper S is not changed (S104: NO), the control unit 10 does not change the stop position of the continuous paper S, and the initial stop position, that is, the most upstream image is taken up by the winding device 130. The continuous paper S is conveyed until it reaches the paper take-up position. Then, when the most upstream image reaches the paper winding position of the winding device 130, the conveyance of the continuous paper S is stopped. The case where the control unit 10 determines that the stop position of the continuous paper S is not changed is, for example, when the change of the stop position of the continuous paper S is prohibited in a print job, or when the stop position of the continuous paper S is changed. This is the case when the mode is not set.

  If the control unit 10 determines to change the stop position of the continuous paper S (S104: YES), whether or not to change the stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper S to a checkable position based on the print job. Judgment is made (S105). Whether or not to change the stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper S to a confirmable position can be determined by determining whether or not the image is a confirmation image. Whether or not the image is a confirmation image can be determined based on whether or not the setting regarding the image is set to be the confirmation image.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the image formed on the continuous paper S is the confirmation image and changes the stop position of the image determined to be the confirmation image to the confirmable position (S105: YES). Then, it is determined whether or not the continuous paper S is a film-type paper based on the setting relating to the continuous paper (S106). When the control unit 10 determines that the continuous paper S is not film-based paper (that is, paper-based paper) (S106: NO), the control unit 10 confirms that the stop position of the image determined as the confirmation image is set. The position is changed to a possible position (S107). On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous paper S is a film-type paper (S106: YES), the stop position of the image determined as the confirmation image is changed as follows. That is, the checkable position is offset downstream in the transport direction of the continuous paper S by the set offset amount (S108). Then, the stop position of the image determined as the confirmation image is changed to the offset new confirmable position (S109).

  When the control unit 10 determines that the image formed on the continuous paper S is not a confirmation image, and determines that the stop position of the image is not changed to a checkable position (S105: NO), the control unit 10 It is determined whether or not the stop position is changed to an inspectable position (S110). Whether to change the stop position of the image to an inspectable position can be determined by determining whether the image is an inspection image. Whether or not the image is an inspection image can be determined based on whether or not the setting regarding the correction of the image is set to be the inspection image.

  If the control unit 10 determines that the image determined not to be a confirmation image is an inspection image and determines that the stop position of the image is changed to an inspectable position (S110: YES), the control unit 10 stops the image. The position is changed to an inspectable position (S111). The image determined to be an inspection image is stopped at the same inspectable position regardless of the type of the continuous paper S on which the image is formed. Therefore, it is desirable that the inspection device 140 is installed so that the inspectable position is set at a position where the continuous paper S is not deformed due to the influence of heat of the fixing unit 80 even if the continuous paper S is a film-type paper.

  When the control unit 10 determines that the image determined not to be the confirmation image is not the inspection image and determines not to change the stop position of the image to the inspectable position (S110: NO), the control unit 10 Do not change the stop position. In this case, the image is a product image because it is neither a confirmation image nor an inspection image.

  For the product image, the control unit 10 changes the stop position of the most upstream image to the waste paper reduction position (S112). If the control unit 10 determines that the continuous paper S is not film-based paper (that is, paper-based paper) based on the setting related to continuous paper (S113: NO), the stop position of the most upstream image is set. The position is changed to the curled paper reduction position (S114). On the other hand, when the control unit 10 determines that the continuous paper S is a film-type paper based on the setting related to the continuous paper (S113: YES), the control unit 10 changes the stop position of the most upstream image as follows. That is, the set waste paper reduction position is offset downstream in the transport direction of the continuous paper S by the set offset amount (S115). Then, the stop position of the most upstream image is changed to the new offset paper reduction position (S116).

  Note that the offset amount with respect to the checkable position in step S108 and the offset amount with respect to the waste paper reduction position in step S115 may be different.

  This embodiment has the following effects.

  The stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper is changed based on at least one of the setting related to the image, the setting related to the continuous paper, and the setting related to image correction. As a result, the stop position of the image on the continuous paper can be changed according to the necessity of confirmation or inspection by the user or the type of the continuous paper. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waste paper while ensuring the winding quality of the printed matter by preventing the deformation of the continuous paper on which the image is formed, and the user can stop the desired image on which the image is formed at an appropriate position. The operability of the apparatus can be improved.

  Further, in the image forming system having the fixing unit and the winding unit, when it is determined that the image formed is a confirmation image based on the settings relating to the image, the image forming system is between the fixing unit and the winding unit. The stop position of the image on the continuous paper is changed to a confirmable position where the user can visually recognize the image from the outside. As a result, the user can confirm the test print image immediately after the image is formed, and the effect of reducing the waste paper and the operability of the apparatus can be improved easily and effectively.

  Furthermore, if it is determined that the paper on which the image is formed is not film paper based on the setting relating to the continuous paper, the continuous paper is placed on the continuous paper at a checkable position or a position where the waste paper is reduced upstream of the checkable position and downstream of the fixing unit. Change the stop position of the most upstream image. As a result, when the continuous paper is relatively heat-resistant paper-based paper, the continuous paper stop position is made closer to the fixing unit to optimize the continuous paper stop position according to the properties of the paper. Prevention of deformation and reduction of waste paper can be realized more effectively.

  Further, when it is determined that the paper on which the image is formed is a film-based paper based on the setting relating to the continuous paper, the stop position of the most upstream image is set to be more than the stop position when it is determined to be the paper-based paper. The position is changed to a downstream position with respect to the continuous paper transport direction. As a result, when the continuous paper is film paper that is relatively weak against heat, the continuous paper stop position is offset to the downstream side with respect to the transport direction of the continuous paper than when the continuous paper is paper paper. . Thereby, the stop position of the continuous paper is further optimized according to the properties of the paper, and the deformation of the continuous paper and the reduction of the waste paper can be realized more effectively.

  Further, when it is determined that the image formed is an inspection image based on the settings relating to image correction, the stop position of the image on the continuous paper is changed to a confirmable position. Thereby, even when the inspection image is inspected visually by the user, the operability of the apparatus can be improved more easily.

  Further, in an image forming system having an inspection unit capable of inspecting an image between the fixing unit and the winding unit, if it is determined that the image is an inspection image based on the settings related to image correction, The stop position of the image on the paper is changed to an inspectable position by the inspection unit. Thereby, the operability of the apparatus for image inspection can be improved more easily.

  Further, the most upstream image on the continuous paper is determined as the inspection image, and the stop position of the most downstream end of the most upstream image with respect to the continuous paper transport direction is used as the reference for the stop position of the continuous paper. Thereby, the inspection of the product image reflecting the latest state of the image forming unit can be realized more easily and effectively.

  Further, when the image correction is performed during the image formation by the image forming unit, the stop position of the most upstream image on the continuous paper is changed to the waste paper reduction position. Accordingly, even when the image correction is performed during the image formation by the image forming unit, it is possible to flexibly cope with the request for image correction and to improve the effect of reducing the waste paper more easily.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of print jobs are set, an image formed on continuous paper based on a print job having a number smaller than a certain number of pages is determined as a confirmation image. Accordingly, since it is possible to inspect an image without setting an inspection image as a setting relating to an image in a print job, it is possible to more easily check the quality of an image formed.

  The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, and the image forming apparatus program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus has been described as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus may be an inkjet image forming apparatus.

  In the embodiment, part or all of the processing executed by the program may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit.

10 control unit,
70 Image forming unit,
80 fixing section,
91, 92, 93 transport rollers,
100 image forming system,
110 image forming apparatus,
120 paper feeder,
130 winding device,
140 Inspection device.

Claims (11)

A transport unit for transporting continuous paper;
An image forming unit for forming an image on continuous paper;
A control unit that changes the stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper in the conveyance path on which the continuous paper is conveyed, based on at least one of the setting relating to the image, the setting relating to the continuous paper, and the setting relating to image correction. When,
An image forming system. A fixing unit for fixing an image formed by toner formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit; and a winding unit for winding the continuous paper on which the image is fixed;
When the control unit determines that the image formed on the continuous sheet is a confirmation image for confirmation by the user based on the setting relating to the image, the control unit determines that the image determined as the confirmation image 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein a stop position is changed between the fixing unit and the winding unit to a first position where a user can check the confirmation image from outside the image forming system. Forming system.   When the control unit determines that the continuous paper on which the image is formed is not film-based paper including at least a part of the resin based on the setting related to the continuous paper, the continuous paper among the images formed on the continuous paper. The stop position of the most upstream image in the transport direction is changed to the first position or a second position upstream from the first position and downstream from the fixing unit in the transport direction of continuous paper. The image forming system according to claim 2.   When the control unit determines that the continuous paper on which the image is formed is the film-type paper based on the setting related to the continuous paper, the control unit determines the maximum in the conveyance direction of the continuous paper among the images formed on the continuous paper. The image according to claim 3, wherein the stop position of the upstream image is changed to a position downstream of the stop position when it is determined that the sheet is a sheet other than the film-type sheet with respect to a continuous sheet conveyance direction. Forming system.   When the control unit determines that the image formed on the continuous paper is an inspection image for correcting the image based on the setting related to the correction of the image, the control unit determines that the image is an inspection image. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the stop position of the printed image is changed to the first position. An inspection unit that inspects an image formed on continuous paper in the conveyance path between the fixing unit and the winding unit;
When the control unit determines that the image formed on the continuous paper is an inspection image for correcting the image based on the setting related to the correction of the image, the control unit determines that the image is an inspection image. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the stop position of the printed image is changed to a third position that can be inspected by the inspection unit.   The control unit determines that the most upstream image in the continuous sheet conveyance direction among the images formed on the continuous sheet is the inspection image, and the position of the most downstream end of the most upstream image. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the stop position is the stop position of the image determined to be the inspection image.   When performing image correction during image formation by the image forming unit based on the settings relating to the image correction, the control unit is the most upstream of the images formed on continuous paper with respect to the conveyance direction of the continuous paper. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the stop position of the image is changed to the second position.   The image according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the control unit determines that an image formed on continuous paper based on a print job having a smaller number of pages than the certain number of pages is the confirmation image. Forming system. In an image forming apparatus having a conveying unit that conveys continuous paper and an image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper,
A procedure (a) for conveying continuous paper;
A procedure (b) for forming an image on continuous paper;
A procedure for changing the stop position of the image formed on the continuous paper in the transport path in which the continuous paper is transported based on at least one of the setting related to the image, the setting related to the continuous paper, and the setting related to image correction ( c) and
An image forming apparatus program for executing A control method of an image forming system having a transport unit that transports continuous paper and an image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper,
Conveying the continuous paper (a);
(B) forming an image on continuous paper;
A step of changing a stop position of an image formed on the continuous paper in the conveyance path in which the continuous paper is conveyed based on at least one of the setting relating to the image, the setting relating to the continuous paper, and the setting relating to image correction ( c) and
A control method.