JP2019101074A - Image formation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus and a program that can improve precision of a determination of whether image adjustment is needed.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 1 includes: an image formation part 41 which forms an image on printing paper; an image read part 11 which reads in the image formed on the printing paper by the image formation part 41; and a control part 101 which allows, when it is determined that the image read in by the image read part 11 has image abnormality, a user to determine whether image adjustment is required to adjust the image formed by the image formation part 41. The control part 101 determines whether to adjust the image formed by the image formation part 41 according to a user's determination result. The control part 101 adjusts an abnormality determination threshold as an index for determining whether a determination on whether to require image adjustment corresponds to image abnormality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a program.

  There is an inspection technique of reading an image formed on a printing sheet or the like by an image forming apparatus and determining the quality of the image. For example, it has been proposed to determine whether an abnormality has occurred by printing a patch before image formation and reading the patch (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, there has been proposed one that adjusts an image to be formed if there is an image defect at the time of reading a patch (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-225818 A JP 2017-073730 A

  In the prior art as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the adjustment is performed using a plurality of printing sheets for each adjustment item of image adjustment for improving print quality, a large amount of waste paper is generated. Do. Therefore, a chart for confirming the current image quality is output, and the necessity of adjustment of each of the adjustment items is automatically determined to reduce waste paper. However, in the prior art as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the measurement result of the quality of the image may change due to the deterioration of the quality of the read image. Therefore, there is a possibility that the determination accuracy of the necessity of the image adjustment may be lowered.

  The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to be able to improve the determination accuracy of the necessity of adjustment of image adjustment.

  An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a printing sheet, an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the printing sheet by the image forming unit, and an image reading unit that reads the image And a control unit that allows the user to determine whether the image adjustment is necessary to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit when it is determined that there is an image abnormality in the image. Whether or not to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit is determined based on the determination result of the user.

  Further, it is preferable that the control unit adjusts an abnormality determination threshold value which is a determination index when determining whether the image abnormality corresponds or not according to the determination result of necessity of the image adjustment.

  Further, the control unit determines the determination result by the user, a state of the image forming unit, a printing condition for printing an image on the printing paper, device identification information of a device for printing an image on the printing paper, and the user Preferably, the identification information is stored in association with at least one of the identification information.

  Further, the control unit determines, as a result of the determination by the user, a state of the image forming unit, printing conditions for printing an image on the printing paper, device identification information of a device for printing an image on the printing paper, and identification of the user It is preferable to adjust the said abnormality determination threshold value based on the extraction result which extracted the applicable thing among information.

  In addition, the image forming unit forms at least one of a horizontal band chart and a vertical band chart and a basic image quality chart as an image for determining whether or not the image abnormality corresponds to the horizontal band chart. Is a color in which different colors are formed along the horizontal direction of the printing paper at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction of the printing paper, and the vertical band chart is formed at regular intervals in the horizontal direction of the printing paper It is preferable that different colors are formed along the longitudinal direction of the printing paper, and the basic image quality chart is one in which gradation is formed for each color.

  Further, the control unit uses at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart to determine the image abnormality, and the horizontal band chart to determine whether the image adjustment adjustment item is necessary or not. Preferably, at least one of the basic image quality charts is used.

  Further, the control unit determines that there is the image abnormality if the density of at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold. Is preferred.

  Further, the control unit may cause the image abnormality in the longitudinal direction of the print sheet when the density in the longitudinal direction of the print sheet of the image of the horizontal band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold. It is preferable to determine that

  Further, the control unit may cause the image abnormality in the lateral direction of the print sheet when the density in the lateral direction of the print sheet of the image of the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold. It is preferable to determine that

  Preferably, the basic image quality chart includes at least one of a density adjustment tone patch, a positional deviation adjustment mark, and a color resist mark.

  Further, it is preferable that the image forming unit continuously forms at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart and the basic image quality chart in series.

  The image forming unit may form the basic image quality chart when forming at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart and determining that the image adjustment is necessary. preferable.

  Further, it is preferable that, when the control unit determines that the image adjustment is necessary, the control unit relaxes the abnormality determination threshold.

  Further, it is preferable that, when it is determined that there are a plurality of types of the image abnormality, the control unit mitigates one of the abnormality determination threshold values corresponding to each of the plurality of types.

  Further, it is preferable that the control unit strengthens the abnormality determination threshold when it is determined that the image abnormality is not present and the image adjustment is necessary.

  Preferably, the adjustment items of the image adjustment are at least one of density balance, maximum density, output paper density, and color resist.

  Further, the control unit determines, as a result of the determination by the user, a state of the image forming unit, printing conditions for printing an image on the printing paper, device identification information of a device for printing an image on the printing paper, and identification of the user Preferably, the information and the abnormality determination threshold are associated and uploaded to the cloud server.

  The abnormality determination threshold is downloaded from the cloud server based on at least one of the state of the image forming unit, the printing condition, the device identification information, and the identification information of the user, and the image adjustment is performed. Preferably, it applies to the device.

  Further, a program according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a printing sheet, and an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the printing sheet by the image forming unit. When it is determined that the computer that controls the image reading unit has an image abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit, the user is required to determine whether it is necessary to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit. A program for functioning as a control unit, wherein the control unit determines the necessity of the image adjustment whether to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit according to the judgment result by the user Do.

  Therefore, as in the case of the image forming apparatus described above, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the necessity of adjustment of image adjustment.

  According to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the necessity of adjustment of image adjustment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 in an embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus main body 5 and an inspection apparatus 7 in an embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the image abnormality in embodiment to which this indication is applied. It is a figure which shows another example of the image abnormality in embodiment which applied this indication. It is a flow chart explaining an example of image abnormalities judging processing in an embodiment to which this indication is applied. It is a flow chart explaining an example of image adjustment processing in an embodiment to which this indication is applied.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system includes a client terminal apparatus 2, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 1, a server 201A, a server 201B, a switching hub 203, etc., Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, FDDI (Fiber) Connection is made via a network 501 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) defined by a standard such as-Distributed Data Interface. Some of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 belong to the same subnetwork 301 and can mutually communicate via the switching hub 203. The cloud server 201 can also be configured by the server 201A and the server 201B.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 5 and the inspection apparatus 7 in the first embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming apparatus main body 5 and an inspection apparatus 7. A client terminal device 2, which is an example of a terminal device, is connected to the image forming apparatus main body 5 via a communication line constituting a network 501. The client terminal device 2 transmits print job data to the image forming apparatus main body 5. The image forming apparatus main body 5 receives the print job data transmitted by the client terminal device 2 through the communication line, and forms an image on a print sheet based on the print image data obtained by converting the received print job data. An image reading unit 11 is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 5. The image reading unit 11 includes an ADF 11A and a document reading unit 11B. The ADF 11 </ b> A includes a document tray 13, a sheet passing path 15, a sheet discharge tray 17, a contact image sensor 21, a density reference member 23 and the like. The density reference member 23 is used at the time of shading correction of the ADF 11A. The document reading unit 11B includes a document illuminating unit 25, a reflection mirror 26, a condenser lens 27, a sensor 28, a platen glass 29, and the like. The image reading unit 11 separates the document set in the document tray 13 one by one and feeds it out, and conveys it in the sub-scanning direction along the sheet passing path 15 where the contact type image sensor 21 is disposed. The sheet is discharged to the paper tray 17. The document illumination unit 25 includes a lamp 25A and a mirror 25B. While the document is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction along the sheet passing path 15, the reading operation in line units in the main scanning direction is repeatedly performed by the document illumination unit 25, the reflection mirror 26, the condenser lens 27, and the sensor 28. .

  The image forming apparatus main body 5 includes an image forming unit 41, a fixing unit 43, a sheet feeding unit 45, and the like. The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 51, a developing device 53, a photosensitive drum 55, and a transfer belt 57. The image forming unit 41 supplies toners of different colors to the photosensitive drum 55 by the exposure device 51 based on the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 11 and develops the same. The image forming unit 41 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 55 by the transfer belt 57 onto the printing paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 45. The image forming unit 41 fuses the toner of the toner image transferred onto the printing paper by the fixing unit 43, whereby the color image is fixed on the printing paper. The inspection device 7 is disposed in the in-line method on the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 5 and reads an image printed on one side or both sides of a printing sheet on which an image is formed. In the following description, it is assumed that the inspection device 7 is arranged in the inline system, but the inspection device 7 may be arranged in the downstream side of the image forming apparatus main body 5 in the offline system.

  The inspection apparatus 7 includes an image inspection unit 76A, an image inspection unit 76B, a colorimeter 78, background members 74A to 74C, a conveyance unit 72, and a conveyance path 71. The transport path 71 is a path through which printing paper passes. The transport unit 72 transports a print sheet on which an image is formed. Therefore, in the conveyance path 71, the print sheet is conveyed by the driving of the conveyance unit 72. For example, when the printing paper supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 5 is received, the inspection device 7 causes the image inspecting units 76A and 76B and the colorimeter 78 to read an image formed on the printing paper. The read result of the image may be output to the image forming apparatus main body 5 or the like. Specifically, each of the image inspection unit 76A and the image inspection unit 76B is disposed at a position opposite to one of the front and back of the printing sheet passing through the conveyance path 71. The image inspection unit 76A is disposed at a position where the back side of the printing paper is read. The reading result of the image inspection unit 76A may be used, for example, to check the deviation of the front and back of the image printed on the printing paper, or to check the presence or absence of an unexpected image. On the other hand, the image inspection unit 76B is disposed at a position where the surface of the printing paper is read. Specifically, the image inspection unit 76B reads an image printed on a print sheet. As the printing paper is transported, the image inspection unit 76B reads the color of the image formed on the printing paper in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the printing paper, that is, the main scanning direction. When the image inspection unit 76A and the image inspection unit 76B are collectively referred to, they are referred to as an image inspection unit 76. The image inspection unit 76 includes, for example, a scanner. When the background members 74A to 74C are collectively referred to, they are referred to as the background member 74.

  The image forming apparatus main body 5 includes a control unit 101, and is connected to the inspection apparatus 7 via a communication line 411. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 101 includes a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a CPU 111, an I / O interface (not shown), and a non-volatile memory 114. The CPU 111 reads out a program from the ROM 112 according to the processing content, expands it in the RAM 113, and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 5 in cooperation with the expanded program. The nonvolatile memory 114 is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive, and stores various data. Various data stored in the non-volatile memory 114 are referred to when the CPU 111 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 5. The control unit 101 includes an image reading unit 11, an image processing unit 106, a panel operation unit 107, a communication unit 108, an image output unit 110, and the like in addition to the image forming unit 41, the fixing unit 43, and the paper feeding unit 45. Control via 401. The inspection apparatus 7 includes a control unit 141, and is connected to the image forming apparatus main body 5 via the communication line 411. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 141 includes a ROM 122, a RAM 123, a CPU 121, an I / O interface (not shown), and a non-volatile memory 124. The CPU 121 reads a program according to the processing content from the ROM 122, develops it in the RAM 123, and controls the operation of the inspection apparatus 7 in cooperation with the developed program. The non-volatile memory 124 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive, and stores various data. Various data stored in the non-volatile memory 124 are referred to when the CPU 121 controls the operation of the inspection apparatus 7. The control unit 141 controls the communication unit 128 via the bus 402, in addition to the conveyance unit 72, the background member 74, the image inspection unit 76, the colorimeter 78, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can perform various adjustments by reading an image formed on a printing sheet by the image forming unit 41 by the image reading unit 11 or the inspection device 7. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform image adjustment such as the color or position of the image formed on the printing paper by the image forming unit 41, and automatically determines the necessity of the image adjustment. It is also possible. The determination of the necessity of the image adjustment can improve the determination accuracy of the necessity of the adjustment of the image adjustment by setting the optimum abnormality determination threshold according to the machine state or the like. Such image adjustment is generally used to optimize different printing reproductions for each printing paper and to improve printing quality. Since there are a plurality of such adjustment items, multiple sheets of printing paper are used for each adjustment item. Therefore, since the number of patch charts and the like increases, a large amount of waste paper is generated. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce waste paper by outputting a chart for confirming the current image quality and automatically determining the necessity of each adjustment item.

  However, when it is automatically determined whether or not each adjustment item is necessary, deterioration of parts such as streaks, unevenness, dirt, or spots, or image defects caused by foreign matter or the like adhering to parts may be necessary for each adjustment item. Since the measurement result of the quality such as unevenness or maximum density used for the determination of the negative is affected, the determination of the necessity of each adjustment item is influenced. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image abnormality in the embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. In the example of FIG. 4, since vertical stripes I_v appear in the horizontal band chart, the measurement result of quality is affected. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of the image abnormality in the embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. In the example of FIG. 5, since the horizontal stripes I_h appear in the vertical band chart, the measurement result of the quality is affected.

  The horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart are images formed by the image forming unit 41 and are images for determining whether or not they correspond to an image abnormality, and other charts also include basic image quality charts. Specifically, in the horizontal band chart, different colors are formed along the horizontal direction of the print sheet at fixed intervals in the vertical direction of the print sheet. In the vertical band chart, different colors are formed along the vertical direction of the printing paper at fixed intervals in the horizontal direction of the printing paper. In the basic image quality chart, gradations are formed for each color. The basic image quality chart includes at least one of density adjustment tone patches, misalignment adjustment marks, and color resist marks. At least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is used to determine the image abnormality. At least one of the horizontal band chart and the basic image quality chart is used to determine the necessity of the adjustment item of the image adjustment. The adjustment items of the image adjustment are at least one of density balance, maximum density, output paper density, and color resist. Preferably, at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart and the basic image quality chart are continuously formed in series by the image forming unit 41. Also, if at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is formed and it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the basic image quality chart is formed.

  The image abnormality affecting the measurement value of the quality corresponding to each adjustment item is determined by outputting the printing paper and adjusting the image before adjustment of each adjustment item. An abnormality determination threshold is used to determine the image abnormality. The abnormality determination threshold value is a determination index when determining whether or not the image abnormality is present. When it is determined that there is an image abnormality based on the read image and the abnormality determination threshold, a warning or the like is displayed to make the user select the necessity of the image adjustment. Specifically, when the density of at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit 11 exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, the control unit 101 determines that there is an image abnormality. Specifically, when the density in the vertical direction of the printing paper of the image of the horizontal band chart read by the image reading unit 11 exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, the control unit 101 has an image abnormality in the vertical direction of the printing paper It is determined that The control unit 101 determines that there is an image abnormality in the lateral direction of the print sheet when the density in the lateral direction of the print sheet of the image of the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit 11 exceeds the abnormality determination threshold.

  However, it is preferable not to use one abnormality determination threshold value to determine the necessity of image adjustment. The image formed on the printing paper may differ in reproduction depending on the printing paper, and may differ depending on the user, and the stability may be different depending on the machine setting value such as whether to prioritize the image or the like. is there. Therefore, if there is one abnormality determination threshold value, there is a possibility that the determination of the necessity of the image adjustment may be mistaken. Therefore, when the user determines that the image adjustment is unnecessary, an abnormality determination threshold of a level corresponding to the streak or spot such as streaks, unevenness, dirt, or spots is stored, and the abnormality determination threshold is used as the machine status or printing. It is preferable to store in association with a paper profile in combination with various conditions at the time of printing such as paper setting, image forming conditions, and model. That is, the abnormality determination threshold is preferably used in accordance with various conditions at the time of printing. Also, if the associated abnormality determination threshold and various conditions at the time of printing are uploaded to the cloud server 201, the various types of data collected from a plurality of machines can be used to determine the optimum abnormality according to various conditions such as printing paper. The threshold can be determined.

  Specifically, when the control unit 101 determines that there is an image abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit 11, the necessity of the image adjustment as to whether or not to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit 41 is Let the user make a decision. The control unit 101 determines the necessity of the image adjustment as to whether or not to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit 41 according to the determination result by the user. The control unit 101 adjusts the abnormality determination threshold according to the determination result of necessity of image adjustment. The control unit 101 determines at least the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing conditions for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user. Associate with one and store it. The place to be stored is not limited to the non-volatile memory 114 of its own device, and may be the cloud server 201.

  The control unit 101 corresponds to the determination result by the user, the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing condition for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user. The abnormality determination threshold is adjusted on the basis of the extraction result of the extraction. When it is determined that there is an image abnormality and it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the control unit 101 mitigates the abnormality determination threshold. When the control unit 101 determines that there are a plurality of types of image abnormalities, the control unit 101 mitigates ones corresponding to a plurality of types of abnormality determination thresholds. The control unit 101 determines that there is no image abnormality, and strengthens the abnormality determination threshold when it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary.

  The control unit 101 determines, as a result of determination by the user, the state of the image forming unit 41, printing conditions for printing an image on printing paper, apparatus identification information of an apparatus for printing an image on printing paper, identification information of the user, and an abnormality determination threshold. Are associated and uploaded to the cloud server 201. In this case, the abnormality determination threshold includes at least one of the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing conditions for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user. Is applied to an apparatus which is downloaded from the cloud server 201 and performs image adjustment.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image abnormality determination process in the embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. The processes of steps S14 to S16 and steps S21 to S25 are abnormality determination threshold value adjustment processes. In step S11, for example, when the user selects the intelligent batch color automatic adjustment mode via the panel operation unit 107, the image forming unit 41 outputs a horizontal band chart and a vertical band chart. In step S12, the image reading unit 11 reads the images of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart. In step S13, the control unit 101 acquires an abnormality determination threshold. In step S14, the control unit 101 determines whether there is an image abnormality. When determining that there is an image abnormality (step S14; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S21. In step S21, the control unit 101 determines whether image adjustment is necessary. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether the image adjustment is necessary by accepting the user's determination via the panel operation unit 107. When the control unit 101 determines that the image adjustment is necessary (step S21; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S22. If the control unit 101 determines that the image adjustment is unnecessary (step S21; N), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S17.

  In step S22, the control unit 101 determines that image adjustment is necessary. In step S23, the control unit 101 determines whether there are a plurality of image abnormalities. When it is determined that there are a plurality of image abnormalities (step S23; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S24. When it is determined that there is not a plurality of image abnormalities (step S23; N), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S25. In step S24, the control unit 101 mitigates the abnormality determination threshold values corresponding to a plurality of types, and shifts to the process of step S17. In step S25, the control unit 101 mitigates the abnormality determination threshold and shifts to the process of step S17.

  When it is determined that there is no image abnormality (step S14; N), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S15. In step S15, the control unit 101 determines whether image adjustment is necessary. For example, the control unit 101 determines whether the image adjustment is necessary by accepting the user's determination via the panel operation unit 107. If the control unit 101 determines that the image adjustment is necessary (step S15; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S16. If the control unit 101 determines that the image adjustment is unnecessary (step S15; N), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S17. In step S16, the control unit 101 strengthens the abnormality determination threshold. That is, the level of streaks or spots is set high. In step S17, the control unit 101 analyzes the details of the image abnormality included in the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart. For example, the density range of the image to be compared with the abnormality determination threshold is set narrow. In step S18, the control unit 101 executes the abnormality determination threshold value adjustment process corresponding to the process of steps S14 to S16 and steps S21 to S25. In step S19, the control unit 101 associates the analysis result and stores it in the paper profile. In step S20, the control unit 101 uploads the analysis result to the cloud server 201. The upload process may be performed by the communication unit 108 in accordance with a control command of the control unit 101.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image adjustment process in the embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied. The process of step S44 to step S46 is a horizontal band chart analysis process. The processes of steps S47 to S54 are basic image quality chart analysis processes. The basic image quality chart analysis process is a process of executing the image adjustment according to the result of the necessity determination in the maximum density adjustment necessity determination process, the output paper density adjustment necessity determination process, and the color registration correction necessity determination process. is there. The maximum density adjustment necessity determination process corresponds to the process of step S48 and step S49. The output paper density adjustment necessity determination process corresponds to the processes of steps S50 and S51. The color registration correction necessity determination processing corresponds to the processing in step S52 and step S53. The process of step S48 and step S49, the process of step S50 and step S51, and the process of step S52 and step S53 are out of order, and may be performed in parallel or in parallel.

  In step S41, the control unit 101 determines whether at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is formed. When it is determined that at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is formed (step S41; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S42. When it is determined that one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is not formed (step S41; N), the control unit 101 continues the process of step S41. In step S42, the control unit 101 determines whether it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary. When it is determined that the image adjustment is determined to be necessary (step S42; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S43. If it is determined that the image adjustment is not required (step S42; N), the control unit 101 continues the process of step S42. In step S43, the image forming unit 41 outputs a basic image quality chart.

  In step S44, the control unit 101 determines whether the horizontal band chart has been analyzed. When it is determined that the horizontal band chart has been analyzed (step S44; Y), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S47. When it is determined that the horizontal band chart has not been analyzed (step S44; N), the control unit 101 proceeds to the process of step S45. In step S45, the control unit 101 analyzes the density profile for each color. In step S46, the control unit 101 determines the necessity of density balance correction.

  In step S47, the image reading unit 11 reads an image of the basic image quality chart. In step S48, the control unit 101 compares the maximum density target value with the read image for each color. In step S49, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the maximum density adjustment is necessary. In step S50, the control unit 101 compares, for each color, the tone of the previously read image with the tone of the currently read image. If there is no gradation of the image read last time, it may be compared with the gradation of the image set by default. In step S51, the control unit 101 determines whether or not output paper density adjustment is necessary. In step S52, the control unit 101 compares Y, M, and C color misregistration values with respect to K. In step S53, the control unit 101 determines whether or not color registration correction is necessary. In step S54, the control unit 101 performs adjustment of only the image quality that requires image adjustment based on the necessity determination results of step S46, step S49, step S51, and step S53.

  From the above description, when it is determined that there is an image abnormality in the read image, whether to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit 41 according to the determination result by the user whether to adjust the image or not decide. Therefore, since the person narrowed down to a certain extent by the determination of the machine is confirmed by a person, the determination of the necessity of the adjustment of the image is not mistaken. Therefore, since the erroneous determination can be prevented, the determination accuracy of the necessity of the image adjustment can be improved.

  Further, the abnormality determination threshold is adjusted in accordance with the determination result of the necessity of adjustment of the image. Therefore, the intention of the user can be reflected on the abnormality determination threshold. Therefore, since the abnormality determination threshold value can be set according to the user orientation, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the necessity of adjusting the image adjustment.

  Further, the determination result by the user is associated with at least one of the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing condition for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user To memorize. Therefore, the determination result by the user can be associated with various conditions at the time of printing. Therefore, an optimal abnormality determination threshold can be set.

  Further, among the determination results by the user, the condition of the image forming unit 41, the printing conditions for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user The abnormality determination threshold is adjusted based on the extracted result. Therefore, since what was determined once can be used again, processing time can be shortened. Therefore, the productivity can be improved as a whole.

  Also, in the horizontal band chart, different colors are formed along the horizontal direction of the printing paper at fixed intervals in the vertical direction of the printing paper. Therefore, the horizontal band chart can be used for FD streaks such as streaks I_v in the vertical direction, oblique streaks, and spot analysis and determination of necessity of density balance adjustment. In the vertical band chart, different colors are formed along the vertical direction of the printing paper at fixed intervals in the horizontal direction of the printing paper. Therefore, the vertical band chart can be used for CD streaks and spot analysis such as the horizontal streak I_h. In the basic image quality chart, gradations are formed for each color. Therefore, the basic image quality chart can be used to determine the necessity of maximum density adjustment, output paper density adjustment, and color registration correction.

  Further, at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is used for the determination of the image abnormality, and at least one of the horizontal band chart and the basic image quality chart is used for the necessity determination of the adjustment item of the image adjustment. Therefore, since it is sufficient to use a necessary chart in accordance with the necessary judgment, it is possible to reduce the waste paper as a whole.

  When the density of at least one image of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that there is an image abnormality. Therefore, since the image abnormality can be determined only by comparing the density, the image abnormality determination process can be executed with a low load.

  When the density in the vertical direction of the print sheet of the image of the horizontal band chart exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that there is an image abnormality in the vertical direction of the print sheet. Therefore, it is possible to detect the streak I_v in the vertical direction as an image abnormality.

  Further, when the density in the horizontal direction of the print sheet of the image of the vertical band chart exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that there is an image abnormality in the horizontal direction of the print sheet. Therefore, it is possible to detect the horizontal streak I_h as an image abnormality.

  In addition, the basic image quality chart includes at least one of a density adjustment tone patch, a positional deviation adjustment mark, and a color resist mark. Therefore, the necessity determination of the adjustment item of image adjustment can be performed.

  In addition, at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart and the basic image quality chart are continuously formed in series. Therefore, since each chart can be formed before the condition at the time of printing changes, the image abnormality determination process and the image adjustment process can be executed assuming that the various conditions at the time of printing are the same.

  In addition, when at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is formed and it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, a basic image quality chart is formed. Therefore, since the basic image quality chart is formed when necessary, it is possible to reduce the amount of waste paper.

  In addition, when it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the abnormality determination threshold is alleviated. Therefore, it can be determined that the image is not abnormal from next time on.

  In addition, when it is determined that there are a plurality of types of image abnormalities, among the abnormality determination threshold values, those corresponding to each of the plurality of types are alleviated. Therefore, since the abnormality determination threshold is mitigated for each type of image abnormality, the determination accuracy of the image abnormality can be individually and specifically corrected.

  Further, when it is determined that there is no image abnormality and it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the abnormality determination threshold is strengthened. Therefore, the user's visual confirmation can be prioritized as the determination of the image abnormality.

  The adjustment items of the image adjustment are at least one of density balance, maximum density, output paper density, and color resist. Therefore, image adjustment can be performed for each adjustment item.

  Further, as a result of the judgment by the user, the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing condition for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, the user identification information, and the abnormality determination threshold It is uploaded to the cloud server 201. Therefore, an apparatus accessible to the cloud server 201 can refer to various conditions at the time of printing.

  The abnormality determination threshold is based on at least one of the state of the image forming unit 41, the printing condition for printing an image on printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing an image on printing paper, and the identification information of the user. It is downloaded from the cloud server 201 and applied to an apparatus that performs image adjustment. Therefore, even if it is another apparatus, if various conditions at the time of printing are the same or similar, since the result can be applied, processing efficiency can be improved.

  Although the image forming apparatus 1 to which the present disclosure is applied has been described based on the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  For example, in the present embodiment, an example in which the image reading unit 11 reads an image formed on a printing sheet by the image forming unit 41 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the image inspection unit 76 included in the inspection apparatus 7 may read it. Further, although an example in which the image forming apparatus 1 includes the image forming apparatus main body 5 and the inspection apparatus 7 has been described, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the image forming apparatus main body 5 and an image reading unit in the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 5 And the inspection apparatus 7 may not be included.

Reference Signs List 1 image forming apparatus, 2 client terminal apparatus, 5 image forming apparatus main body, 7 inspection apparatus 11 image reading unit, 11A ADF, 11B document reading unit, 13 document tray 15 sheet passing path, 17 discharge tray, 21 contact type image sensor 23 density reference member 25 document illumination unit, 25A lamp, 25B mirror, 26 reflection mirror 27 condenser lens, 28 sensor, 29 platen glass 41 image forming unit, 43 fixing unit, 45 paper feeding unit 51 exposure device, 53 developing device, 55 photosensitive drums 57 transfer belts 71 transport paths 72 transport units 74 74A to 74C background members 76 76A and 76B image inspection units 78 colorimeters 101 and 141 control units 106 image processing units 107 panel operation units 108 , 128 communication unit, 110 image output unit 111, 121 CPU, 112, 122 OM, 113,123 RAM
114, 124 nonvolatile memory 201 cloud server, 201A, 201B server 203 switching hub 301 subnetwork, 401, 402 bus, 411 communication line 501 network I_v, I_h line

Claims (19)

An image forming unit that forms an image on printing paper;
An image reading unit that reads an image formed on a printing sheet by the image forming unit;
A control unit that allows the user to determine whether it is necessary to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit when it is determined that there is an image abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit;
Equipped with
The control unit
Whether or not to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit is determined based on the determination result by the user.
Image forming apparatus. The control unit
Adjusting an abnormality determination threshold, which serves as a determination index when determining whether or not the image is abnormal, according to the determination result of necessity of the image adjustment;
An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit
The determination result by the user includes at least one of a state of the image forming unit, a printing condition for printing an image on the printing paper, device identification information of a device for printing an image on the printing paper, and identification information of the user. To associate and store
An image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The control unit
The determination result by the user, the state of the image forming unit, the printing condition for printing the image on the printing paper, the device identification information of the device for printing the image on the printing paper, and the identification information of the user Adjusting the abnormality determination threshold based on the extraction result of extracting
An image forming apparatus according to claim 3. The image forming unit is
At least one of a horizontal band chart and a vertical band chart and a basic image quality chart are formed as an image for determining whether or not the image is abnormal.
The horizontal band chart is
Different colors are formed along the lateral direction of the printing paper at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the printing paper,
The vertical band chart is
Different colors are formed along the longitudinal direction of the printing paper at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction of the printing paper,
The basic image quality chart is
Gradation is formed for each color,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The control unit
At least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart is used for the determination of the image abnormality, and at least one of the horizontal band chart and the basic image quality chart for the necessity determination of the adjustment item of the image adjustment. Use one,
An image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The control unit
When the density of at least one image of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that the image abnormality is present.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The control unit
When the density in the longitudinal direction of the print sheet of the image of the horizontal band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that the image abnormality is in the longitudinal direction of the print sheet;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The control unit
When the horizontal density of the printing paper of the image of the vertical band chart read by the image reading unit exceeds the abnormality determination threshold, it is determined that the image abnormality is present in the horizontal direction of the printing paper.
An image forming apparatus according to claim 7. The basic image quality chart is
Including at least one of density adjustment tone patches, misalignment adjustment marks, and color resist marks
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9. The image forming unit is
Forming at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart and the basic image quality chart in succession;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10. The image forming unit is
Forming at least one of the horizontal band chart and the vertical band chart, and forming the basic image quality chart when it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary;
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 11. The control unit
If it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the abnormality determination threshold is relaxed.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 12. The control unit
When it is determined that there are a plurality of types of image abnormalities, among the abnormality determination thresholds, those corresponding to the plurality of types are mitigated,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13. The control unit
If it is determined that the image abnormality is not present, and it is determined that the image adjustment is necessary, the abnormality determination threshold is strengthened.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 14. The adjustment items of the image adjustment are
At least one of density balance, maximum density, output paper density, and color resist,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 15. The control unit
As a result of determination by the user, a state of the image forming unit, printing conditions for printing an image on the printing paper, device identification information of a device for printing an image on the printing paper, identification information for the user, and the abnormality determination threshold Associate and upload to the cloud server,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 16. The abnormality determination threshold is
The present invention is applied to an apparatus that is downloaded from the cloud server and performs the image adjustment based on at least one of the state of the image forming unit, the printing condition, the apparatus identification information, and the identification information of the user.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 17. An image forming unit that forms an image on printing paper;
An image reading unit that reads an image formed on a printing sheet by the image forming unit;
A computer for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:
A control unit that causes the user to determine whether it is necessary to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit when it is determined that the image read by the image reading unit has an image abnormality;
A program to function as
The control unit
Whether or not to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit is determined based on the determination result by the user.
program.

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