JP2019139024A - Output device, image forming apparatus, program, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to prevent a reduction in productivity when an adjustment operation is input to an output device.SOLUTION: An output device of one embodiment comprises: output means that outputs an output object; information acquisition means that acquires information from the output object output by the output means; adjustment means that performs adjustment of the output means; and control means that causes the information acquisition means to acquire the information in a period after pre-processing performed by the information acquisition means before the acquisition of the information and after the adjustment when the adjustment means performs the adjustment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  There is already known a technique in which reading is performed after a light source of a reading device is turned on in advance to stabilize short-term light amount / color tone fluctuations. This technique is applied to, for example, a light source of a reading apparatus that reads an image on a recording medium output from a printing apparatus when calibration is performed.

  There is a document disclosing a printer calibration technique for providing a waiting time until the illumination lamp of the reading device reaches a stable state. In this technique, the illumination lamp is provided with different times as the time until it reaches a stable state. There are a mode based on the elapsed time from the previous scan and a mode based on the number of sheets scanned in the previous scan, each of which provides a long time and a short time necessary for the stable state. (See Patent Document 1).

  However, when an adjustment operation such as a process control operation is performed in the output device, conventionally, the time required for the adjustment operation is not taken into consideration, and thus productivity may be lowered. For example, when an adjustment operation is entered, the output device is not output from the output device at the conventional timing, and the reading device waits for the output device to start reading longer than the set time. In particular, in the case where the adjustment operation is long, even if an output product is output, preparation processing on the reading device side may be necessary again, and it takes time to prepare again before starting reading. As described above, there is a problem that productivity is lowered when an adjustment operation is performed in the output device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an output device, an image forming apparatus, a program, and a method capable of preventing a decrease in productivity when an adjustment operation is performed. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an output device according to an embodiment of the present invention obtains information from an output unit that outputs an output product and the output product output by the output unit An information acquisition means, an adjustment means for adjusting the output means, a pre-processing performed by the information acquisition means before acquisition of the information, and a period corresponding to after the adjustment when the adjustment means performs the adjustment. Control means for acquiring the information by the information acquisition means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity when an adjustment operation is performed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the output device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the waiting time. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the waiting time according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the change in light amount and the waiting time. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image reading control flow in the image forming apparatus.

(Embodiment)
Exemplary embodiments of an output device, an image forming apparatus, a program, and a method will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the output device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the output device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an output unit 11, an information acquisition unit 12, an adjustment unit 13, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14.

  The output means 11 performs preprocessing for output, and outputs the output A after finishing the preprocessing. The preprocessing includes adjustment processing such as “parameter optimization” and “process control”. The adjustment process is an adjustment process of an output operation that changes according to an environmental factor (for example, temperature). When the adjustment process is entered, the output unit 11 receives the adjustment result d1 from the adjustment unit 13, and outputs the output A with the setting after adjustment based on the adjustment result d1. As described above, the setting of the output unit 11 is optimized according to the environmental factors by the adjustment process, and the output product A is output from the output unit 11 with the optimal setting at that time.

  The information acquisition unit 12 performs the information acquisition process on the output A of the output unit 11 after performing the preprocessing for the information acquisition process. The preprocessing for the information acquisition process is a preparation process for the information acquisition unit 12 to stably execute the information acquisition process. For example, when the information acquisition unit 12 acquires information by irradiating the output A with a light source, the preparation process includes a waiting time until the light amount is stabilized after the light source is turned on.

  The adjustment means 13 performs a process for obtaining the adjustment result d1 according to the setting, and outputs the adjustment result d1 obtained by the process to the output means 11.

  The CPU 14 is an example of a “control unit”, and comprehensively controls the output unit 11, the information acquisition unit 12, and the adjustment unit 13. For example, the CPU 14 instructs the output unit 11 to output the output product A, and instructs the information acquisition unit 12 to prepare for the information acquisition process for the output product A. At this time, the CPU 14 transmits an adjustment processing execution instruction a1 to the adjustment means 13, and the output means 11 outputs the output A with the adjusted setting based on the adjustment result d1.

  After instructing the information acquisition means 12 to prepare, the CPU 14 instructs the start of information acquisition processing. Specifically, the CPU 14 sends an execution instruction a2 to the information acquisition unit 12 after a waiting time set based on the time required for the information acquisition unit 12 for the preparation process and the time required for the adjustment unit 13 and the output unit 11 for adjustment. Send.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the waiting time. FIG. 2 shows, as an example, a case where the predetermined preparation time t2 of the output unit 11 comes after the preparation time t1 of the information acquisition unit 12. Here, the predetermined preparation time t2 indicates a time that does not include the adjustment process in the pre-process.

  In this case, when the adjustment process is performed by the output unit 11, the time until the output product A is output from the output unit 11 is longer than when the adjustment process is not performed. If the adjustment process is not taken into consideration, the waiting time of the CPU 14 is a short setting of only the stable time of the information acquisition unit 12, so even after instructing the information acquisition unit 12 to start the information acquisition process, The output A is not output by the adjustment process. In this case, the information acquisition means 12 cannot detect the output A within a predetermined time, resulting in an error. For example, when the light source is turned off in the error determination, the light source is turned on again for the output A that has been delayed, and the information acquisition process for the output A must be waited until the light quantity is stabilized. Productivity is reduced.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in “waiting time” in FIG. 2, a waiting time (t2 + Δt) obtained by adding the time Δt required for the adjustment process to the predetermined preparation time t2 is set as the waiting time of the CPU 14.

  By starting the information acquisition process in this waiting time, the information acquisition process can be performed while maintaining the state after the preparation process of the information acquisition means 12 without judging the output A output after the adjustment process as an error, A decrease in productivity due to the adjustment process can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, an application example to the image forming apparatus will be shown as an embodiment of the output apparatus 1. The output device 1 is not limited to the image forming apparatus. The output device 1 includes at least an output unit 11 for performing adjustment processing, and can be applied to other devices as long as the information acquisition unit 12 acquires information on the output A output from the output unit 11. Good.

Example 1
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a calibration apparatus provided with an image reading unit dedicated for calibration as an example of the image forming apparatus. In the first embodiment, the image forming unit 110 corresponds to the output unit 11 (see FIG. 1). The image forming unit 110 includes a configuration that performs a process control operation (hereinafter, abbreviated as “procedure operation”) as an example of adjustment processing. An image reading unit 150 corresponds to the information acquisition unit 12 (see FIG. 1). The image reading unit 150 is an image reading unit for calibrating an output product (referred to as “recording paper” in the present embodiment) output from the image forming unit 110. Read the test chart (recording paper) before printing.

  The image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes an operation panel 101, an image forming unit 110, and an image reading unit 150. As an example, the image forming unit 110 forms an image by electrophotography.

  The operation panel 101 is an operation unit that receives various settings and operation inputs for the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming unit 110 includes an optical writing device 111, a YMCK tandem image forming unit 112, a transfer unit 113, an intermediate transfer belt 114, a paper feeding unit 116, a conveyance path 118, and a secondary transfer roller 119. And a fixing unit 120, a paper discharge unit 121, and the like.

  The image forming unit 112 includes four photosensitive drums 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4 corresponding to four colors of YMCK, arranged in parallel, and the photosensitive drums 112-1, 112-2. , 112-3, 112-4, and an image forming element including a charger, a developer, a transfer unit, a cleaner, and a static eliminator. An intermediate transfer belt 114 is disposed between each of the photoconductive drums 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4 and the transfer unit 113 while being sandwiched between the nips of the two. The intermediate transfer belt 114 is stretched between the driving roller 115-1 and the driven roller 115-2.

  The optical writing device 111 performs optical writing on each of the photosensitive drums 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, and 112-4. Each of the photoconductive drums 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, and 112-4 forms a toner image through an image forming process using an image forming element in a portion where optical writing has been performed, and is an intermediate that is moved in one direction. Four color toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 114 in the order of YMCK by each transfer unit 113. As a result, the full color image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 114.

  The intermediate transfer belt 114 further travels and conveys the full color image on the intermediate transfer belt 114 to the secondary transfer position.

  The paper feeding unit 116 stores a bundle of recording paper and feeds the recording paper in order from the top surface of the recording paper bundle. The registration roller 117 separates the recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 116 one by one and supplies it to the conveyance path 118.

  The conveyance path 118 conveys the recording paper in the arrow Y1 direction.

  At that position (secondary transfer position), the secondary transfer roller 119 collectively transfers the full-color image conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 114 onto the recording paper conveyed by the conveyance path 118.

  The fixing unit 120 fixes the full color image on the recording paper by heating and pressurizing the recording paper on which the full color image is transferred.

  The image forming unit 110 discharges the recording sheet on which the full-color image is fixed to the outside of the image forming unit 110 (image reading unit 150) by the paper discharge belt of the paper discharge unit 121.

  The image reading unit 150 includes a conveyance path 151, an image reading unit 152 for calibration, and the like. The conveyance path 151 discharges the recording sheet (the recording sheet for the full-color image) output from the image forming unit 110 to the outside through a reading position where the calibration image reading unit 152 reads the recording sheet. The image reading unit 152 for calibration includes a light source 206 (see FIG. 4) and a one-dimensional image sensor 207 (see FIG. 4). The image sensor 207 includes an imaging element and an imaging circuit. The image reading unit 152 images the recording paper at the reading position with an imaging element by irradiation of the light source 206. The imaging circuit outputs an image signal having each pixel by controlling the exposure timing of the imaging element and amplifying a pixel signal output from the imaging element.

  The image forming apparatus 100 has a calibration mode in addition to the normal mode. In the normal mode, the image-formed recording paper is scanned and discharged to the outside. In the calibration mode, the image reading unit 152 reads a test chart output from the image forming unit 110 immediately before image formation in the normal mode, and the image forming unit 110 performs calibration based on the read image. In the first embodiment, the calibration will be described as a setting that is performed every time immediately before a print output job in the normal mode. The frequency of performing calibration is not limited to this, and may be set as appropriate.

  In the calibration mode, it is necessary to read the test chart under the condition that the light source 206 is always constant. For this reason, after the light source 206 of the image reading unit 152 is turned on, the image reading unit 152 reads the test chart after waiting for a required time for the amount of light to stabilize (corresponding to “time for preparing the image reading unit”). Need to do.

  On the other hand, in the configuration shown in this embodiment, the image forming unit 110 may or may not enter a process control operation. When the process control operation enters the image forming unit 110, image formation is not performed in the image formation unit 110 until the process control operation is completed, and the recording paper is sent to the image reading position as compared to when the process control operation is not performed. The waiting time becomes longer.

  The process control operation is an adjustment operation for obtaining a stable image density. Specifically, in this adjustment operation, a predetermined toner pattern is formed on the peripheral surface of the image carrier such as the photosensitive drums 112-1, 112-2, 112-3, 112-4, the intermediate transfer belt 114, and the like. Based on the detection result of the adhesion amount, an image formation condition necessary for obtaining a predetermined target adhesion amount is calculated, and an optimum image formation condition is set.

  The time required for the operation of the process control operation is not constant depending on the state of the device. In a large-scale image forming apparatus that requires calibration as in the first embodiment, it generally takes longer than the stabilization time of the light source 206. Is. For this reason, if only the stable time of the conventional light source 206 is taken into consideration, there may be a case where the recording paper is not output to the image reading unit 152 within the set predetermined time, and in this case, an error is detected.

  In the first embodiment, in consideration of the fact that the time required for the process control operation is not constant depending on the state of the device and that the process control operation may or may not be performed, the waiting time shown in the embodiment is selectively selected. An improved example that can be changed will be described.

  In the first exemplary embodiment, the waiting time is a time until both the preparation time of the image reading unit 150 including the stabilization waiting time of the light source 206 and the preparation time of the image forming unit 110 including the process control operation are completed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control block configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU 200, a timer 201, a plotter 202, a conveyance control unit 203, an image formation preprocessing unit (procedure control unit) 204, an operation unit 205, a light source 206, an image sensor (“light reception”). 207 ”, a scanner driving unit 208-1, a timer 208-2, and an image processing unit 209.

  The CPU 200 is a main control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The CPU 200 executes a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like by reading it into a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like, and controls the whole. The timer 201 is a timer for the CPU 200 to count a predetermined time.

  The plotter 202 is a control block that forms an image on recording paper. The plotter 202 includes, for example, the optical writing device 111, the image forming unit 112, the transfer unit 113, the intermediate transfer belt 114, the secondary transfer roller 119, and the fixing unit 120 illustrated in FIG.

  The conveyance control unit 203 is a control block for conveying the recording paper. The conveyance control unit 203 conveys the recording paper with the paper feed unit 116, the conveyance path 118, the paper discharge unit 121, the conveyance path 151 of the image reading unit 150, and the like as control targets. The conveyance control unit 203 conveys a recording sheet by controlling a drive motor to be controlled, for example.

  The process control unit 204 executes the process control operation of the image forming unit 110 according to a command from the CPU 200. When the process control operation is completed, the process control unit 204 notifies the CPU 200 of the completion at that time. The CPU 200 instructs the process control unit 204 to execute the process control operation, for example, when the image forming unit 110 is energized or when the image forming unit 110 has finished outputting a specific number of sheets.

  The operation unit 205 accepts an operation (setting operation, selection operation, execution operation, etc.) on the operation panel 101 from the operator and notifies the CPU 200 of it.

  The light source 206 is turned on and off by driving by the scanner driving unit 208-1.

  The scanner driving unit 208-1 causes the image sensor 207 to operate, sets a gain value, and outputs the image signal from the image sensor 207. Also, the scanner driving unit 208-1 turns on (turns on) and off (extinguishes) the light source 206 (in this case, the scanner driving unit 208-1 and the light source 206 are examples of “irradiating unit”).

  The timer 208-2 is a timer for counting the preparation time of the image reading unit 152.

  The image reading preprocessing unit 208 performs preprocessing of the image reading unit 152 in accordance with a command from the CPU 200 and notifies the CPU 200 of completion when the preprocessing is completed. Specifically, the image reading preprocessing unit 208 performs lighting of the light source 206, adjustment of the gain value, and the like as preprocessing, and notifies the CPU 200 of completion of the preprocessing when the light amount of the light source 206 is stabilized. When the preprocessing is completed, the timer 208 sets a required time for the light quantity of the light source 206 to be stable when the scanner driving unit 208-1 turns on the light source 206. The timer 208 counts the set time, and notifies the CPU 200 of completion of the preprocessing when the set time is reached (in this case, the scanner driving means 208-1 and the light source 206 are examples of “detection means”). Note that the time set in the timer 208 is obtained in advance from the characteristics of the light source 206.

  The image processing unit 209 performs image processing on the test chart image output from the image sensor 207 and transmits adjustment parameters necessary for calibration of the image forming unit 110 to the CPU 200. When the CPU 200 receives the adjustment parameter from the image processing unit 209, the CPU 200 optimizes the image forming parameter of the image processing unit 209 and ensures the image quality of the image formation.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the waiting time according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating the timing of the reading operation when the preset waiting time as shown in the embodiment is used in the configuration of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), when a preset waiting time is used, it is assumed that a process control operation is entered. Therefore, the maximum time required for the program control operation (maximum preparation time) t4 is set as the wait time. .

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the preparation time t1 of the image reading unit 152 varies in the range of time Δt1. For example, the time required for the amount of light to be stable differs between when the light source 206 is turned on first and when the light source 206 is turned on immediately after the light source 206 is turned off. For this reason, the preparation time t1 varies. Further, the preparation time t3 of the image forming unit 110 also varies within the time Δt3. For example, the preparation time varies depending on whether the program control operation is performed or not. In addition, since the operation time of the process control operation varies depending on the state of the device, it varies depending on the state of the device.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the maximum preparation time t4 is set as the “waiting time”, the preparation of the image reading unit 152 and the preparation of the image forming unit 110 are completed before the maximum preparation time t4. A period (for example, period Δ4) from the completion time to the maximum preparation time t4 is included in the waiting time, and reading is not started. That is, if reading can be started during this period, productivity can be further increased.

  FIGS. 5B and 5C are diagrams illustrating the timing of the reading operation when the waiting time according to the first embodiment can be changed. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the preparation of the image forming unit 110 is completed after the preparation of the image reading unit 152. This case corresponds to, for example, a case where the process control operation takes a long time. In this case, the waiting time t4 can be changed to the time (t3) when the preparation of the image forming unit 110 is completed. By changing in this way, the image reading unit 152 can read the test chart image (recording paper) output to the image reading position from the time (t3) when the preparation of the image forming unit 110 is completed. Become.

  FIG. 5C shows an example in which the preparation of the image reading unit 152 is completed after the preparation of the image forming unit 110. This case corresponds to the case where the process control operation does not enter. In this case, the waiting time t4 can be changed to the time (t1) when the preparation of the image reading unit 152 is completed. By changing in this way, the image reading unit 152 can read the test chart image (recording paper) output to the image reading position from the time (t1) when the preparation of the image reading unit 152 is completed. Become.

  In this manner, reading is started when both the preparation of the image reading unit 152 and the preparation of the image forming unit 110 are completed. By doing so, it is possible to start reading with the setting of the optimum waiting time according to the operation at any time regardless of the operation time of the process control, regardless of whether the process control operation is entered or not.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the change in light amount and the waiting time. FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b), and 6 (c) show the relationship between the light amount change and the waiting time in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c), respectively. ing.

  As shown in each diagram of FIG. 6, the change in the light amount of the light source 206 gradually becomes gradually with time. It is desirable that the waiting time until the light amount is stabilized is when the light amount converges to a substantially constant value (stable state).

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when a preset waiting time is used, the waiting time after the light amount is stabilized is always long because the maximum operation time of the process control operation is taken into consideration.

  In FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, in order to change the waiting time, after the light amount is stabilized, an optimum waiting time is set according to the operation at that time, and the reading operation after the light amount is stabilized is set. Start faster.

  The time required for stabilizing the light amount is obtained in advance from such a light amount change characteristic graph and set in the timer 208-2.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control flow in the image forming apparatus 100 illustrated in the first embodiment. When receiving a calibration instruction from the operation unit 205, the CPU 200 instructs the image reading unit 152 to perform preprocessing and instructs the plotter 202 to output a test chart. If necessary, the CPU 200 instructs the process control control unit 204 to perform the process control operation. The following shows an example of processing at that time.

  First, the CPU 200 turns on the light source 206 (S1). Specifically, the CPU 200 instructs the image reading unit 152 to perform preprocessing, and the scanner driving unit 208-1 turns on the light source 206 as preprocessing.

  After the light source 206 is turned on, the CPU 200 waits until a required time (light source stabilization waiting time) for stabilizing the light amount of the light source 206 elapses (S2). Specifically, the scanner driving unit 208-1 sets the light source stabilization wait time in the timer 208-2 in accordance with the lighting of the light source 206, and the CPU 200 determines that the light source stabilization wait time has passed. Wait for notification from.

  After the elapse of the light source stabilization wait time, the CPU 200 determines whether the image forming unit 110 is in the process control operation (S3). For example, the CPU 200 determines whether or not the computer control operation is in progress depending on whether a notification of completion of the computer control operation has been received from the computer control device 204 after instructing the computer control device 204 to perform the computer control operation. Then, the CPU 200 determines that the process control operation is in progress when the completion notification of the process control operation is not received (S3: Yes), and determines that the process control operation is completed when received (S3: No). Note that the CPU 200 determines that the process control operation is not being performed when the process control operation unit 204 is not instructed to perform the process control operation (S3: No).

  When the process controller is operating (S3: Yes determination), the CPU 200 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S4). Specifically, the CPU 200 sets a predetermined time in the timer 201 and determines the elapse of the predetermined time based on the notification of the elapse of the predetermined time from the timer 201.

  When the predetermined time has not elapsed (S4: No determination), the CPU 200 returns to the determination of step S3 and waits for the completion of the process control operation while maintaining the stable state of the light source 206.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (S4: Yes determination), the CPU 200 instructs the scanner driving unit 208-1 to turn off the light source 206 (S5). As a result, the scanner driving unit 208-1 turns off the light source 206 once. When an abnormally long predetermined time has elapsed after the light amount of the light source 206 has stabilized, for example, when the process control operation is abnormally long, or when the image forming unit 110 cannot complete the process control operation due to operational troubles, etc. If the lighting state of the light source 206 is maintained, the life of the light source 206 is affected. The determination based on the predetermined time considers such a case, and when the abnormally long time has elapsed, the light source 206 is temporarily turned off.

  After step S5, the CPU 200 determines whether the process control operation is being performed (S6), and repeats the determination until the process control operation is completed. When the process control operation is completed (S6: No determination), the CPU 200 returns to step S1 and instructs the scanner driving unit 208-1 to turn on the light source 206 again.

  If there is no process control operation, or if the process control operation does not become abnormally long, a No determination is made in step S3 while the light source 206 is kept on. At this timing, the CPU 200 instructs the image reading unit 152 to start reading. That is, the CPU 200 receives completions from both the image reading unit 152 and the process control unit 204 by the processing from step S1 to step S6, and when the both are received, the image reading unit 152 starts reading. Instruct.

  After step S3 (No determination), the CPU 200 instructs the image reading unit 152 to start reading, and performs a calibration scan (S7). Accordingly, the test chart is read by the image reading unit 152, and the setting of the image forming unit 110 is adjusted based on the image processing result with the shading data. It is assumed that the reading of the shading data is completed when the test chart is read.

  Subsequently, the CPU 200 starts print output (S7-1).

  When the output operation is performed without interruption (S8: No determination), the CPU 200 scans the output image on the recording paper in the image reading unit 152 (S9).

  If the output operation is interrupted due to out of paper, out of color material, paper jam, etc. after print output (S8: Yes determination), the CPU 200 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed using the timer 201 (S10). . When the output operation is resumed within the predetermined time (S10: No determination), the process returns to step S3. It is desirable to set the predetermined time so that the light source 206 is not turned off due to out of paper, out of color material, paper jam, or the like. In this way, when the operation is resumed within a predetermined time, the light source 206 is not turned off and the lighting state is maintained.

  On the other hand, when the output operation does not resume within a predetermined time (S10: Yes determination), the CPU 200 turns off the light source 206 (S11). Thereafter, the CPU 200 repeats the determination of whether or not the output operation has been resumed until the output operation is resumed (S12: No determination). Then, when the output operation is resumed (S12: Yes determination), the CPU 200 turns on the light source 206 (S13), and then waits until the light source stabilization waiting time elapses and instructs the image reading unit 152 to start reading. (S14). After step S14, the CPU 200 returns to the determination of step S8.

  After receiving the information in step S9, the CPU 200 determines whether all output sheets have been scanned (S15).

  If there is something that has not been scanned (S15: No determination), the process returns to step S8 and the same processing is performed. If all have been scanned (S15: Yes determination), the light source 206 is turned off (S16), and this processing is performed. finish.

  As described above, in this configuration, the CPU waits for execution of the image reading process of the image reading unit until both the image reading preprocessing of the image reading unit and the image forming preprocessing of the image forming unit are completed. In one example, when the completion is notified from both the image reading pre-processing unit and the image formation pre-processing unit, the CPU performs the reading process of the image of the test chart of the recording paper output from the image forming unit.

  Therefore, even when there is an adjustment operation that is not uniquely determined by the conditions, reading can be started in accordance with the end time. As a result, it is possible to perform the reading operation with the shortest waiting time in which unnecessary waiting time is reduced while ensuring the detection accuracy, and the overall productivity is improved.

  In the first embodiment, the completion notification from the image reading preprocessing unit and the image formation preprocessing unit is used as a trigger for starting control by the CPU, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a configuration in which processing completion can be notified by a sensor (such as a temperature sensor), the trigger may be triggered by switching of the sensor output.

  In addition, the light source 206 may be configured to be turned off when it is time to turn off the light source 206 after the light source 206 is turned on. For example, the timer 208-2 counts the turn-off time, and when the turn-off time is reached, the CPU 200 notifies the CPU 200 of the turn-off, and the CPU 200 instructs the scanner driving unit 208-1 to turn off the light source 206.

  The image reading unit 150 may be provided integrally with the image forming apparatus 100, or may be provided as an external device connected to the image forming apparatus 100 separately from the image forming unit 110. In the case of an external device, the external device may be provided as a single function or may be provided together with other functions. In this case, the CPU of the image forming apparatus controls the image reading unit by communicating with the image reading unit of the external device.

  Further, by setting a plurality of types of waiting time for the light source to be stabilized for each elapsed time since the previous reading, the waiting time may be switched according to the elapsed time. For example, the waiting time is set to be long immediately after the light source is turned on, and the waiting time is set to be short after a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to set optimal time from several waiting time for every elapsed time.

(Example 2)
The output device may be applied to an FA (Factory Automation) inspection device. The FA camera captures images in accordance with the conveyance speed of parts flowing from the belt conveyor. If the component does not flow at a predetermined timing due to the adjustment operation on the component manufacturing side, a case where the light source is turned off can be considered. In this case, since conveyance stops until the light source is turned on, the photographing timing of the FA camera is delayed in consideration of the adjustment time, thereby suppressing a decrease in inspection efficiency.

  A program executed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is an installable or executable file and is read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is provided by being recorded on a possible recording medium.

  Further, the program may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Output device 11 Output means 12 Information acquisition means 13 Adjustment means 14 CPU

JP 2012-104882 A

Claims (19)

An output means for outputting an output product;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information from the output matter output by the output means;
Adjusting means for adjusting the output means;
Control means for acquiring the information by the information acquisition means after the pre-processing performed by the information acquisition means before acquisition of the information and after the adjustment when the adjustment means performs the adjustment;
An output device comprising: The control means includes the information acquisition means after the pre-processing has reached a state where the information can be stably acquired and during the output period of the output product when the adjustment is performed by the adjustment means. Obtaining the information;
The output device according to claim 1. The control means becomes capable of outputting the output material when the information can be stably acquired by the preprocessing of the information acquisition means before the output period in which the output material can be output. The information acquisition means acquires the information after
The output device according to claim 2. The control unit stably acquires the information when the output product can be output from the output unit before the information is stably acquired by the preprocessing of the information acquisition unit. Allowing the information acquisition means to acquire the information after it becomes possible;
The output device according to claim 2, wherein the output device is an output device. Image forming means for forming an image on recording paper;
Adjusting means for performing a process control operation of the image forming means;
The image reading means after the preprocessing performed by the image reading means for reading the image on the recording paper before reading the image and after the operation when the process control operation is performed by the adjusting means. Control means for acquiring the image;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Having the image reading means,
The image reading means
Irradiating means for irradiating the recording paper output by the image forming means with light;
A light receiving means for receiving light reflected from the recording paper;
Image processing means for processing the image signal output from the light receiving means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: The adjusting means includes
Performing calibration based on the processing result of the image signal by the image processing means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control means receives the completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiation means has been stabilized in the preprocessing and the completion notification indicating that the process control operation by the adjustment means has been completed, and then the image Causing the reading means to acquire the image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the control unit does not perform the process control operation by the adjusting unit, the control unit receives the completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiation unit has been stabilized in the preprocessing, and the image forming unit outputs the output Causing the image reading means to acquire the image on a recording paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The image reading unit includes a detection unit that detects a time until the light of the irradiation unit is stabilized in the preprocessing,
The control unit receives the completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiation unit has been stabilized in the preprocessing from the detection unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the control means receives a completion notification indicating that the process control operation by the adjustment means has been completed before receiving a completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiation means has been stabilized in the preprocessing, Receiving the completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiating means is stabilized in the processing, and then causing the image reading means to acquire the image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the control unit receives a completion notification indicating that the light of the irradiation unit has been stabilized in the preprocessing before receiving a completion notification indicating that the process control operation by the adjustment unit has been completed, the adjustment unit Receiving the completion notification indicating that the process control operation by the means is completed, and causing the image reading means to acquire the image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control unit turns off the light of the irradiation unit when the operation time of the process control operation of the image forming unit reaches a predetermined time;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The control unit turns off the light of the irradiation unit when the time required for output in the image forming unit reaches a predetermined time;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. The predetermined time is a time exceeding an interruption time due to running out of the recording paper or color material,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 14. The predetermined time is a time exceeding an interruption time due to a paper jam of the recording paper,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 14. The control means turns off the light source when a predetermined turn-off time is reached after the light source is turned on.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6. An output device comprising: an output unit that outputs an output product; an information acquisition unit that acquires information from the output product output by the output unit; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the output unit. A method for obtaining the information by:
Instructing the information acquisition means to perform preprocessing;
Instructing the output means to output the output product;
Acquiring the information by the information acquisition means in a period after the adjustment when the information acquisition means is after the pre-processing and the adjustment means performs the adjustment; and
Including methods. An output device that outputs an output product; an information acquisition unit that acquires information from the output product output by the output unit; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the output unit.
Instructing the information acquisition means to perform preprocessing;
Instructing the output means to output the output product;
Acquiring the information by the information acquisition means in a period after the adjustment when the information acquisition means is after the pre-processing and the adjustment means performs the adjustment; and
A program that executes

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