JP2020023101A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

To inhibit correction precision degradation in a function of automatic correction of drive information used during printing execution while enhancing usability of the automatic function.SOLUTION: A control unit of an image processor prints (S450) a correction pattern upon input of a correction request; then reads the printed correction pattern upon input of a read request; and corrects drive information on the basis of the read image. Upon satisfaction of a standby dissolution condition without the input of the read request after printing the correction pattern, the control unit sets incompletion information and change screens. The incompletion information is dissolved upon satisfaction of a specific information dissolution condition. If the incompletion information is set (S170:YES) when the correction request is input, the control unit does not print the correction pattern and proceeds to processing for reading the correction pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for printing an image.

Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus having a function of automatically correcting various setting values used when printing such as an ink discharge amount and a discharge position is performed.
In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a user instructs an automatic correction function, a correction pattern is printed. When the correction pattern is printed, a screen for prompting scanning of the correction pattern is displayed. When the user sets the test paper on which the correction pattern is printed and instructs to execute the scan in accordance with the instruction on the screen, the test paper is scanned. Then, various setting values are corrected according to the scan result.

JP 2004-358965 A

  After a screen for prompting scanning is displayed after the correction pattern is printed, if a predetermined time has elapsed without the user instructing to execute the scan, the screen is switched to another screen (for example, a standby screen) and another operation is performed. It is convenient to be able to do

  However, if the screen is switched to another screen after a certain period of time without giving a scan execution instruction, for a user who wants to execute the automatic correction function, it is necessary to restart the automatic correction function from the beginning, Usability decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to improve the usability of a function that automatically corrects various setting values used during printing while suppressing a decrease in correction accuracy in the function. .

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an input unit, a display unit, a storage unit, a printing unit that prints an image on a print target medium, a reading unit that reads an image, and a control unit. The control unit includes a normal printing process, a pattern printing process, a notification displaying process, a reading request receiving process, an image reading process, a correcting process, an information setting process, a screen switching process, an information releasing process, And a rejection process.

  The normal printing process is a process of printing an image corresponding to print data on the printing medium by driving the printing unit based on the set drive information. The pattern printing process is an image corresponding to the input correction request by driving the printing unit based on the drive information when a correction request for the driving information is input via the input unit. This is a process of printing a correction pattern on the printing medium.

  In the notification display process, after the correction pattern is printed by the pattern printing process, a read notification screen that prompts the reading unit to read a printed correction pattern that is the printed correction pattern is displayed on the display unit. Processing. The read request receiving process is a process of receiving a read request for the printed correction pattern via the input unit while the read notification screen is displayed on the display unit.

  The image reading process is a process of executing reading of an image by the reading unit when the reading request is received by the reading request receiving process. The correction process is a process of correcting the drive information based on a read image that is an image read by the image reading process.

  In the information setting process, after the read notification screen is displayed by the notification display process, if the specific standby release condition is satisfied without the read request being received by the read request receiving process, the input of the correction request This is a process of setting the incomplete information corresponding to the above in the storage unit.

  The screen switching process is configured such that, after the read notification screen is displayed by the notification display process, when the specific standby release condition is satisfied without the read request being received by the read request receiving process, the standby release condition is satisfied. At a specific timing thereafter, the display unit displays a screen corresponding to the established standby release condition instead of the read notification screen on the display unit.

  The information release process is performed after the incomplete information is set by the information setting process, and when a specific information release condition different from the change in the configuration of the image processing apparatus and the change in the operation state of the image processing apparatus is satisfied, the information is released to the storage unit. This is the processing for releasing the set incomplete information.

  The necessity acceptance processing is performed in the uncompleted state in which the uncompleted information is set in the storage unit and a screen different from the read notification screen is displayed on the display unit, and the correction request is received via the input unit. Is input, the specification of the necessity of the pattern printing process is received via the input unit.

Then, when the necessity reception process specifies that the pattern printing process is unnecessary, the control unit executes the notification display process without executing the pattern printing process.
In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, after the correction pattern is printed, even if the screen is switched due to the satisfaction of the specific standby release condition without the reading request being accepted, the correction pattern is printed again. Without performing the correction process, the correction pattern that has already been printed can be read.

  However, if the specific information release condition is satisfied after the incomplete information is set by the information setting process, the incomplete information is released. When the incomplete information is released, if a correction request is subsequently input, a pattern printing process is executed.

  Therefore, the usability of the function of automatically correcting the drive information in the image processing apparatus can be improved. In addition, even if the incomplete information is set, if the information release condition is subsequently satisfied, the incomplete information is released. After the information release condition is satisfied, the correction pattern is printed again and the printed pattern is printed. Correction processing can be executed with high accuracy based on the latest correction pattern.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transport direction of a recording sheet and a moving direction of a carriage. It is an explanatory view showing a part of screen transition at the time of performing a correction function. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another part of the screen transition (continuation of FIG. 3) when the correction function is executed. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another part of the screen transition (continuation of FIG. 4) when the correction function is executed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of screen transition when a printed pattern valid flag is set to ON when a correction function is executed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a correction check sheet on which a correction pattern is printed. It is a flowchart which shows a part of main processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of a flag optimization process in S160 in FIG. 8. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another part of the main process (continuation of FIG. 8). 11 is a flowchart showing another part of the main process (continuation of FIG. 10). 9 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process. It is a flowchart which shows a clock part check process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. First Embodiment]
(1) Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus The image processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 has a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a fax function. The printing function is a function of printing an image on the recording paper 35. The scan function is a function of reading an image of a document and generating image data of the read image. The copy function is a function of printing the image read by the scan function on the recording paper 35 (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2) by the print function. The fax function is a function for transmitting and receiving facsimile data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a timer unit 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, a media interface unit 16, a first tray sensor 17, , A second tray sensor 18, a cartridge interface unit 19, a printing unit 20, a reading unit 24, a temperature sensor 27, a humidity sensor 28, and a communication unit 29, which are mutually connected via a bus 30. It is connected. The interface unit is hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”.

  The image processing apparatus 10 further includes a first tray 3, a second tray 4, and an ink cartridge 5. The first tray 3, the second tray 4, and the ink cartridge 5 are each configured to be detachable from a housing (not shown) of the image processing apparatus 10.

  Recording paper 35 is stored in the first tray 3 and the second tray 4. Each of the first tray 3 and the second tray 4 can store one or more types and sizes of recording paper 35. The size of the recording paper 35 that can be stored in the first tray 3 is, for example, at least one of a plurality of sizes such as A4, A3, B5, US letter, L size, 2L size, postcard, post card, and envelope. May be included. The same applies to the size of the recording paper 35 that can be stored in the second tray 4.

  The type of the recording paper 35 that can be stored in the first tray 3 may include, for example, at least one of a plurality of types such as plain paper, inkjet paper, and glossy paper. The same applies to the type of recording paper 35 that can be stored in the second tray 4.

The first tray 3 and the second tray 4 may have different sizes and types of recording paper 35 that can be stored.
The first tray sensor 17 detects whether or not the first tray 3 is mounted on the image processing device 10. Specifically, the first tray sensor 17 outputs a first tray mounting signal to the bus 30 when the first tray 3 is mounted on the image processing device 10.

  The second tray sensor 18 detects whether or not the second tray 4 is mounted on the image processing device 10. Specifically, the second tray sensor 18 outputs a second tray mounting signal to the bus 30 when the second tray 4 is mounted on the image processing device 10.

The control unit 11 can acquire the first tray mounting signal and the second tray mounting signal via the bus 30.
The ink cartridge 5 stores ink ejected onto the recording paper 35 to print an image on the recording paper 35. The ink cartridge 5 contains, for example, black ink.

  In the ink cartridge 5, an IC chip 6 is provided integrally with the ink cartridge 5. The IC chip 6 stores various types of cartridge information regarding the ink cartridge 5. The cartridge information includes, for example, product data, used ink amount data, ink settling data, and the like. The product data includes information indicating whether the ink cartridge 5 is a genuine product.

  The cartridge I / F 19 detects whether or not the ink cartridge 5 is mounted on the image processing device 10. Specifically, when the ink cartridge 5 is mounted on the image processing apparatus 10, the cartridge I / F 19 outputs a cartridge mounting signal to the bus 30. The cartridge I / F 19 further reads the above-described cartridge information from the IC chip 6 of the ink cartridge 5 mounted on the image processing apparatus 10 and outputs the information to the bus 30. The control unit 11 can acquire a cartridge mounting signal and cartridge information via the bus 30.

Note that a plurality of ink cartridges 5 having different colors of ink to be stored may be provided. In that case, a cartridge I / F 19 may be provided for each ink cartridge 5 individually.
The control unit 11 has a CPU. The storage unit 12 has a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, and a flash memory. That is, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a microcomputer including a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

  The control unit 11 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a non-transitional substantive recording medium. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 12 corresponds to a non-transitional substantive recording medium storing a program. Note that the various functions realized by the control unit 11 are not limited to being realized by executing a program, and some or all of them may be realized by using one or a plurality of hardware.

  The clock unit 13 outputs time information indicating the current time. The time information may be information in units of seconds, information in units of minutes, or information in units of time. The time information may include at least one of year, month, and day. The timer 13 may include, for example, a battery, and may be operable with power supplied from the battery even when power is not supplied to the image processing apparatus 10. The clock unit 13 may include, for example, a so-called real-time clock.

The display unit 14 has a display device capable of displaying an image, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.
The input unit 15 has an input device for receiving various input operations. The input device of the input unit 15 includes a touch panel 15a. The touch panel 15a is arranged in an image display area on the display device of the display unit 14 where an image is displayed.

  The input unit 15 has a home key 15b, a return key 15c, and other power keys (not shown), a numeric keypad, a stop key, and the like. Each of these keys is provided on a side surface of the housing of the image processing apparatus 10 so that a user can perform a pressing operation. When the home key 15b is pressed, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the standby screen 40. When the return key 15c is pressed, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the screen displayed immediately before the currently displayed screen.

  The touch panel 15a is capable of detecting an instruction operation on the image display area of the display unit 14 due to contact or proximity by the indicator. That is, when an instruction operation is performed by the indicator on the image display area of the display unit 14, the touch panel 15 a can output position information indicating the instruction position that is the position where the instruction operation is being performed. It is configured. The touch panel 15a according to the present embodiment is configured to output position information continuously or periodically while the pointing operation is performed by the pointer.

  Note that the touch panel 15a may be configured to be able to detect only contact as an instruction operation, may be configured to be able to detect only proximity, or may be configured to be able to detect both contact and proximity. .

  The control unit 11 acquires the position information output from the touch panel 15a, and based on the acquired position information, determines whether or not the pointing operation of the pointer is performed, the pointing position when the pointing operation is performed, and the instruction operation. It is possible to detect at least one type of specific operation by the pointer when the operation is performed.

  The specific operation that can be detected by the control unit 11 includes at least a tap operation. The tap operation is an operation in which the pointer is separated at the same position after the pointing operation is performed by the pointer. Various specific modes of the indicator capable of performing the instruction operation are conceivable. For example, the indicator may be a fingertip or a specific instruction device such as a stylus pen.

  The media I / F 16 is an interface unit to which various types of storage media such as a USB flash memory are mounted, and controls writing and reading of data to and from the mounted storage media.

  The printing unit 20 has a printing mechanism based on the inkjet technology, and can print an image on a sheet-like recording paper 35. The printing unit 20 includes a carriage 21a, a recording head 21, a carriage driving unit 22, and a paper transport mechanism 23.

  The paper transport mechanism 23 transports one sheet of recording paper 35 from the first tray 3 or the second tray 4 and feeds the recording paper 35 (not shown) to the transport path. A transport roller (not shown) for transporting the paper along the transport path, a paper discharge roller (not shown) for discharging the recording paper 35 on which the image is printed to a paper output tray (not shown), a paper feed roller, a transport roller, and a paper discharge roller At least one motor for driving the motor.

  The recording head 21 is provided integrally with the carriage 21a. The carriage 21a is moved by the carriage drive unit 22. Specifically, the carriage 21a is reciprocated along the main scanning line 7, as schematically shown in FIG. The main scanning line 7 is orthogonal to the transport direction in which the recording paper 35 is transported.

  When the carriage 21a moves, the recording head 21 provided integrally with the carriage 21a also moves. Therefore, in the present embodiment, moving the carriage 21a and moving the recording head 21 are synonymous.

  The recording head 21 discharges the ink contained in the ink cartridge 5. The ink cartridge 5 may be mounted on the carriage 21a and moved together with the carriage 21a and the recording head 21, or may be provided separately from the carriage 21a.

  The control unit 11 realizes a printing function by controlling the printing unit 20. That is, when executing the printing function, the control unit 11 drives the paper transport mechanism 23 to feed the recording paper 35 from one of the trays and transport the recording paper 35 at a predetermined transport pitch (for example, 1.5 inches). Transport in the direction. The tray to which the recording paper 35 is fed may be specified by the user, or may be automatically selected by the control unit 11.

  The control unit 11 moves the recording head 21 in one direction or reciprocates along the main scanning line 7 each time the recording paper 35 is conveyed at the conveying pitch. The controller 11 prints the image indicated by the print data on the recording paper 35 by ejecting ink from the recording head 21 in accordance with the print data indicating the image to be printed during the movement.

  The recording head 21 moves in a main scanning positive direction (hereinafter abbreviated as “forward direction”) from a predetermined forward starting point to a backward starting point, and moves in a main scanning reverse direction from a backward starting point to a forward starting point (hereinafter referred to as “forward direction”). Hereinafter, the movement in the “reverse direction” is alternately repeated. The control unit 11 moves the recording head 21 alternately in the forward or reverse direction or reciprocates in the forward and reverse directions every time the recording paper 35 is transported by the transport pitch.

  The control unit 11 ejects ink from the recording head 21 at predetermined ejection timings while the recording head 21 is moving in the main scanning forward direction and while the recording head 21 is moving in the main scanning reverse direction. This causes the image to be printed on the recording paper 35.

When executing the printing function, the control unit 11 drives the printing unit 20 based on the driving information set at the time of executing the printing function. The set drive information is stored in the storage unit 12.
The drive information includes transport drive information for driving the paper transport mechanism 23 and ejection drive information for driving the recording head 21. The transport drive information includes, for example, information indicating a transport pitch and a transport speed of the recording paper 35 in the transport direction. The transport drive information may be different depending on the size and type of the transported recording paper 35.

  The ejection drive information indicates, for example, information indicating the moving speed of the recording head 21 in each of the forward and reverse directions, and indicates the above-described ejection timing when the recording head 21 moves in the forward and reverse directions. Information, etc. The ejection drive information may be different depending on the size and type of the recording paper 35 conveyed.

  When executing the printing function, the control unit 11 causes the recording paper 35 to be transported at a transport pitch set as drive information. Further, every time the recording paper 35 is transported at the transport pitch, the control unit 11 causes the recording head 21 to eject ink at the ejection timing set as drive information while reciprocating the recording head 21.

  In the image processing apparatus 10, for example, default drive information is set in advance at a specific timing such as at the time of manufacturing or shipping of the image processing apparatus 10. However, the drive information can be corrected when the print quality correction function is executed according to a user's instruction.

  The control unit 11 saves a print history by executing a print history save process of FIG. 12 described later each time the print unit 20 executes printing of one print job. The print history includes, for example, a print time and the number of prints.

Note that the printing unit 20 may be configured to be able to execute so-called double-sided printing for printing images on both sides of the recording paper 35.
The reading unit 24 includes an image sensor 25 and an image sensor driving unit 26. The image sensor driving section 26 causes the image sensor 25 to scan. The image sensor 25 reads an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) and generates data of the read image (hereinafter, referred to as “scan data”).

When executing the scanning function, the control unit 11 controls the reading unit 24 to cause the image sensor 25 to read an image of a document, and acquires scan data of the document.
The temperature sensor 27 is provided at a specific temperature detection position in the image processing apparatus 10, and outputs temperature detection data indicating the temperature at that temperature detection position to the bus 30. The temperature detection position may be anywhere. The temperature sensor 27 may be provided at or near the recording head 21 to detect the temperature at or near the recording head 21, for example. For example, the temperature sensor 27 may be provided on a side surface of a housing of the image processing device 10 to detect a temperature around the image processing device 10.

  The humidity sensor 28 is provided at a specific humidity detection position in the image processing apparatus 10, and outputs humidity detection data indicating the humidity at the humidity detection position to the bus 30. The humidity detection position may be anywhere. The humidity sensor 28 may be provided, for example, at or near the recording head 21 in order to detect the humidity near the recording head 21. For example, the humidity sensor 28 may be provided on a side surface of the housing of the image processing device 10 to detect the humidity around the image processing device 10.

  The communication unit 29 is a communication interface for connecting the image processing device 10 to the communication network 150. The communication network 150 may include, for example, at least one of various networks such as a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, the Internet, and a public telephone network. The image processing apparatus 10 may be capable of performing data communication with various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal via a communication unit 29 by wire or wirelessly. The image processing apparatus 10 may be connected to the Internet via the communication unit 29, and may be capable of data communication with other various servers and various information processing apparatuses via the Internet. Further, the image processing apparatus 10 may be capable of transmitting and receiving facsimile data via the communication unit 29.

  Data of various screens shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 are stored in a non-volatile memory, such as an NVRAM or a flash memory, in the storage unit 12 which retains a storage state even when power is not supplied. In addition, in the non-volatile memory, a program for a main process shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, a program for a print history storage process shown in FIG. 12, and a clock check unit shown in FIG. A processing program is stored. In addition, in the non-volatile memory, the above-described drive information, various correction pattern data, pattern print history information, tray detachment information, cartridge detachment information, cartridge genuine information, used ink amount information, ink sedimentation information, printed pattern valid flag Are stored.

  The tray attachment / detachment information includes the time when the first tray 3 or the second tray 4 is attached / detached. Each time the first tray 3 or the second tray 4 is detached, the control unit 11 performs, based on time information from the clock unit 13 at a specific storage timing in a period from detachment to reattachment, The tray attachment / detachment information is stored. The tray attachment / detachment information is stored separately for each of the first tray 3 and the second tray 4.

  The cartridge attachment / detachment information includes the time when the ink cartridge 5 was attached / detached when the ink cartridge 5 was attached / detached. Each time the ink cartridge 5 is detached, the control unit 11 stores the cartridge detachment information based on the time information from the clock unit 13 at a specific storage timing during a period from detachment to reattachment. .

  The cartridge genuine information indicates whether the installed ink cartridge 5 is a genuine product or a non-genuine product. The control unit 11 acquires cartridge information from the IC chip 6 every time the ink cartridge 5 is mounted, for example, and stores the cartridge genuine information based on the information included in the cartridge information.

  The used ink amount information indicates the used ink amount which is the accumulated used amount of the ink used for printing the image on the recording paper 35. For example, every time the printing function is executed, the control unit 11 acquires the cartridge information from the IC chip 6 in the ink cartridge 5 after the execution, and uses the used ink amount data based on the used ink amount data included in the cartridge information. The quantity may be stored. Further, for example, the control unit 11 may calculate and store the used ink amount every time the print function is executed, without using the cartridge information of the IC chip 6.

  The ink sedimentation information indicates the sedimentation level of the ink in the ink cartridge 5. For example, the control unit 11 acquires cartridge information from the IC chip 6 of the ink cartridge 5 at a specific information acquisition timing, and stores the ink sedimentation information based on the ink sedimentation data included in the cartridge information. Good. Further, for example, the control unit 11 may calculate and store the ink sedimentation information periodically or at a specific update timing without using the cartridge information of the IC chip 6.

  The printed pattern valid flag is turned on or off by the control unit 11 as described later, and information on the on or off is stored. The printed pattern valid flag is set individually for each type of correction function described later.

(2) Outline of Print Quality Correction Function The print quality correction function described above is a function of improving the print quality of an image on the recording paper 35 by the printing unit 20. More specifically, the print quality correction function includes a ruled line deviation correction function and a feed amount correction function. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above-described printed pattern valid flag is individually set for each of the ruled line shift correction function and the feed amount correction function.

  The ruled line misalignment correction function is a function for improving ruled line misalignment, which is a type of print quality deterioration. Ruled line shift indicates that an image shift occurs in a direction parallel to the main scanning line 7 in a printed image. One of the causes of the displacement of the ruled line is a mismatch between the ejection timing while the recording head 21 is moved in the forward direction and the ejection timing while the recording head 21 is moved in the reverse direction.

  If the ejection timing is matched between the forward movement and the backward movement, the ink ejected at each ejection timing during the forward movement on the recording paper 35 in the direction along the main scanning line 7 adheres to the recording paper 35. The adhering position and the adhering position where the ink ejected at each ejection timing when moving in the reverse direction adheres to each other.

  On the other hand, when the ejection timing is not matched between the forward movement and the backward movement, the recording paper 35 is moved in the direction along the main scanning line 7 in the forward direction with the above-described attachment positions and the reverse movement. The above attachment positions at the time do not match. This disagreement causes a ruled line shift.

  The ejection drive information set in the image processing apparatus 10 is adjusted to a value at which ruled line deviation does not occur, for example, at a specific timing before shipment of the image processing apparatus 10, and is initially set to the adjusted value. However, when the printing function is executed based on the initially set ejection drive information, ruled line deviation occurs due to various factors such as a type of the recording paper 35 and a change in the interval between the recording head 21 and the recording paper 35. there is a possibility.

When the ruled line shift correction function is executed, the currently set ejection drive information is corrected so that occurrence of ruled line shift is suppressed.
More specifically, when the ruled line shift correction function is executed, first, a ruled line shift correction pattern 210 is printed on the recording paper 35 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, a screen is displayed that prompts the user to place the ruled line deviation check sheet 200, which is the recording paper 35 on which the ruled line deviation correction pattern 210 is printed, on the platen and execute the scan function. On the other hand, when the user reads the ruled line deviation check sheet 200, the control unit 11 performs a correction process based on the scan data of the ruled line deviation correction pattern 210 read by the reading unit 24.

  Specifically, for example, a displacement value of the image in the direction along the main scanning line 7 is detected, and a correction value of the ejection drive information for preventing the displacement of the image based on the detected displacement amount. (Hereinafter, referred to as “ejection correction value”). Then, for example, the calculated ejection correction value is stored in the storage unit 12. The ejection correction value is, for example, a correction value corresponding to the ejection timing.

  When the correction processing is configured to store the ejection correction value as described above, the control unit 11 performs printing based on the ejection drive information and the ejection correction value that are initially set when executing the printing function. Perform a function. That is, when executing the printing function, the control unit 11 reads the initially set ejection drive information and the ejection correction value, and corrects the ejection drive information with the ejection correction value. Then, the printing function is executed by controlling the printing unit 20 based on the corrected ejection drive information.

  Alternatively, in the correction process, the control unit 11 corrects the currently set ejection drive information using the calculated ejection correction value, and replaces the currently set ejection drive information with the corrected new ejection drive information. May be configured to be updated. In this case, when executing the printing function, the control unit 11 reads the currently set ejection driving information, and controls the printing unit 20 based on the read ejection driving information to execute the printing function.

  When the ruled line shift correction function is executed, the user specifies the sheet size and sheet type of the recording paper 35 on which the ruled line shift correction pattern 210 is printed. The ruled line shift correction pattern 210 is individually prepared for each sheet size and sheet type. In other words, the contents of the ruled line shift correction pattern 210 are different for different paper sizes, and the contents of the ruled line shift correction pattern 210 are different for different paper types.

  Then, the control unit 11 causes the ruled line deviation correction pattern corresponding to the specified paper size and paper type to be printed on the recording paper 35 of the paper size and paper type specified by the user.

  The feed amount correction function is a function for improving conveyance deviation, which is a kind of print quality deterioration. The transport shift indicates that a printed image includes a streak-like line extending along the main scanning line 7 periodically along the transport direction. One of the causes of the conveyance deviation is a mismatch between the conveyance pitch indicated by the conveyance drive information (hereinafter, referred to as “regulated conveyance pitch”) and the actual conveyance amount.

  For example, if the actual transport amount is shorter than the specified transport pitch, a part of the image printed at a certain transport position and a part of the image printed at the next transport position transported from that transport pitch, Overlapping, streak-like lines close to black may appear. Also, for example, when the actual transport amount is longer than the specified transport pitch, a part of the image printed at a certain transport position and a part of the image printed at the next transport position transported at a transport pitch therefrom are used. In between, a streak line to which no ink is attached may appear.

  The transport drive information set in the image processing apparatus 10 is adjusted, for example, at a specific timing before shipment of the image processing apparatus 10 to a value that does not cause a transport shift, and is initialized to the adjusted value. However, when the printing function is executed based on the initially set transport driving information, a transport deviation occurs due to various factors such as a type of the recording paper 35, a change in the interval between the recording head 21 and the recording paper 35, and the like. there is a possibility.

When the feed amount correction function is executed, the currently set transport drive information is corrected so that occurrence of a transport shift is suppressed.
More specifically, when the feed amount correction function is executed, first, a feed amount correction pattern (not shown) is printed on the recording paper 35. Thereafter, a screen is displayed to prompt the user to place the conveyance deviation check sheet, which is the recording paper 35 on which the feed amount correction pattern is printed, on the document table and execute the scan function. On the other hand, when the user causes the conveyance deviation check sheet to be read, the control unit 11 performs a correction process based on the scan data of the feed amount correction pattern read by the reading unit 24.

  Specifically, for example, the correction value of the transport drive information for detecting the color and width of the streak line in the transport direction and preventing the generation of the streak line based on the detected color and width. (Hereinafter, referred to as a “transportation correction value”). Then, for example, the calculated transport correction value is stored in the storage unit 12. The transport correction value is, for example, a correction value corresponding to the transport pitch.

  When the correction unit is configured to store the transport correction value in the correction process as described above, the control unit 11 performs printing based on the transport drive information and the transport correction value that are initially set when executing the printing function. Perform a function. That is, when executing the printing function, the control unit 11 reads the initially set transport drive information and the transport correction value, and corrects the transport drive information with the transport correction value. The printing function is executed by controlling the printing unit 20 based on the corrected transport drive information.

  Alternatively, in the correction process, the control unit 11 corrects the currently set transport drive information using the calculated transport correction value, and replaces the currently set transport drive information with the corrected new transport drive information. May be configured to be updated. In this case, when executing the print function, the control unit 11 reads the currently set transport drive information and controls the print unit 20 based on the read transport drive information to execute the print function.

  When the feed amount correction function is executed, the user specifies the paper size and paper type of the recording paper 35 on which the feed amount correction pattern is to be printed. The transport ruled line shift correction pattern is individually prepared for each sheet size and sheet type. That is, if the paper size is different, the content of the feed amount correction pattern is different, and if the paper type is different, the content of the feed amount correction pattern is different.

  Then, the control unit 11 prints a feed amount correction pattern corresponding to the specified paper size and paper type on the recording paper 35 of the paper size and paper type specified by the user.

  The control unit 11 stores the pattern print history information corresponding to the printed correction pattern every time the control unit 11 prints any correction pattern by executing the print quality correction function, that is, stores the pattern print history information in the storage unit 12. The pattern print history information includes, for example, correction pattern identification information, paper size information, paper type information, correction target information, used tray information, printing time information, printing temperature information, and printing humidity information.

The correction pattern identification information is unique information indicating a printed correction pattern. Different correction pattern identification information is associated with each of a plurality of different correction patterns.
The paper size information indicates the paper size of the recording paper 35 on which the correction pattern has been printed. The paper type information indicates the paper type of the recording paper 35 on which the correction pattern has been printed.

The correction target information is information indicating whether the printed correction pattern is a ruled line deviation correction pattern or a feed amount correction pattern, in other words, information indicating a correction function to be executed.
The used tray information indicates the tray in which the recording paper 35 on which the correction pattern has been printed has been stored.

  The print time information indicates time information when the correction pattern was printed. Specifically, for example, the time information acquired from the clock unit 13 at a specific information acquisition timing in a specific printing execution period including an actual printing period in which the correction pattern is actually printed.

  The printing temperature information indicates the temperature at which the correction pattern was printed. Specifically, for example, it indicates the temperature indicated by the temperature detection data output from the temperature sensor 27 at the above-described information acquisition timing.

  The printing humidity information indicates the humidity when the correction pattern is printed. Specifically, for example, it indicates the humidity indicated by the humidity detection data output from the humidity sensor 28 at the above-described information acquisition timing.

(3) Example of Screen Transition During Execution of Print Quality Correction Function The control unit 11 is activated when power is supplied to the control unit 11 by turning on a power switch (not shown). When started, the control unit 11 executes an initial process and causes the display unit 14 to display a standby screen 40 shown in FIG. The standby screen 40 is a screen serving as a starting point when a user causes the image processing apparatus 10 to execute various functions.

  On the standby screen 40, a plurality of function buttons for executing a function are displayed. In the standby screen 40 shown in FIG. 3, a fax button 41, a copy button 42, and a scan button 43 are illustrated as a plurality of function buttons. When the fax button 41 is tapped, the control unit 11 executes a fax function. When the copy button 42 is tapped, the control unit 11 executes a copy function. When the scan button 43 is tapped, the control unit 11 executes a scan function.

  On the standby screen 40, an ink menu button 44 is further displayed. When the ink menu button 44 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a maintenance menu screen (not shown). A plurality of buttons corresponding to various types of maintenance processing in the image processing apparatus 10 are displayed on the maintenance menu screen. The plurality of buttons include a print quality maintenance button. When the print quality maintenance button is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a print quality menu screen 45 shown in FIG.

  The print quality menu screen 45 displays a plurality of buttons corresponding to various menus for checking or improving the quality of an image printed on the recording paper 35 by the printing unit 20. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, a check button 46, a ruled line shift correction button 47, and a feed amount correction button 48 are displayed on the print quality menu screen 45.

  When the check button 46 is tapped, the control unit 11 drives the printing unit 20 to print a specific quality check image on the recording paper 35. The user can confirm the print quality by looking at the printed quality check image. In a case where the print quality is deteriorated, for example, in the printed quality check image, for example, the print quality is partially blurred or there is a portion not printed, the user executes the cleaning process of the recording head 21. By doing so, the print quality can be improved.

  When the ruled line shift correction button 47 is tapped, the control unit 11 starts the above-described ruled line shift correction function. When the above-described printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the ruled line shift correction function is set to OFF, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the ruled line shift correction guide screen 50 as shown in FIG. . On the ruled line deviation correction guide screen 50, a message indicating that the ruled line deviation correction function is started, and a next button 51 are displayed. When the next button 51 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a quality confirmation screen 60.

  When the feed amount correction button 48 is tapped on the print quality menu screen 45, the control unit 11 starts the above-described feed amount correction function. Then, when the above-described printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the feed amount correction function is set to OFF, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the feed amount correction guide screen 55 as shown in FIG. . On the feed amount correction guide screen 55, a message indicating that the feed amount correction function is to be started and a next button 56 are displayed. When the next button 56 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a quality confirmation screen 60.

  In the following, an example of screen transition when the print quality correction function to be executed (hereinafter abbreviated as “target correction function”) is a ruled line shift correction function will be mainly described. Illustration of a screen transition example in the case of the correction function is omitted and the description is simplified. The quality confirmation screen 60 shown in FIG. 3 is a screen displayed when the target correction function is the ruled line deviation correction function. The quality confirmation screen when the target correction function is the feed amount correction function is shown in FIG. Is partially different from the quality confirmation screen 60 of FIG.

  On the quality confirmation screen 60 shown in FIG. 3, a message asking the user whether or not the above-mentioned quality check image is normal, a yes button 61 and a no button 62 are displayed. When the No button 62 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the print quality menu screen 45 described above. When the Yes button 61 is tapped, the control unit 11 displays a correction method selection screen 65 shown in FIG.

  On the correction method selection screen 65, a message asking the user whether to execute the target correction function automatically or manually, an automatic button 66, and a manual button 67 are displayed. When the manual button 67 is tapped, the target correction function is executed in a specific manual correction procedure involving a specific operation by the user. The description of the specific contents of the target correction function according to the manual correction procedure is omitted. When the automatic button 66 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a paper size selection screen 70 shown in FIG.

  On the paper size selection screen 70, buttons corresponding to each of one or more paper sizes on which the correction pattern can be printed are displayed, and the user can select any one of them. FIG. 4 shows, as an example, an A4 button 71 corresponding to the A4 size and a US letter button 72 corresponding to the US letter size. The selectable paper size may be any size. When any paper size is selected on the paper size selection screen 70, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a paper type selection screen (not shown).

  On the paper type selection screen, buttons corresponding to each of one or more paper types on which a correction pattern can be printed are displayed, and the user can select any one of them. The selectable paper type may be any type. For example, any of plain paper and glossy paper may be selectable. When any paper type is selected on the paper type selection screen, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a print start screen 75 shown in FIG.

  The print start screen 75 includes a message indicating the paper size and the paper type selected in each of the selection screens, and a message urging the user to set the recording paper 35 corresponding to the paper size and the paper type on a specific tray. And the time required for printing the correction pattern are displayed. A start button 76 is displayed on the print start screen 75.

  When the start button 76 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the recording paper 35 of the selected paper size and paper type stored in one of the trays to output the recording paper 35 of the plurality of correction patterns corresponding to the target correction function. A correction pattern corresponding to the selected paper size and paper type is printed based on the currently set drive information.

  In the example of FIG. 4, since the target correction function is the ruled line shift correction function, the ruled line shift correction pattern 210 corresponding to the paper size and sheet type selected from the plurality of ruled line shift correction patterns 210 is printed. When the target correction function is the feed amount correction function, a feed amount correction pattern corresponding to the paper size and paper type selected from the plurality of feed amount correction patterns is printed.

  The control unit 11 stores the above-described pattern print history information corresponding to the currently executed target correction function at a specific history storage timing (for example, the above-described information acquisition timing) during the print execution period.

  During printing of the correction pattern, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a printing screen 80 shown in FIG. When the printing of the correction pattern is completed, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a scan instruction screen 85 shown in FIG. The scan instruction screen 85 includes a message prompting the user to cause the reading unit 24 to read the printed correction pattern, and a start button 86. When a user places a correction check sheet (either a ruled line deviation check sheet or a conveyance deviation check sheet), which is a recording sheet 35 on which a correction pattern is printed, on a document table by a user and taps a start button 86, the control unit 11 starts reading the image printed on the correction check sheet.

  Note that, when the start button 86 is tapped, the control unit 11 does not perform reading if any of a plurality of specific pre-scan errors has occurred before starting image reading. The display unit 14 displays a pre-scan error message indicating that a pre-scan error has occurred. Then, at a specific screen return timing after displaying the pre-scan error message, the display unit 14 displays the scan instruction screen 85 again.

  The pre-scan error may be any error. One of the pre-scan errors may be, for example, that a cover (not shown) covering the document table is open. Further, for example, it may be that printing is currently being executed by the printing unit 20.

  When reading of an image is started in response to the start button 86 being tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a scanning-in-progress screen 90 shown in FIG. 5 during reading. When completing the reading of the image, the control unit 11 executes a correction process corresponding to the target correction function based on the scan data of the read image. The control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the in-correction processing screen 95 shown in FIG. 5 during the execution of the correction processing.

  The control unit 11 determines whether any of a plurality of specific post-scan errors has occurred during the execution of the correction processing. The plurality of post-scan errors can be roughly divided into a first error and a second error. The first error is an error in which the correction processing cannot be normally performed based on the scan data obtained this time, but the printed correction check sheet can be reused. That is, the first error is an error in which the correction process can be performed by scanning the printed correction check sheet again. The second error is an error in which correction processing cannot be performed on the printed correction check sheet and the correction pattern needs to be reprinted.

  The first error is, for example, an error that occurs because the correction check sheet is not placed in a correct orientation with respect to the platen. In this case, there is no problem with the correction check sheet itself. If the correction check sheet is placed on the platen in the correct direction and scanned again, the correction processing can be performed normally. The control unit 11 can determine whether or not the correction check sheet has been placed in the correct orientation based on the scan data, and determines the presence or absence of a first error according to the determination result.

  When the control unit 11 determines that the first error has occurred during the execution of the correction processing, the control unit 11 displays a first error screen 105 corresponding to the first error on the display unit 14 as shown in FIG. Let it. On the first error screen 105, a message indicating that the first error has occurred and the specific content of the first error, a retry button 106, and a stop button 107 are displayed.

  When the stop button 107 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a print quality menu screen 45 shown in FIG. When the retry button 106 is tapped, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a scan instruction screen 85. In this case, the user can cause the correction check sheet that has already been printed to be scanned again to execute the correction processing.

If the control unit 11 determines that the second error has occurred during the execution of the correction processing, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a print quality menu screen 45 shown in FIG.
When the correction processing is completed normally, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a correction completion screen 100 shown in FIG. After displaying the correction completion screen 100 continuously for a certain period of time, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the above-described maintenance menu screen (not shown).

  When the specific standby release condition is satisfied after the scan instruction screen 85 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, the control unit 11 sets the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function to ON and displays the display unit. 14 screens are switched. In the present embodiment, for example, the standby screen 40 is displayed. In the present embodiment, the standby release condition is that, for example, a no-operation timeout occurs. The no-operation timeout means that a specific no-operation time elapses without the start button 86 being tapped.

  By the way, when one of the correction functions is selected on the print quality menu screen 45 and the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the selected correction function is set to ON, the above-described screen transition is performed. Differently, printing of the correction pattern may be omitted.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the ruled line shift correction function is set to ON, when the ruled line shift correction button 47 is tapped on the print quality menu screen 45, The control unit 11 starts the ruled line deviation correction function. In this case, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a scan shift confirmation screen 120 as shown in FIG. The scan shift confirmation screen 120 displays a message asking the user whether the previously printed correction check sheet has not been scanned and whether or not to execute the correction process using the correction check sheet. Further, a Yes button 121 and a No button 122 are displayed on the scan shift confirmation screen 120.

When the No button 122 is tapped, the control unit 11 executes the same screen transition as when the printed pattern flag is set to off, as shown in FIG.
When the Yes button 121 is tapped, the control unit 11 displays the scan instruction screen 85 without printing the correction pattern, as shown in FIG. The screen transition from the scan instruction screen 85 is the same as the screen transition described with reference to FIG.

  After the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, if a specific standby release condition is satisfied, the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function is set to ON as described above. Therefore, when the correction function is subsequently executed, the correction function can be executed without printing the correction pattern.

  However, after the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, if the specific information release condition is satisfied without scanning the correction pattern, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF.

  In the present embodiment, the information release condition is determined to be affirmative in S640, S660, S680, and S700 in the flag adjustment process of FIG. Being determined.

(4) Main Process The main process executed by the control unit 11 to realize the above-described screen transition and each correction function will be described with reference to FIGS. When the control unit 11 is activated by being supplied with power, the control unit 11 reads and executes a main processing program from the storage unit 12.

  When starting the main process, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 14 to display the standby screen 40 in S100. In S110, it is determined whether or not the ink menu button 44 on the standby screen 40 has been tapped.

  If an event different from the tapping of the ink menu button 44 occurs, in S115, another process corresponding to the generated event is executed. Then, when the other processing is completed, the process proceeds to S100. The other processing includes, for example, executing a function corresponding to the tapped function button based on that one of the function buttons 41 to 43 displayed on the standby screen 40 is tapped. It is.

  If the other process executed in S115 includes a printing process for causing the printing unit 20 to print an image on the recording paper 35, the control unit 11 uses the currently set drive information in the printing process. By driving the printer 20, an image is printed on the recording paper 35.

  Further, the other processing in S115 includes the print history storage processing shown in FIG. The print history saving process is a process of saving a print history every time printing is performed. The control unit 11 periodically and repeatedly executes, for example, a print history storage process separately from the main process.

  Upon starting the print history saving process shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 11 determines in S810 whether or not printing has been executed. This determination may be made, for example, for each recording sheet 35 or for each print job. If the printing has not been executed, the print history storage processing ends.

  If the printing has been executed, a print history based on the executed printing is stored, that is, stored in the storage unit 12 in S820. In the present embodiment, the number of prints and the print time are stored as the print history. The print time may be obtained from the clock unit 13. After storing the print history in S820, the print history storage process ends.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the description will be continued. When the ink menu button 44 on the standby screen 40 is tapped in S110, the above-described maintenance menu screen is displayed on the display unit 14 in S120. When the print quality maintenance button on the maintenance menu screen is tapped, a print quality menu screen 45 is displayed on the display unit 14 in S130.

  In S140, it is determined which of the plurality of buttons 46, 47, 48 on the print quality menu screen 45 has been tapped. If the check button 46 is tapped, the flow shifts to S150, where a quality check process is executed. Specifically, a specific quality check image is printed on the recording paper 35 as described above.

  When the ruled line shift correction button 47 or the feed amount correction button 48 is tapped, the process proceeds to a process of executing a correction function corresponding to the tapped button, that is, a target correction function. Specifically, in S160, a flag adjustment process is executed. This flag adjustment process determines whether or not the information release condition is satisfied when the printed pattern valid flag is turned on, and determines whether the printed pattern is valid when the information release condition is satisfied. This is processing for changing the flag to off. The details of the flag adjustment processing will be described later.

  In S170, it is determined whether or not the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function is set to ON. Note that the printed pattern valid flag may be set to off by default in an initial state such as when the image processing apparatus 10 is shipped from a factory.

  If the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, in step S410, the display unit 14 displays a correction guidance screen corresponding to the target correction function, that is, a ruled line deviation correction guidance screen 50 or a feed amount correction guidance screen 55. . If the next button on the displayed correction guide screen is tapped, the process proceeds to S420.

  In S420, the user is asked whether the quality check sheet is normal. Specifically, the quality confirmation screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 14. In addition, the quality check sheet indicates the recording paper 35 on which the quality check image is printed. When the No button 62 is tapped on the quality confirmation screen 60, that is, when a user input indicating that the quality check sheet is not normal is performed, a check recommendation screen (not shown) is displayed in S460, and the process proceeds to S130. I do.

  If the Yes button 61 is tapped on the quality confirmation screen 60, that is, if a user input indicating that the quality check sheet is normal is made, the user is prompted at S430 whether the correction method is automatic or manual. Asking. Specifically, a correction method selection screen 65 is displayed on the display unit 14 to receive a user input.

  When the manual button 67 is tapped on the correction method selection screen 65, a manual correction process is executed in S470. That is, the target correction function is executed by the specific manual correction procedure as described above. After the execution of the manual correction process, the process proceeds to S310 (see FIG. 11).

  If the automatic button 66 is tapped on the correction method selection screen 65, the selection of the paper size and paper type of the recording paper 35 on which the correction pattern is to be printed is received in S440. Specifically, the user is allowed to select a paper size and a paper type by sequentially displaying the paper size selection screen 70 and the paper type selection screen (not shown).

  In S450, a correction pattern corresponding to the target correction function is printed on the recording paper 35 of the paper size and paper type selected in S440 using the currently set drive information. During printing, the display section 14 displays a printing screen 80. Further, as described above, the pattern print history information corresponding to the target correction function is stored. When the printing of the correction pattern is completed, the process proceeds to S200 (see FIG. 9). Although not shown in FIG. 8, before starting printing, the print start screen 75 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

  If the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON in S170, a scan shift confirmation screen 120 (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the display unit 14 in S180. In S190, a user's instruction as to whether to reuse the previously printed correction check sheet, specifically, a user input to the scan shift confirmation screen 120 is accepted.

  If the No button 122 is tapped on the scan transfer confirmation screen 120, the process proceeds to S410. If the Yes button 121 is tapped on the scan shift confirmation screen 120, the process shifts to S200 (see FIG. 10).

In S200, a scan instruction screen 85 is displayed on the display unit 14. In S210, it is determined whether an event has occurred while the scan instruction screen 85 is being displayed.
If the return key 15c is tapped while the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, in S550, it is determined whether or not the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, a rejection sound is emitted from a speaker (not shown), and the process proceeds to S200. That is, in this case, the operation of the return key 15c is invalidated. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to S180 (see FIG. 8).

  If the home key 15b is tapped while the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, a correction cancellation confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed in S570. This correction cancellation confirmation screen is a screen asking the user whether or not to cancel the execution of the correction function. In S580, it is determined whether or not the user has performed a cancel instruction operation for instructing cancellation of the correction function. If the cancel instruction operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S200. When the cancel instruction operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S100, and the standby screen 40 is displayed.

  If the above-described no-operation timeout occurs while the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, in S590, the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function is set to ON, and the flow shifts to S100. That is, when the specific no-operation time has elapsed without the start button 86 being tapped, the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, and the screen displayed on the display unit 14 is switched to the standby screen 40.

  If the start button 86 is tapped while the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, the process proceeds to S220 (see FIG. 11). At this time, before the start button 86 is tapped, it is assumed that the correction check sheet corresponding to the target correction function is placed on the document table by the user.

  In S220, it is determined whether a pre-scan error has occurred. If a pre-scan error has occurred, the display unit 14 displays a scan impossible screen (not shown) corresponding to the type of the pre-scan error that has occurred in S400. The above-mentioned pre-scan error message is displayed on the scan impossible screen. Then, at the above-described screen return timing, the flow shifts to S200, where the display unit 14 displays the scan instruction screen 85.

  If a pre-scan error has not occurred in S220, a scan-in-progress screen 90 is displayed on the display unit 14 in S230. In S240, it is determined whether or not to use the previously printed correction check sheet. Specifically, if the process of S190 is executed, and in this process, the YES button 121 on the scan shift confirmation screen 120 is tapped, it is determined that the correction check sheet previously printed is used, and the process proceeds to S250. Move to

  In S250, the image of the correction check sheet placed on the document table, that is, the correction pattern, is read based on the sheet size of the correction check sheet corresponding to the previously printed target correction function. That is, the sheet size of the previously printed correction check sheet is read as the reading range.

  If it is not determined in S240 that the previously printed correction check sheet is to be used, the process proceeds to S260. In S260, the image of the correction check sheet placed on the document table is read based on the paper size of the correction check sheet printed this time in S450. That is, the sheet size of the correction check sheet printed this time is read as the reading range.

  In step S270, the display unit 14 displays the in-correction processing screen 95. In S280, the scan data of the read image is analyzed, and the correction value of the drive information corresponding to the target correction function, that is, the above-described ejection correction value or transport correction value is calculated.

  In S290, it is determined whether the above-described post-scan error has occurred. If an error has occurred after scanning, the process proceeds to S340. In S340, it is determined whether the generated post-scan error is the above-described first error. If the error is not the first error, that is, if the error is the second error, the second error screen 110 is displayed in S360. Then, when the close button 111 is tapped on the second error screen 110, the process proceeds to S380.

  If the generated post-scan error is the first error in S340, the first error screen 105 is displayed in S350. In S370, it is determined whether to retry the scan. Specifically, it is determined whether or not retry button 106 has been tapped on first error screen 105. If the retry button 106 is tapped, the process proceeds to S200 (see FIG. 10) and the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed while the state where the printed pattern valid flag is on is maintained. This allows the user to scan the correction check sheet again and continue the correction function. If the stop button 107 has been tapped on the first error screen 105, the process proceeds to S380.

  In S380, it is determined whether or not the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, the process proceeds to S130 (see FIG. 8). If the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF in S390, and the flow shifts to S130.

  If no error has occurred after scanning in S290, the process proceeds to S300. In S300, the correction value of the drive information corresponding to the target correction function calculated in S280 is reflected. Specifically, as described above, the calculated correction value is stored in the storage unit 12, or the currently set drive information is corrected by the currently calculated correction value and updated to the corrected drive information. I do.

In S310, after the correction completion screen 100 is continuously displayed for a certain period of time, the above-described maintenance menu screen (not shown) is displayed.
In S320, it is determined whether the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, the process proceeds to S120 (see FIG. 8). If the printed pattern valid flag is set to on, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off in S330, and the routine goes to S120.

  Next, the flag optimizing process in S160 (see FIG. 8) will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The processing target of the flag optimization processing is a target correction function. That is, the flag adjustment processing is executed based on the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function, the pattern print history information, and the like.

  When starting the flag adjustment processing, the control unit 11 determines in S610 whether the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, in S620, the state in which the flag is set to off is maintained, the flag optimization process ends, and the process proceeds to S170.

  In S610, if the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to S630 and subsequent steps including determining whether the information release condition is satisfied. That is, in S630, the elapsed time Tp from the determination reference time to the present is calculated.

  The determination reference time indicates the time when the correction pattern corresponding to the target correction function was last printed, and may be, for example, a specific time within the above-described print execution period. More specifically, the determination reference time may be, for example, the time indicated by the print time information included in the pattern print history information. In S630, the control unit 11 may acquire the current time from the clock unit 13 and calculate the time from the determination reference time to the acquired current time as the elapsed time Tp.

  In S640, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time Tp calculated in S630 is equal to or longer than a specific time threshold Tpx. If the elapsed time Tp is equal to or longer than the time threshold value Tp, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF in S720, the flag optimization process ends, and the process proceeds to S170.

  If the elapsed time Tp is less than the time threshold Tpx, the process shifts to S650. In S650, the number of prints Pp from the reference time to the present time is calculated. Specifically, for example, based on the print history stored in the storage unit 12, the number of prints Pp may be calculated by adding the number of prints indicated by each print history from the determination reference time to the present.

  In S660, it is determined whether or not the number of prints Pp calculated in S650 is equal to or greater than a specific number threshold Ppx. If the number of prints Pp is equal to or greater than the number threshold Ppx, in S720, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, the flag optimization processing ends, and the routine proceeds to S170.

  If the number of prints Pp is less than the threshold Ppx, the process proceeds to S670. In S670, a temperature difference ΔTh between the determination reference temperature and the current temperature is calculated. The current temperature may be acquired based on, for example, temperature detection data output from the temperature sensor 27.

  The determination reference temperature indicates the temperature of the image processing apparatus 10 or its surroundings when the correction pattern corresponding to the target correction function was last printed, and is detected by the temperature sensor 27 during the above-described printing execution period, for example. Temperature. More specifically, the determination reference temperature may be, for example, the temperature indicated by the printing temperature information included in the pattern print history information.

  In S680, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference ΔTh calculated in S670 is equal to or greater than a specific temperature difference threshold Thx. If the temperature difference ΔTh is equal to or larger than the temperature difference threshold value Thx, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF in S720, the flag optimizing process ends, and the process proceeds to S170.

  If the temperature difference ΔTh is smaller than the temperature difference threshold Thx, the process shifts to S690. In S690, a humidity difference ΔHu between the determination reference humidity and the current humidity is calculated. The current humidity may be acquired based on, for example, humidity detection data output from the humidity sensor 28.

  The determination reference humidity indicates the humidity of the image processing apparatus 10 or its surroundings when the correction pattern corresponding to the target correction function was printed last time, and is detected by the humidity sensor 28 during the above-described printing execution period, for example. Humidity may be used. More specifically, the determination reference humidity may be, for example, the humidity indicated by the printing humidity information included in the pattern print history information.

  In S700, it is determined whether or not the humidity difference ΔHu calculated in S690 is equal to or greater than a specific humidity difference threshold Hux. If the humidity difference ΔHu is equal to or greater than the humidity difference threshold value Hux, in step S720, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, the flag adjustment processing ends, and the flow shifts to step S170.

  If the humidity difference ΔHu is smaller than the humidity difference threshold Hux in S700, the state in which the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON is maintained in S710, the flag optimization process ends, and the process proceeds to S170. I do.

  Next, the timekeeping unit check processing shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The timekeeping unit check process is a process of monitoring the operation state of the timekeeping unit 13 and changing the printed pattern valid flag from on to off based on the operation state.

  After the control unit 11 is started, the control unit 11 periodically and repeatedly executes the timing unit check process of FIG. When the control unit 11 starts the timepiece checking process, the control unit 11 checks the operation state of the timekeeping unit 13 in S910. In S920, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the timer unit 13, in other words, whether or not the timer unit 13 is operating normally.

  If the timer 13 is operating normally without any abnormality, the timer checking process is terminated. If an abnormality has occurred in the clocking unit 13, it is determined in S930 whether the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to off, the timer checking process ends. If the printed pattern valid flag is set to on, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off in S940, and the timer check process ends.

  If an abnormality occurs in the clock unit 13 after the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, the elapsed time Tp and the number of printed sheets Pp may not be accurately calculated in the subsequent processing of S630 and S650. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the clocking unit 13, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off so that the correction pattern is printed when the correction function is subsequently executed. I have.

(5) Effects of the present embodiment According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects (a) to (e) are obtained.
(A) In the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the correction pattern of the target correction function is printed and the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed, and when the no-operation timeout occurs without the start button 86 being tapped, The screen displayed on the display unit 14 is switched to the standby screen 40.

  However, after that, when the execution of the same target correction function is instructed again and the printed pattern valid flag corresponding to the target correction function is set to ON, the scan shift confirmation screen 120 is displayed as shown in FIG. Is done. When the Yes button 121 is tapped on the scan shift confirmation screen 120, the scan instruction screen 85 is displayed without printing the correction pattern.

  Therefore, even if a non-operation timeout occurs after printing the correction pattern, the user can subsequently execute the correction function using the already printed correction pattern. Therefore, the usability of the function of automatically correcting the drive information in the image processing apparatus 10 is improved.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, after the printed pattern valid flag is set to ON, if a specific information release condition is satisfied, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF. When the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, a new correction pattern is printed when the correction function is subsequently executed. Therefore, after the information release condition is satisfied, the correction process can be executed with high accuracy based on the newly printed correction pattern.

  (B) One of the information release conditions includes that an affirmative determination is made in S640. Thus, when a time equal to or longer than the time threshold value Tpx has elapsed since the previous correction pattern was printed, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the correction process from being performed based on the correction pattern that has passed the time threshold value Tpx or more after the printing, and it is possible to appropriately maintain the accuracy of the correction process.

  (C) One of the information release conditions includes that an affirmative determination is made in S660. As a result, when printing is performed at a number equal to or greater than the number threshold Ppx since the previous correction pattern was printed, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off. When printing is performed at a value equal to or larger than the threshold value Ppx after the correction pattern is printed, the state of the printing unit 20 when the correction pattern is printed and the current state of the printing unit 20 are relatively largely changed. there is a possibility. Therefore, in such a case, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, and when the correction processing is subsequently performed, a new correction pattern is printed, so that the accuracy of the correction processing is appropriately maintained. can do.

  (D) One of the information release conditions includes that an affirmative determination is made in S680. Accordingly, when the temperature difference ΔTh between the temperature at the time when the previous correction pattern was printed and the current temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature difference threshold Thx, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off. If the temperature changes significantly after the correction pattern is printed, the state of the printing unit 20 may have changed significantly. Therefore, in such a case, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, and when the correction processing is subsequently performed, a new correction pattern is printed, so that the accuracy of the correction processing is appropriately maintained. can do.

  (E) One of the information release conditions includes that an affirmative determination is made in S700. As a result, when the humidity difference ΔHu between the humidity when the correction pattern was last printed and the current humidity is equal to or greater than the humidity difference threshold Hux, the printed pattern valid flag is set to off. If the humidity changes significantly after the correction turn is printed, the state of the printing unit 20 may have changed significantly. Therefore, in such a case, the printed pattern valid flag is set to OFF, and when the correction processing is subsequently performed, a new correction pattern is printed, so that the accuracy of the correction processing is appropriately maintained. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the recording paper 35 corresponds to an example of a print medium. The paper transport mechanism 23 corresponds to an example of a transport unit. The recording head 21 corresponds to an example of a discharge unit. The clock unit 13 corresponds to an example of a time information output unit. The temperature sensor 27 corresponds to an example of a temperature detector. The humidity sensor 28 corresponds to an example of a humidity detector. The printed pattern valid flag set to ON corresponds to an example of incomplete information. The scan instruction screen 85 corresponds to an example of a read notification screen. The determination reference time, that is, the information acquisition timing, corresponds to an example of timing start timing, number measurement timing, temperature measurement timing, and humidity measurement timing.

  Note that, in the above embodiment, the process of S115 corresponds to an example of a normal print process. The process of S450 corresponds to an example of a pattern printing process. The process of S200 corresponds to an example of a notification display process. The process of S210 corresponds to an example of a read request receiving process. The processes in S250 and S260 correspond to an example of the image reading process. The processes in S280 and S300 correspond to an example of the correction process. The process of S590 corresponds to an example of an information setting process. The process of transitioning from S590 to S100 corresponds to an example of a screen switching process. The processing of S180 and S190 corresponds to an example of the necessity / unnecessity reception processing. The processing of S720 and S940 corresponds to an example of the information release processing. The process of S630 corresponds to an example of the elapsed time detection process. The process of S450 corresponds to an example of a time information storage process, a temperature storage process, and a humidity storage process. The process of S910 corresponds to an example of an operation determination process.

[2. Other Embodiments]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications.

  (1) The method of calculating the number of prints Pp in S650 may be any method. For example, the configuration may be such that the number of prints is cumulatively added each time printing is performed. Then, the cumulative value of the number of printed sheets when the correction pattern is printed is stored as a determination reference cumulative value. May be calculated as the number of prints Pp.

  (2) The method of calculating the elapsed time Tp in S630, the method of calculating the temperature difference ΔTh in S670, and the method of calculating the humidity difference ΔHu in S690 may be any methods.

  The elapsed time Tp may be calculated by any method as long as it appropriately indicates the time from when the correction pattern was last printed to the present. As for the temperature difference ΔTh, any method may be used as long as the temperature difference ΔTh appropriately indicates the difference between the temperature at the time when the previous correction pattern was printed and the current temperature. The humidity difference ΔHu may be calculated by any method as long as the difference between the humidity at the time when the correction pattern was last printed and the current humidity is appropriately indicated.

  (3) The timing of saving the pattern print history information when printing the correction pattern may be any timing. For example, it may be any one of a specific first timing before the start of printing, at the same time as the start of printing, a specific second timing during the execution of printing, at the same time as printing completion, and a certain third timing after the printing completion. .

(4) The contents of each screen shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are merely examples, and each screen may have any contents.
(5) It is not essential that both the ruled line shift correction pattern and the feed amount correction pattern be different for each paper size and paper type. For example, if the paper size is the same, the same correction pattern may be used regardless of the paper type. Further, for example, a common correction pattern may be used for two or more specific paper sizes among a plurality of paper sizes.

(6) The ruled line shift correction pattern 210 shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example, and the ruled line shift correction pattern may be any image. The same applies to the feed amount correction pattern.
(7) The printing unit 20 may have a configuration different from the configuration based on the inkjet technology. For example, the printing unit 20 may be configured based on an electrophotographic system, that is, a so-called page printer. Then, the present invention may be applied to suppress quality deterioration of an image printed by a page printer.

  (8) A plurality of functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by a plurality of components, or one function of one component may be realized by a plurality of components. . Also, a plurality of functions of a plurality of components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by a plurality of components may be realized by one component. Further, a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of another above-described embodiment. Note that all aspects included in the technical idea specified by the language described in the claims are embodiments of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... 1st tray, 4 ... 2nd tray, 5 ... Ink cartridge, 6 ... IC chip, 7 ... Main scanning line, 10 ... Image processing apparatus, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Storage part, 14 ... Display part, 15 ... Input unit, 20 printing unit, 21 recording head, 21a carriage, 22 carriage driving unit, 23 paper transport mechanism, 24 reading unit, 35 recording paper, 40 standby screen, 45 print quality menu Screen, 50: Ruled line deviation correction guidance screen, 55: Feed amount correction guidance screen, 60: Quality confirmation screen, 65: Correction method selection screen, 70: Paper size selection screen, 75: Printing start screen, 80: Printing screen, 85 ... scan instruction screen, 90 ... scanning screen, 95 ... correction processing screen, 100 ... correction completion screen, 105 ... first error screen, 110 ... second error screen, 120 ... scan shift confirmation screen, 00 ... ruled deviation check sheet, 210 ... ruled line deviation correction pattern.

Claims (9)

An input unit,
A display unit,
A storage unit,
A printing unit for printing an image on a printing medium,
A reading unit that reads an image,
A control unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising:
The control unit includes:
By driving the printing unit based on the set drive information, a normal print process of printing an image corresponding to print data on the print target medium,
When a request for correction of the drive information is input via the input unit, the printing unit is driven based on the drive information, so that a correction pattern, which is an image corresponding to the input correction request, is received. A pattern printing process for printing on a print medium;
After printing the correction pattern by the pattern printing process, a notification display process of displaying a read notification screen on the display unit that prompts the reading unit to read a printed correction pattern that is the printed correction pattern,
While the read notification screen is displayed on the display unit, a read request receiving process for receiving a read request for the printed correction pattern via the input unit;
When the reading request is received by the reading request receiving process, an image reading process of reading an image by the reading unit;
A correction process for correcting the drive information based on a read image that is an image read by the image reading process;
After the read notification screen is displayed by the notification display process, if a specific standby release condition is satisfied without the read request being received by the read request reception process, an incomplete process corresponding to the input correction request is not completed. Information setting processing for setting information in the storage unit;
After the read notification screen is displayed by the notification display process, if a specific standby release condition is satisfied without the read request being received by the read request receiving process, a specific screen after the standby release condition is satisfied At the switching timing, the display unit, in place of the read notification screen, a screen switching process of displaying a screen corresponding to the established standby release condition,
After the incomplete information is set by the information setting process, when a specific information release condition different from the change in the configuration of the image processing apparatus and the change in the operation state of the image processing apparatus is satisfied, the storage unit Information release processing for releasing the stored incomplete information;
When the correction request is input via the input unit in an uncompleted state in which the uncompleted information is set in the storage unit and a screen different from the read notification screen is displayed on the display unit, Necessity reception processing for receiving designation of the necessity of the pattern printing processing via the input unit;
Run
The control unit executes the notification display process without executing the pattern printing process, when it is specified that the pattern printing process is unnecessary by the necessity reception process.
Image processing device. The image processing device according to claim 1,
The control unit further includes:
Elapsed time detection processing for detecting the elapsed time from the specific timing start timing after the correction pattern is printed by the pattern printing processing,
Run
The information release condition is satisfied when the elapsed time detected by the elapsed time detection process is equal to or greater than a time threshold,
Image processing device. The image processing device according to claim 2,
A time information output unit configured to output time information including the current time,
The elapsed time detection processing includes:
A time information storage process of storing the time information output from the time information output unit at the timing start timing in the storage unit;
Elapsed time calculation processing for calculating the elapsed time based on the difference between the time indicated by the time information stored in the storage unit and the current time indicated by the time information output from the time information output unit,
An image processing apparatus, comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The control unit further includes:
Operation determination processing for determining whether the time information output unit is operating normally,
Run
The information release condition is satisfied when it is determined by the operation determination process that the time information output unit is not operating normally.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The information release condition is satisfied when the printing unit performs printing on the print medium having a number of thresholds or more from a specific number measurement timing after the correction pattern is printed by the pattern printing process.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image processing apparatus or a temperature detection unit configured to detect a temperature of a specific temperature measurement site around the image processing apparatus,
The control unit further includes:
A temperature storage process for storing, in the storage unit, temperature information indicating a temperature detected by the temperature detection unit at a specific temperature measurement timing after the correction pattern is printed by the pattern printing process;
Run
The information release condition is satisfied when the difference between the temperature indicated by the temperature information stored in the storage unit and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than a temperature difference threshold,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image processing apparatus or comprises a humidity detection unit configured to detect the humidity of a specific humidity measurement site in the surroundings,
The control unit further includes:
A humidity storage process of storing humidity information indicating the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit at a specific humidity measurement timing after the correction pattern is printed by the pattern printing process in the storage unit,
Run
The information release condition is satisfied when the difference between the humidity indicated by the humidity information stored in the storage unit and the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit is equal to or greater than a humidity difference threshold,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The control unit is configured to perform the information release based on whether or not the information release condition is satisfied at a specific release determination timing after the incomplete information is set by the information setting process at the release determination timing. Execute the process,
Image processing device. The image processing device according to claim 8, wherein:
The image processing apparatus, wherein the release determination timing includes a timing at which a correction request for the drive information is input via a recording unit.