JP4413820B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus adjusting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes an automatic document feeder, and an image for performing read adjustment when reading an image of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder and performing read adjustment when reading an image of a document placed on a platen. The present invention relates to a method for adjusting a forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, digital copying machines have been widely used as image forming apparatuses using an electrophotographic system. The digital copying machine includes an image reading unit and a printing unit. The image reading unit reads an image of a document, and the printing unit forms an image on the sheet as a visible image, that is, prints the image data. In such a digital copying machine, reading adjustment of an image reading unit and printing adjustment of a printing unit are performed after assembly in a factory. The detailed method is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Here, a general case where the reading adjustment of the image reading unit is performed using a reference chart prepared in advance, and the adjustment of the printing unit is performed using a test print sheet obtained by printing on the printing unit Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the reference chart 1001 has a rectangular frame image formed on the entire sheet. As shown in FIG. 20, the test print sheet 1002 is a sheet in which a rectangular frame image is printed on the full sheet, like the reference chart 1001, and the test print pattern image data is printed by the printing unit to be adjusted. It was obtained by this. Note that the image of the test print pattern can normally use the same image as the image of the reference chart, and the image data is stored in, for example, the image forming apparatus.

  Reading adjustment of the image reading unit is performed based on image data obtained by reading the reference chart 1001 with the image reading unit. The print adjustment of the printing unit is performed based on the image data obtained by reading the test print sheet 1002 with the image reading unit. In the order of these two adjustments, first, reading adjustment of the image reading unit is performed, and then printing adjustment of the printing unit is performed. Therefore, when performing these adjustments, the operator first places the reference chart 1001 on the document table of the image forming apparatus, and operates the start button to cause the image reading unit to read the reference chart 1001. Then, after completion of the reading adjustment of the image reading unit in the image forming apparatus, a test print sheet 1002 that has been printed in advance or printed after completion of the reading adjustment is arranged on the document table, and the start button is operated. An operation of causing the image reading unit to read the test print sheet 1002 is performed.

  Hereinafter, the adjustment method of the image reading unit and the adjustment method of the printing unit will be specifically described. In the following description, the frame portion on the reading start end side in the sub-scanning direction in the rectangular frame image is referred to as the front frame portion, the frame portion on the reading rear end side is referred to as the rear frame portion, and the reading start end side in the main scanning direction. The frame portion is referred to as an upper frame portion, and the frame portion on the reading rear end side is referred to as a lower frame portion.

  In the reading adjustment of the image reading unit, for example, (A1) adjustment of reading magnification in the sub-scanning direction, (A2) reading tip position adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, and (A3) main scanning when the image reading unit reads an original image. Direction reading off-center adjustment is performed. Note that the reading magnification adjustment in the main scanning direction is already performed correctly in the image reading unit (image reading apparatus) alone, and is not performed here.

  For these adjustments, for example, a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a reference chart) on which an image of a reference chart for reading adjustment of the image reading unit shown in FIG. 19 is printed is used. That is, adjustment is performed using the image data of the reference chart 1001 obtained by reading the reference chart 1001 with the image reading unit.

  The reference chart 1001 has a rectangular frame image as shown in FIG. In the figure, P1 indicates the front end position of the front frame portion of the rectangular frame, P2 indicates the rear end position of the rear frame portion of the rectangular frame, P3 indicates the upper end position of the upper frame portion of the rectangular frame, and P4 indicates the rectangular shape. The lower end position of the lower frame part of the frame is shown.

  (A1) In the reading magnification adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction in the image data of the reference chart 1001 is set so that the P1-P2 interval in the image data of the reference chart 1001 matches the specified interval stored in the memory in advance. Adjust the magnification.

  (A2) In the reading leading edge position adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, on the memory, the position P1 in the image data of the reference chart 1001 matches the prescribed reading leading edge position (reading start edge position) stored in the memory in advance. The image data of the reference chart 1001 is moved back and forth in the sub-scanning direction.

  (A3) In reading off-center adjustment in the main scanning direction, the reference chart 1001 is stored on the memory so that the position P3 and the position P4 in the image data of the reference chart 1001 coincide with the prescribed positions stored in the memory in advance. Are moved back and forth in the main scanning direction.

  In the printing adjustment of the printing section, (B1) printing magnification adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, (B2) printing magnification adjustment in the main scanning direction, (B3) printing off-center adjustment in the main scanning direction, and (B4) printing in the sub-scanning direction. The tip position is adjusted.

  For these adjustments, for example, a sheet (hereinafter referred to as a test print sheet) obtained by printing an image of a test print pattern for print adjustment of the printing unit shown in FIG. 20 by the printing unit itself is used. That is, adjustment is performed using the image data of the test print sheet 1002 obtained by reading the test print sheet 1002 by the image reading unit.

  The test print sheet 1002 has a rectangular frame image as shown in FIG. In the figure, P11 indicates the rear end position of the front frame portion of the rectangular frame, P12 indicates the front end position of the rear frame portion of the rectangular frame, P13 indicates the lower end position of the upper frame portion of the rectangular frame, and P14 is a rectangular shape. The upper end position of the lower frame part of the frame is shown.

  (B1) In the sub-scanning direction printing magnification adjustment, the magnification in the sub-scanning direction of the image data of the test print sheet 1002 is adjusted so that the P11-P12 interval coincides with a predetermined interval stored in the memory in advance.

  (B2) In the print magnification adjustment in the main scanning direction, the magnification in the main scanning direction of the image data of the test print sheet 1002 is adjusted so that the P13-P14 interval coincides with a predetermined interval stored in the memory in advance.

  (B3) In the print off-center adjustment in the main scanning direction, the image of the test print sheet 1002 is displayed on the memory so that the width W2 of the upper frame portion of the rectangular frame matches the specified print width stored in the memory in advance. Data is moved back and forth in the main scanning direction.

  (B4) In the print leading edge position adjustment in the sub-scanning direction, the image of the test print sheet 1002 is displayed on the memory so that the width W1 of the front frame portion of the rectangular frame matches the specified print width stored in the memory in advance. Data is moved back and forth in the sub-scanning direction.

On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus is a multifunction peripheral, the image forming apparatus usually includes an automatic document feeder. The automatic document feeder is configured to sequentially convey a plurality of documents placed on a document set tray onto a document table and discharge them to a document discharge tray so that the image reading unit can read the documents. Therefore, the reading adjustment in such an image forming apparatus includes reading adjustment when reading an image of a document conveyed by an automatic document conveying device and reading adjustment when reading an image of a document placed on a document table. Is done. In particular, when the automatic document feeder is compatible with a double-sided document, the reading adjustment when the image reading unit reads an image of the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder is the front surface (front surface) of the document. The reading adjustment is performed for each of the case of reading and the case of reading the back side of the document.
JP2005-10733 (published on January 13, 2005)

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus is provided with the automatic document feeder, the work involved in the reading adjustment of the image reading unit increases, so that the burden on the operator increases. Specifically, conventionally, when an operator performs reading adjustment for image reading of a document conveyed by an automatic document conveying device, the arrangement of the reference chart 1001 on the automatic document conveying device, the reading start button ON is set. When the procedure is performed and reading adjustment is performed for reading an image of a document placed on the document table, the procedure is performed according to the procedure of placing the reference chart 1001 on the document table and turning on the reading start button. . For this reason, the work associated with these reading adjustments is very troublesome.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus adjustment method capable of reducing the burden on an operator associated with reading adjustment of an image reading unit in a configuration including an automatic document feeder. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a document table, and a plurality of documents arranged in a document placement unit for reading an image of the document. In an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic document conveyance unit that sequentially conveys a document, a reading operation of a first reference chart arranged on the document table and an arrangement on the document arrangement unit based on an input instructing an adjustment start Control means for controlling the image reading unit and the automatic document conveying unit so that the transport operation and the reading operation of the second reference chart are performed, and the document on the platen based on the image data of the first reference chart And an image reading unit adjusting means for performing reading adjustment accompanying reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device based on the image data of the second reference chart. It is.

  The image forming apparatus adjusting method according to the present invention sequentially conveys an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen and a plurality of documents placed in the document placement unit to read an image of the document. In an adjustment method for an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder that performs the reading operation of the first reference chart arranged on the document table and the document arrangement unit based on an input instructing the start of adjustment. A control step for controlling the image reading unit and the automatic document conveying unit so that the conveying operation and the reading operation of the second reference chart are performed, and the document on the document table based on the image data of the first reference chart. An image reading unit adjustment step for performing reading adjustment accompanying reading and reading adjustment accompanying reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device based on the image data of the second reference chart; It is characterized.

  According to the above configuration, when performing reading adjustment of the image forming apparatus, the operator arranges the first reference chart on the document table, arranges the second reference chart on the automatic document feeder, and starts adjustment. An input operation instructing may be performed. That is, as in the prior art, the arrangement of the first reference chart on the document table, the input operation instructing the start of adjustment, the arrangement of the second reference chart in the automatic document feeder, and the input operation instructing the start of adjustment are troublesome. There is no need to carry out any major work. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator accompanying the reading adjustment. In the reading adjustment described above, for example, magnification adjustment and position adjustment of the read image are performed.

  In the above image forming apparatus, the automatic document feeder includes a second image reading unit when the image reading unit is the first image reading unit, and reads the first reference chart arranged on the document table. The transport operation and the reading operation of the second reference chart placed in the document placement unit may be performed with overlapping operation periods based on an input instructing the start of adjustment.

  According to the above configuration, the reading operation of the first reference chart arranged on the document table and the conveying operation and the reading operation of the second reference chart arranged on the document arrangement unit are performed with overlapping operation periods. Therefore, quick processing becomes possible.

  The image forming apparatus includes a gradation adjustment unit, the reference chart includes a reading adjustment chart and a gradation adjustment chart, and the image reading unit adjustment unit includes the reading included in the image data of the reference chart. The image reading unit performs reading adjustment based on the image data of the adjustment chart, and the gradation adjustment unit performs gradation adjustment based on the image data of the gradation adjustment chart included in the image data of the reference chart. Also good.

  According to the above configuration, the reading adjustment of the image reading unit is performed based on the image data of the reading adjustment chart included in the image data of the reference chart, and the image of the gradation adjustment chart included in the image data of the reference chart Since gradation adjustment is performed based on the data, the operator performs an operation for gradation adjustment by placing a gradation adjustment chart on the document table in addition to the operation for reading adjustment of the image reading unit. There is no need to do such work. As a result, the burden on the operator in adjusting the image forming apparatus can be further reduced.

  In the image forming apparatus, the image data of the reference chart is divided into image data of a reading adjustment chart and image data of a gradation adjusting chart, the former is given to the image reading unit adjusting means, and the latter is given to the gradation adjusting means. It is good also as a structure provided with the image cutting means to give to.

  According to the above configuration, the image cutting unit separates the image data of the reference chart into the image data of the reading adjustment chart and the image data of the gradation adjusting chart, so that the image reading unit adjusting unit and the gradation adjustment The means can appropriately perform each adjustment operation based on necessary image data.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention sequentially reads an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen and a plurality of documents placed in the document placement unit for reading an image of the document by the image reading unit. A test obtained by a printing operation in the printing unit in an image forming apparatus including an automatic document conveying unit that conveys and a printing unit that performs printing based on image data of a document obtained from the image reading unit An image reading unit adjusting unit configured to perform reading adjustment accompanying reading of a transported document by the automatic document transport device based on image data of the test print sheet obtained by transporting the print sheet by the automatic document transport device; and the test print sheet And a printing unit adjustment unit that performs printing adjustment of the printing unit based on the image data.

  According to the adjustment method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit that reads the image of the document placed on the document table and the document placement unit that reads the image of the document by the image reading unit are arranged. An adjustment method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an automatic document conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of documents; and a printing unit that performs printing based on image data of the document obtained from the image reading unit. An image reading unit that performs reading adjustment accompanying reading of a conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device based on image data of the test print sheet obtained by conveying the test print sheet obtained by the printing operation by the automatic document conveying device The image forming apparatus includes an adjustment step and a print unit adjustment step for performing print adjustment of the print unit based on the image data of the test print sheet.

  According to the above configuration, the read adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device can be performed based on the image data of the test print sheet prepared for the print adjustment of the printing unit. Therefore, there is no need to separately read an image for reading adjustment by the image reading unit. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator accompanying the adjustment work of the image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document, and an automatic document transport unit that sequentially transports a plurality of documents placed in a document placement unit so that the image reading unit reads the image of the document. An image forming apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing based on image data of a document obtained from the image reading unit, a plurality of paper feeding units that supply printing paper to the printing unit, and A test print sheet created by the printing unit using the paper supplied from the paper feed unit is printed for each paper feed unit based on the image data of the test print sheet obtained by the automatic document feeder. And a printing unit adjusting means for performing printing adjustment of the printing unit.

  According to the adjustment method of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, an image reading unit that reads an image of a document and a plurality of documents arranged in the document placement unit in order to read the image of the document by the image reading unit are sequentially conveyed. Adjustment of an image forming apparatus including an automatic document feeder and a printing unit that performs printing on a sheet supplied from any of a plurality of paper feeding units based on image data of a document obtained from the image reading unit In the method, a test printing sheet created by the printing unit using paper supplied from each paper feeding unit is conveyed by the automatic document conveying device and read by the image reading unit, and the reading step includes And a printing unit adjustment step for performing printing adjustment of the printing unit for each sheet feeding unit based on the image data of each test print sheet obtained in this manner.

  According to the above configuration, the test print sheet corresponding to each paper feeding unit is sequentially sent by the automatic document feeder so that those images are read, so that the burden on the operator accompanying the adjustment work of the image forming apparatus is reduced. Can be reduced.

  The image forming apparatus may include an image reading unit adjusting unit that performs reading adjustment accompanying reading of a transported document by the automatic document transport device based on image data of any one of the test print sheets.

  According to the above configuration, since the reading adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying apparatus can be performed based on the image data of any test print sheet, the operator's adjustment work of the image forming apparatus can be adjusted. The burden can be further reduced.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reading operation of the first reference chart arranged on the original table and the second reference arranged on the original arrangement unit based on the input instructing the start of adjustment. Control means for controlling the image reading unit and the automatic document conveying unit so that the chart conveying operation and the reading operation are performed, and reading adjustment accompanying reading of the document on the document table based on the image data of the first reference chart And an image reading unit adjusting unit that performs reading adjustment accompanying reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device based on the image data of the second reference chart.

  As a result, when performing reading adjustment of the image forming apparatus, the operator places the first reference chart on the document table, places the second reference chart on the automatic document feeder, and inputs to instruct the start of adjustment. It is only necessary to perform the operation, and the burden on the operator accompanying the reading adjustment can be reduced.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is a multifunction machine including a scanner that is an image reading unit and a printer that is a printing unit. As shown in the overall configuration diagram of FIG. 3, the multifunction machine 1 schematically includes an automatic document feeder 210, a scanner 200 (image reading unit), a printer 100 (printing unit), and a paper feed desk device 20. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, a scanner 200 is arranged on the upper part of the multifunction device 1, and a document table 209 made of transparent glass is provided on the upper surface of the scanner 200. An automatic document feeder 210 is arranged on the document table 209. In addition, a printer 100 is disposed below the scanner 200, and a sheet feeding desk device 20 is disposed below the printer 100.

  The automatic document feeder 210 is a device that automatically conveys a plurality of documents (sheets) set on a document set tray 211 one by one onto a document table 209 and then discharges them to a document discharge tray 212. .

  When the automatic document feeder 210 is a DSPF (Duplex Single Pass Feeder), as shown in FIG. 4, after the document set on the document set tray 211 is conveyed along the conveyance path shown in FIG. To discharge. The DSPF includes an image reading unit 213 at a position along the conveyance path. The image reading unit 213 includes a CCD line sensor, for example. When such a DSPF is provided, the image on the front surface (front surface) of the document placed on the document set tray 211 is read by the scanner 200 which is a main body side reading unit, and the image on the back surface of the document is transferred to the feeding device. The image is read by the image reading unit 213 which is a side reading unit. In the following description, the description of “front surface” of a manuscript (sheet) or the like is intended as “front surface” with respect to “back surface”.

  Further, when the automatic document feeder 210 is an RSPF (Reversing Single Pass Feeder), as shown in FIG. 5, the documents set on the document set tray 211 are transported along the conveyance paths (1) to (7) shown in FIG. ) And then discharged to the document discharge tray 212. The RSPF is a system in which an image reading unit is not provided inside, and the front and back surfaces of the original are read by the scanner 200 which is a main body side reading unit. For this purpose, the document is switched back in the transport paths (4) and (5). The document conveying operation and the image reading operation when using such RSPF will be described in correspondence with the conveying paths (1) to (7) and numbers. (1) Documents are fed from the document set tray 211, ( 2) Scanning the front side of the document, (3) Inserting the document into the reverse path, (4) (5) Reverse the document, (6) Scanning the back side of the document, and (7) Ejecting the document.

  The scanner 200 scans and reads an image of a document placed on the document table 209 by itself. Alternatively, an image of a moving document that is conveyed onto the document table 209 by the automatic document feeder 210 is read at a fixed position. The scanner 200 of this embodiment is a color scanner. The scanner 200 includes a first scanning unit 201, a second scanning unit 202, an optical lens 203, and a CCD line sensor 204, which is a photoelectric conversion element, below the document table 209.

  The first scanning unit 201 includes an exposure lamp 205 that exposes the original surface, a first mirror 206 that reflects a reflected light image from the original in a predetermined direction, and the like. The second scanning unit 202 includes a second mirror 207 and a third mirror 208 that guide the reflected light from the original reflected from the first mirror 206 of the first scanning unit 201 to the CCD line sensor 204 that is a photoelectric conversion element. Has been. The optical lens 203 forms an image of the reflected light from the original on the CCD line sensor 204. The CCD line sensor 204 uses a three-line image sensor of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and can read an image by separating it into three colors.

  Next, the configuration of the printer 100 and the configuration of each unit related to the printer 100 will be described.

  The printer 100 forms multicolor and single color images on a predetermined sheet (recording paper) in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside of the printer 100.

  The printer 100 has four image forming stations for handling color images. The image data handled in the printer 100 corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer 100 includes an exposure unit 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), a developing device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), and a photosensitive drum (image carrier) 3 ( 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), cleaner unit 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and charger 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors. , Each image forming station is provided. Each image forming station is set so that a corresponds to black (K), b corresponds to cyan (C), c corresponds to magenta (M), and d corresponds to yellow (Y). Has been. If there is no need to distinguish between the image forming stations, they will be referred to as an exposure unit 10, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, and a charger 5 for the sake of simplicity.

  The printer 100 further includes a transfer conveyance belt unit 8, a fixing unit 12, a paper conveyance path S, a paper feed cassette 19, paper discharge trays 15 and 33, an image processing board 300, a control circuit board 400, and the like. The image processing substrate 300 includes an image processing unit 301. The control circuit board 400 includes a main control unit (image reading unit adjustment unit, printing unit adjustment unit) 401, printer control unit 402, scanner control unit 403, γ adjustment unit (gradation adjustment unit) 501, and storage unit 600. Yes. Hereinafter, each unit of the printer 100 will be described.

  The photosensitive drum 3 is disposed at the substantially central portion of the printer 100. The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to the charger type shown in FIG. 3, a contact type charging roller type or brush type is available. Used.

  The exposure unit 10 is a laser scanning unit (LSU) including, for example, an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array, a laser irradiation unit, and a reflection mirror. The exposure unit 10 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to an input image, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image according to image data on the surface.

  The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with K, C, M, and Y toners. The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The transfer conveyance belt unit 8 disposed below the photosensitive drum 3 includes a transfer belt 7, a transfer belt drive roller 71, a transfer belt tension roller 72, a transfer belt driven roller 73, a transfer belt support roller 74, and a transfer roller 6 ( 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and a transfer belt cleaning unit 9.

  The transfer belt driving roller 71, the transfer belt tension roller 72, the transfer roller 6, the transfer belt driven roller 73, the transfer belt support roller 74, and the like stretch the transfer belt 7 and rotate it in the direction of arrow B.

  The transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) inside the transfer belt unit, and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to a sheet conveyed by being attracted to the transfer belt 7. Is.

  The transfer belt 7 is provided so as to be in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. Then, the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 3 are sequentially transferred onto the sheet on the transfer belt 7. As a result, a color toner image (multicolor toner image) is formed on the sheet.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the sheet is performed by the transfer roller 6 that is in contact with the back side of the transfer belt 7. A high voltage (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the transfer roller 6 in order to transfer the toner image. For example, a brush or the like can be used instead of the transfer roller 6.

  Thus, each member of the transfer / conveyance belt unit 8 functions as a transfer unit that transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the sheet.

  The toner adhering to the transfer belt 7 due to contact with the photosensitive drum 3 causes the back surface of the sheet to become dirty, and is removed and collected by the transfer belt cleaning unit 9.

  The paper feed cassette 19 accommodates sheets used for image formation, and is provided below the printer 100. A paper discharge tray 15 provided in the upper part of the printer 100 is a tray for placing printed sheets face down. A paper discharge tray 33 provided on the side of the printer 100 is a tray for placing sheets with images formed face up.

  The printer 100 is provided with an S-shaped sheet conveyance path S for sending sheets from the sheet feeding cassette 19 to the sheet discharge tray 15 via the sheet transfer conveyance unit 8 and the fixing unit 12. Further, in the vicinity of the sheet conveyance path S from the sheet feeding cassette 19 to the sheet discharge tray 15 and the sheet discharge tray 33, a pickup roller 16, a registration roller 14, a fixing unit 12, a conveyance direction switching gate 34, and a conveyance for conveying a sheet. A roller 25 and the like are arranged.

  The conveyance rollers 25 are small rollers for promoting and assisting conveyance of the sheet, and a plurality of conveyance rollers 25 are provided along the sheet conveyance path S. The pickup roller 16 is provided at the end of the paper feed cassette 19 and is a call-in roller that supplies sheets from the paper feed cassette 19 to the paper transport path S one by one.

  The conveyance direction switching gate 34 is configured to separate the sheet from the middle of the conveyance path S and to discharge the sheet to the sheet discharge tray 33 by changing the state indicated by the solid line to the state indicated by the broken line. In the state indicated by the solid line, the sheet passes through the conveyance unit S ′ (part of the sheet conveyance path S) formed between the fixing unit 12, the side cover 35, and the conveyance switching guide (gate) 34, and is discharged at the top. It is discharged to the paper tray 15.

  The registration roller 14 temporarily holds the sheet being conveyed on the sheet conveyance path S. The sheet has a function of transporting the sheet with good timing in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3 so that the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 can be satisfactorily transferred onto the sheet.

  The fixing unit 12 includes a heat roller 31, a pressure roller 32, and the like. The heat roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 rotate while sandwiching the sheet, and the sheet is thermocompression bonded to melt, mix, and press the multicolor toner image transferred to the sheet, and thermally fix the sheet.

  The image processing board 300 is a circuit board that performs predetermined processing on image data, and the control circuit board 400 is a circuit board that controls an image forming process.

  Next, the sheet feeding desk device 20 will be described. The paper feed desk device 20 is provided below the paper feed cassette 19 of the printer 100. The paper feed desk device 20 includes three stages of paper feed cassettes 20a to 20c, and can supply paper to the printer 100 via the paper transport path S. The multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the paper feed desk device 20, and includes a single-stage paper cassette or a tandem cassette having two paper cassettes in parallel. Alternatively, it can be worn according to the user's request, such as a device that simply functions as a desk.

  In this embodiment, the printer 100 is described as a multicolor printer that forms a multicolor image. However, a printer that forms a monochrome (black and white) image can perform functions other than a part of the present invention. To do.

  The multifunction device 1 also includes an operation panel as a user interface of the multifunction device 1 at the position of the scanner 200. As shown in FIG. 6, a touch panel liquid crystal display device (referred to as LCD) 221 is arranged on the left side of the operation panel 220, and a numeric key 231, a start key 241, a clear key 251, and all keys are arranged on the right side thereof. A release key 261 is arranged.

  Various screens are switched and displayed on the screen of the LCD 221. In these screens, touch keys for setting various conditions are arranged, and various condition settings (for example, monochrome / color mode selection, document type selection, automatic selection are performed by directly pressing the touch keys with a finger. / Manual selection, other special function selection, etc.). In addition, operation guidance, warnings, and the like are also displayed on the LCD 221.

  Between the LCD 221 and the numeric keypad 231, as keys for switching functions when the multifunction device 1 having the printer 100 operates as a multifunction device, a printer key 271, a facsimile / image transmission key 281, a copy key 291, and the like, respectively. A job key 311 for confirming the job status registered for each function is arranged.

  Among the keys arranged on the right side of the LCD 221, the numeric keypad 231 is a key used for inputting a numerical value (such as the number of copies) on the LCD 221 screen, and the start key 241 is an image forming operation or reading in each processing mode. This is a key for instructing the start of operation. The clear key 251 is a key for clearing a set value displayed on the LCD 221 or interrupting an operation currently being executed such as an image forming operation. The all cancel key 261 is a reading condition, an image forming condition, or the like. It is a key to return the setting of to the default value. The interrupt key 321 is a key for temporarily interrupting an image forming operation being executed and allowing other image formation.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the multifunction device 1 includes a main control unit 401 that controls the entire multifunction device 1, a printer 100, a printer control unit 402 that controls the printer 100, a scanner 200, and a scanner control unit 403 that controls the scanner 200. An image processing unit 301, a γ adjustment unit 501, and a storage unit 600. The storage unit 600 includes an image data storage unit 601, a reference data storage unit 602, and a test print pattern storage unit 603.

  The image data storage unit 601 stores image data read by the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213. The image data storage unit 601 serves as a work area for the main control unit 401. The reference data storage unit 602 stores various reference values necessary for reading adjustment of the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213 and printing adjustment of the printer 100. For example, the vertical and horizontal lengths of sheets of various sizes including A4 size are stored as reference values. The test print pattern storage unit 603 stores a test print pattern for printing a test print sheet 702 having at least one size including, for example, A4 size.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main part of the functional configuration of the main control unit 401 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the main control unit 401 includes an image segmentation unit (image segmentation unit) 421, a reading adjustment unit 431, and a print adjustment unit 441.

  The image cutout unit 421 is configured to read a read adjustment image (an image of the read adjustment chart 711 shown in FIG. 7), which is a rectangular frame image, from each reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213. The γ adjustment chart image (the image of the γ adjustment chart 712 shown in FIG. 7), which is an image inside the reading adjustment image, is separated. The read adjustment image obtained in this way is input to the read adjustment unit 431, and the γ adjustment chart image is input to the γ adjustment unit 501. The reference chart image is obtained from the image reading unit 213 when the automatic document feeder 210 is a DSPF, and when the automatic document feeder 210 is a RSPF, a reference as a back side scanned image obtained from the scanner 200 is obtained. Use chart images.

  The reading adjustment unit 431 performs reading adjustment of the scanner 200 based on the reading adjustment image cut out from the reference chart image read by the scanner 200, and based on the reading adjustment image cut out from the reference chart image read by the image reading unit 213. Then, reading adjustment (back side reading adjustment) of the image reading unit 213 is performed. The print adjustment unit 441 performs print adjustment of the printer 100 based on the test print image read by the scanner 200. The γ adjustment unit 501 performs γ adjustment of the scanner 200 based on the γ adjustment chart image cut out from the reference chart image read by the scanner 200, and the γ adjustment chart cut out from the reference chart image read by the image reading unit 213. Based on the image, γ adjustment (back surface reading γ adjustment) of the image reading unit 213 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the reading magnification of the scanner 200 in the main scanning direction has already been correctly adjusted. This is because the magnification in the main scanning direction of the scanner 200 is mechanically adjusted by a jig or the like during assembly at the factory.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a reference chart used in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the test print sheet. That is, in this embodiment, a reference chart 701 shown in FIG. 7A is used instead of the reference chart 1001 shown in FIG. Note that the test print sheet 702 shown in FIG. 7A has the same image as the test print sheet 1002 shown in FIG.

  The reference chart 701 includes a γ adjustment chart (tone adjustment chart) 712 that is an image used for γ adjustment inside a reading adjustment chart 711 (corresponding to the reference chart 1001) formed of an image having a rectangular frame shape. It has become a thing. Accordingly, the reference chart 701 can be used for reading adjustment and γ adjustment of the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213.

  The test print sheet 702 is obtained by printing the test print pattern image data stored in the test print pattern storage unit 603. Note that the image (test print pattern) of the test print sheet 702 is not a continuous rectangular frame shape image as shown in FIG. 7B, but an image in which the frame shape portion image is partially thinned out. There may be. In this case, the test print sheet 702 (test print pattern) can reduce the amount of toner used when it is printed.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the test print pattern stored in the test print pattern storage unit 603 and the test print sheet 702 on which the test print pattern is printed. Specifically, for example, a state in which a test print pattern image 751 formed based on the test print pattern is transferred from the photosensitive drum 3 to an area including the test print sheet 702 on the transfer belt 7 is shown. Alternatively, the correspondence between the test print pattern image 751 formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 based on the test print pattern and the test print sheet 702 on the transfer belt 7 when the test print pattern image 751 is printed is shown. ing.

  As shown in the figure, the test print pattern printed on the test print sheet 702 is larger than the paper size of the test print sheet 702, so that the test print image is filled up to the end edge portion of the test print sheet 702. Can be printed. In the present embodiment, the size of the test print sheet 702 is A4.

  In the above configuration, when the automatic document feeder 210 is the DSPF shown in FIG. 4, the document placed on the document set tray 211 is read by the scanner 200 and the back is read by the image reading unit 213. It is done. On the other hand, when the automatic document feeder 210 is the RSPF shown in FIG. 5, the document placed on the document set tray 211 is read by the scanner 200 on both the front and back surfaces. In the following description, it is assumed that the automatic document feeder 210 is a DSPF, for example.

  Next, a reading adjustment method of the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213 and a printing adjustment method of the printer 100 in the multifunction machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the case of these adjustments, as shown in FIG. 9, first, reading adjustment (reading adjustment of the scanner 200) accompanying reading of the document on the document table 209, γ adjustment of the scanner 200, and reading of the transported document by the automatic document feeder 210. The back side reading adjustment (back side reading adjustment of the image reading unit 213) and the γ adjustment of the image reading unit 213 are performed. Next, the front surface reading adjustment and the printing adjustment of the printer 100 accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device 210 are performed. FIG. 9 is a schematic explanatory diagram of reading adjustment and print adjustment in the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment. The reference chart 701 is placed on the document table 209 as usual with reference to a document placement guide (not shown).

  A reading adjustment accompanying reading of a document on the document table 209, a γ adjustment of the scanner 200, a back side reading adjustment accompanying a reading of a transported document by the automatic document feeder 210, and a γ adjustment of the image reading unit 213 are described below based on the flowchart of FIG. Explained.

  In this adjustment, the main control unit 401 sets the multifunction device 1 to the reading adjustment mode (S1), and the reference chart 701 is placed on the document set tray 211 and the document table 209 of the automatic document feeder 210 as shown in FIG. Place. In this case, each reference chart 701 is arranged with the image surface facing downward. For example, the arrangement of the reference chart 701 in each of these parts is detected by a sensor (not shown) (S2). Note that the reading adjustment mode can be set by a key operation on the operation panel 220.

  Next, when the start key 241 is turned on (S3), the reference chart 701 arranged on the document set tray 211 is read by the image reading unit 213, and the reference chart 701 arranged on the document table 209 is read by the scanner 200. Is read (S4).

  Here, in the multifunction device 1, when the start key 241 is turned ON only once in the reading adjustment mode, the document feeding operation by the automatic document feeder 210, the reading operation of the reference chart 701 by the image reading unit 213, and the document by the scanner 200. The reading operation of the reference chart 701 on the table 209 is sequentially performed.

  Next, reading adjustment (reading adjustment of the scanner 200) accompanying reading of the document on the document table 209 is performed based on the reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200, and based on the reference chart image obtained from the image reading unit 213. Then, the back side scanning adjustment accompanying the reading of the transported document by the automatic document transport device 210 is performed, and the γ adjustment of the scanner 200 is performed based on the reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200, and the reference chart obtained from the image reading unit 213 The gamma adjustment of the image reading unit 213 is performed based on the image (S5). Thereafter, each adjustment value is fed back to a means for using those adjustment values (S6).

  Note that the above-described reading operation by the image reading unit 213 when the image surface of the reference chart 701 is placed on the document set tray 211 with the image surface of the reference chart 701 facing down in S4 is the reverse surface reading for the reading operation using the automatic document feeder 210. It corresponds to. Accordingly, in the arrangement state in which the image surface of the reference chart 701 faces downward, reading adjustment based on the read image of the image reading unit 213 when the automatic document feeder 210 is the DSPF, or the automatic document feeder 210 is the RSPF. The read adjustment based on the read image of the scanner 200 in a certain case is the back side read adjustment of the automatic document feeder 210.

  Next, the reading adjustment of the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213 and the γ adjustment of the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213 shown in FIG. 10 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reading adjustment of the scanner 200 and the reading adjustment (back side reading adjustment) of the image reading unit 213, the image cutout unit 421 of the main control unit 401 is obtained from the reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200 and the image reading unit 213. The reference chart image includes a read adjustment image (an image corresponding to the read adjustment chart 711) that is an image of a rectangular frame shape, and a γ adjustment chart image (γ adjustment chart) that is an image inside the read adjustment image. (Image corresponding to 712) (S11). Then, the image cutout unit 421 outputs the read adjustment image to the read adjustment unit 431 and outputs the γ adjustment chart image to the γ adjustment unit 501.

  The γ adjustment unit 501 performs γ adjustment of the scanner 200 based on the γ adjustment chart image of the reference chart image read by the scanner 200, and based on the γ adjustment chart image of the reference chart image read by the image reading unit 213. The gamma adjustment of the image reading unit 213 is performed (S12). This γ adjustment is performed by a known method.

  For example, in the γ adjustment, when the color data of the read reference chart image is A1, and the color data when this is corrected with the initial color correction coefficient B1 is A2, the reference values Aref and A2 are compared. If the allowable range is exceeded, the color correction coefficient is changed so as to be within the allowable range. Thus, the output color data is made close to the reference value.

  On the other hand, the reading adjustment unit 431 performs reading adjustment of the scanner 200 based on the reading adjustment image of the reference chart image read by the scanner 200, and based on the reading adjustment image of the reference chart image read by the image reading unit 213. Reading adjustment (back side reading adjustment) of the image reading unit 213 is performed (S13 to S14).

  In these reading adjustments, the reading adjustment unit 431 first performs magnification adjustment in the sub-scanning direction for the read image (S13). Next, the reading adjustment unit 431 adjusts the tip position in the sub-scanning direction (S14). Finally, the reading adjustment unit 431 performs off-center adjustment in the main scanning direction (S15). The details of these reading adjustments are as described above based on FIG.

  Next, surface reading adjustment and printing adjustment of the printer 100 accompanying reading of a transported document by the automatic document transport device 210 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In this adjustment, the main control unit 401 first sets the multifunction machine 1 to the print adjustment mode (S21). The print adjustment mode can be set by a key operation on the operation panel 220.

  Next, when the start key 241 is turned on (S22), for example, the test print pattern stored in the test print pattern storage unit 603 is read and the test print sheet 702 is printed (S23). The paper (sheet) used in this case is supplied from each paper feed cassette provided in the multifunction machine 1. In the present embodiment, the paper is fed from each of the four paper feed cassettes 19, 20a to 20c. Therefore, four test print sheets 702 are created. Further, it is preferable that the sheets to be used have the same size through all the sheet feeding cassettes 19, 20a to 20c.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the operator places the four test print sheets 702 on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210 with the image surface facing up. This state is detected by a sensor (not shown), for example (S24).

  Next, when the start key 241 is turned on (S25), the automatic document feeder 210 sequentially feeds four test print sheets 702 arranged on the document set tray 211 and discharges them to the document discharge tray 212. During this time, the scanner 200 sequentially reads the images on the test print sheets 702 (S26).

  As described above, when the original is sent with the image surface of the test print sheet 702 facing upward, the test print sheet 702 is read by the scanner 200. This corresponds to surface reading for a reading operation using the automatic document feeder 210.

  Next, based on the test print image of the test print sheet 702 obtained from the scanner 200, surface reading adjustment, print magnification adjustment, and all cassette adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device 210 are performed (S27). . Thereafter, each adjustment value is fed back to a means for using those adjustment values (S28).

  The surface reading adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device 210 in S27 corresponds to the processes of S13 to S15 shown in FIG.

  Next, the printing adjustment shown in S27 of FIG. 13, that is, the printing magnification adjustment and all cassette adjustment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the print adjustment of the printer 100, the print adjustment unit 441 of the main control unit 401 first detects the arrangement direction and size of the test print sheet 702 on the document table 209 from the test print image input from the scanner 200 (S41). ).

  Next, a calculation for adjusting the printing position is performed (S42), and then a calculation for adjusting the printing magnification is performed (S43). The processing of S43 corresponds to the above-described (B1) print magnification adjustment in the sub-scanning direction and (B2) print magnification adjustment in the main scanning direction. In addition, the test print image used in this case may correspond to any one of the four test print sheets 702.

  Next, as an adjustment for all cassettes, test print images corresponding to the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c (test print sheets 702 created using paper supplied from the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c are displayed. Based on the test print image obtained by reading, the print off-center adjustment in the main scanning direction is performed for each of the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c (S44). , 20a to 20c is adjusted for the printing leading edge position in the sub-scanning direction (S45). The details of the print adjustment of the printer 100 are as described above based on FIG.

  Note that, in the multifunction machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 401 performs the back side scanning adjustment and the scanning adjustment of the scanner 200 for the reading operation using the automatic document conveying device 210, and automatic document conveyance. When the apparatus 210 is a DSPF having the image reading unit 213, the feeding operation of the reference chart 701 arranged on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210 in response to the ON operation of the start key 241, that is, the image reading unit The configuration may be such that the reading operation by 213 and the reading operation of the reference chart 701 on the document table 209 by the scanner 200 are performed simultaneously. The term “simultaneously” means that the periods of the two reading operations overlap.

  As described above, in the adjustment method of the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the reference chart 701 is arranged on each of the document setting tray 211 and the document table 209 of the automatic document feeder 210, and in response to an ON operation of the start key 241. Thus, the back side scanning adjustment for the document reading operation using the automatic document feeder 210 and the reading adjustment for the document reading operation on the document table 209 by the scanner 200 are sequentially or redundantly performed. Therefore, when performing the back side scanning adjustment for the document reading operation using the automatic document feeder 210, the operator places the reference chart 701 on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210 and turns on the start key 241. There is no need to perform operations such as placing the reference chart 701 on the document table 209 and turning on the start key 241 when the scanner 200 performs a reading operation on the document table 209 by the scanner 200 thereafter. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the worker accompanying these adjustments.

  In addition, when print adjustment of the printer 100 is performed, the reference chart corresponding to each of the paper feed cassettes 19, 20 a to 20 c using the paper supplied from each of the paper feed cassettes 19, 20 a to 20 c included in the multifunction device 1. 701 is created, these reference charts 701 are placed on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210, and these reference charts 701 are read collectively using the automatic document feeder 210. It is possible to reduce the burden on the operator accompanying the printing adjustment.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, the multifunction device 1 performs the adjustment in the first adjustment mode shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 instead of the adjustment in the reading adjustment mode shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and FIG. Instead of the adjustment in the print adjustment mode shown in FIG. 13, the adjustment in the second adjustment mode shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 is performed.

  In the first adjustment mode, reading adjustment (reading adjustment of the scanner 200) accompanying reading of the document on the document table 209, gamma adjustment of the scanner 200, and surface reading adjustment (image reading unit) accompanying reading of the transported document by the automatic document feeder 210. 213, back side scanning adjustment), γ adjustment of the image reading unit 213, and print magnification adjustment of the scanner 200. This process will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the case of this adjustment, first, the multifunction device 1 is set to the first adjustment mode (S51), and when the start key 241 is turned on (S52), it is supplied from any one of the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c. The test print pattern recorded in the test print pattern storage unit 603 is printed on the printed sheet to create a test print sheet 702 (S53). The first adjustment mode can be set by key operation on the operation panel 220.

  Thereafter, the reference chart 701 is placed on the document set tray 211 and the document table 209 of the automatic document feeder 210 (S54), and when the start key 241 is turned on (S55), the reference chart 701 placed on the document set tray 211. Is read by the image reading unit 213, and the reference chart 701 placed on the document table 209 is read by the scanner 200 (S56).

  In the multi-function device 1, when the start key 241 is turned on once in the first adjustment mode, the document feeding operation by the automatic document feeder 210, the reading operation of the reference chart 701 by the image reading unit 213, and the document table by the scanner 200. The reading operation of the reference chart 701 on 209 may be sequentially performed. Alternatively, based on the first ON operation of the start key 241, the original document feeding operation by the automatic document feeder 210 and the reading operation of the reference chart 701 by the image reading unit 213 are performed, and based on the second ON operation of the start key 241. The scanner 200 may read the reference chart 701 on the document table 209.

  Next, reading adjustment accompanying reading of the document on the document table 209 is performed based on the reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200, and conveyance by the automatic document conveyance device 210 is performed based on the reference chart image obtained from the image reading unit 213. The back side scanning adjustment accompanying the reading of the original is performed, the γ adjustment of the scanner 200 is performed based on the reference chart image obtained from the scanner 200, and the image reading unit 213 is based on the reference chart image obtained from the image reading unit 213. Γ adjustment is performed (S57).

  Note that the above-described reading operation by the image reading unit 213 when the image surface of the reference chart 701 is placed on the document set tray 211 with the image surface of the reference chart 701 facing down in S56 is the reverse side reading for the reading operation using the automatic document feeder 210. It corresponds to. Therefore, the read adjustment based on the read image of the image reading unit 213 when the automatic document feeder 210 is a DSPF or the read adjustment based on the read image of the scanner 200 when the automatic document feeder 210 is an RSPF This is the back side scanning adjustment of the transport device 210.

  Next, when the test print sheet 702 created in S53 is placed on the document table 209 (S58) and the start key 241 is turned on (S59), the test print sheet 702 is read by the scanner 200 (S60). The print magnification of the printer 100 is adjusted based on the obtained test print image (S61). Thereafter, each adjustment value is fed back to a means for using those adjustment values (S62).

  Note that the processing of S61 corresponds to the processing of S43 shown in FIG. The processing of S57 is as described based on FIG.

  Next, in the second adjustment mode, surface reading adjustment and printing adjustment of the printer 100 are performed in accordance with reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document conveying device 210. This process will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In this adjustment, the main control unit 401 sets the multifunction machine 1 to the second adjustment mode (S71). The setting of the second adjustment mode can be set by a key operation on the operation panel 220. The following operation is the same as the operation shown in FIG. 13 except for the processing of S77, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In the process of S77, the print magnification adjustment performed in S61 is removed from the corresponding process of S27 in FIG.

  As described above, in the adjustment method of the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the reference chart 701 is arranged on each of the document setting tray 211 and the document table 209 of the automatic document feeder 210, and in response to an ON operation of the start key 241. Thus, the back side scanning adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document feeder 210 and the reading adjustment accompanying the reading of the document on the document table 209 are performed sequentially or simultaneously (overlapping periods). Therefore, the operator places the reference chart 701 on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210 and turns on the start key 241 when performing the back side scanning adjustment accompanying the reading of the conveyed document by the automatic document feeder 210. After that, when performing reading adjustment accompanying reading of the document on the document table 209, it is not necessary to perform an operation of placing the reference chart 701 on the document table 209 and turning on the start key 241. The burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In addition, when performing print adjustment of the printer 100, test printing corresponding to each of the paper feed cassettes 19, 20a to 20c is performed using the paper supplied from each of the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c included in the multifunction device 1. Since the sheets 702 are created, the test print sheets 702 are arranged on the document set tray 211 of the automatic document feeder 210, and the test print sheets 702 are collectively read using the automatic document feeder 210. The burden on the operator associated with the print adjustment of the printer 100 can be reduced.

  In the configuration of the second embodiment, the print magnification adjustment is performed before the print adjustment based on the test print image corresponding to each of the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20a to 20c, as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment. Is going. Therefore, although the work increases as much as the print magnification adjustment is performed, good print adjustment is possible.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a multifunction peripheral of a digital copying machine including a scanner and a printer.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration for reading adjustment and print adjustment of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control part shown in FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a DSPF as an example of the automatic document feeder illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an RSPF as an example of the automatic document feeder illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a reference chart used for reading adjustment in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7B shows a test print sheet used for print adjustment in the image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the test print pattern memorize | stored in the test print pattern memory | storage part shown in FIG. 1, and the test print sheet on which this test print pattern was printed. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of reading adjustment and print adjustment in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a reading adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement state of a reference chart when performing reading adjustment of the image forming apparatus using the automatic document feeder (DSPF) illustrated in FIG. 4. 11 is a flowchart illustrating reading adjustment of the scanner and the image reading unit in S5 of FIG. 10 and γ adjustment of the scanner and the image reading unit 213. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a print adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of a test print sheet on an automatic document feeder when performing print adjustment of the image forming apparatus using the automatic document feeder (DSPF) shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the printing adjustment of S27 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram of reading adjustment and printing adjustment of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation in a first adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in a second adjustment mode of the image forming apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional reference | standard chart used for the reading adjustment of a scanner. It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional test print sheet used for the printing adjustment of a printer.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP (image forming device)
3 Photosensitive drum 101 Document placement guide 100 Printer (printing unit)
200 Scanner (image reading unit)
209 Document table 401 Main control unit (image reading unit adjustment unit, printing unit adjustment unit, control unit)
421 Image segmentation unit 431 Reading adjustment unit 441 Print adjustment unit 501 γ adjustment unit (tone adjustment unit)
603 Test print pattern storage unit 701 Reference chart 702 Test print sheet 711 Reading adjustment chart 712 γ adjustment chart (gradation adjustment chart)
751 Test print pattern image 1001 Reference chart 1002 Test print sheet

Claims (5)

A first image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a document table and a second image reading unit, and the document placement unit for reading the image of the document by the second image reading unit. In an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic document conveyance unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of arranged documents,
A reading operation by the first image reading unit of the first reference chart arranged on the document table and a second reference arranged in the document arrangement unit of the automatic document conveying unit based on an input for instructing the start of adjustment. Control means for controlling the first image reading unit and the automatic document conveying unit so that a chart conveying operation and a reading operation by the second image reading unit are performed;
Wherein the conveying the document by the automatic document feeder based on the image data of the first reference chart the first image reading to involve reading adjustment of the reading unit and the second reference chart of the document table on the document based on the image data of the An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image reading unit adjustment unit configured to perform reading adjustment accompanying reading of the second image reading unit . Reading operation of the first reference chart arranged on the document table by the first image reading unit , conveyance operation of the second reference chart arranged in the document arrangement unit of the automatic document conveying unit, and the second image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading operation by the reading unit is performed with overlapping operation periods based on an input instructing start of adjustment. Gradation adjustment means,
The first and second reference charts include a reading adjustment chart and a gradation adjustment chart,
The image reading unit adjustment unit performs reading adjustment of the first and second image reading units based on the image data of the reading adjustment chart included in the image data of the first and second reference charts,
The gradation adjusting means adjusts the gradation of the first and second image reading units based on the image data of the gradation adjustment chart included in the image data of the first and second reference charts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Cut into the image data of the image data and the gradation adjustment chart of the first and second adjustment chart read image data of the reference chart, giving the former on the image reading unit adjusting means, the gradation adjusting the latter 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising image cutting means for giving to the means. A first image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a document table and a second image reading unit, and the document placement unit for reading the image of the document by the second image reading unit. In an adjustment method for an image forming apparatus comprising an automatic document feeder that sequentially conveys a plurality of arranged documents,
A reading operation by the first image reading unit of the first reference chart arranged on the document table and a second reference arranged in the document arrangement unit of the automatic document conveying unit based on an input for instructing the start of adjustment. A control step for controlling the first image reading unit and the automatic document conveying unit so that a chart conveying operation and a reading operation by the second image reading unit are performed;
Wherein the conveying the document by the automatic document feeder based on the image data of the first reference chart the first image reading to involve reading adjustment of the reading unit and the second reference chart of the document table on the document based on the image data of the An image forming apparatus adjustment method comprising: an image reading unit adjustment step that performs reading adjustment accompanying reading of the second image reading unit .