JP4654995B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a program, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of γ correction screens, an image forming method, and a program.

  In recent years, in the technical field of image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile receivers, or MFPs (Multi Function Periferal) that have these functions, the gradation of input image data and the gradation of an actually output image In order to make the relationship ideal, a technique for correcting γ (gamma) characteristics of output image data with respect to the gradation of input image data (hereinafter referred to as “γ adjustment”) is known.

  An example of a specific configuration of γ adjustment will be shown. In the case of an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic process, a reference screen whose gradation is known in advance is formed on a photosensitive drum or an intermediate transfer drum inside a print engine, and its optical density is read by a sensor to obtain an input gradation value. The gamma characteristic of the reference gamma table is adjusted based on the relationship with the density value read by the sensor. That is, a reference screen is formed on a photosensitive drum or the like by image data generated by the reference gamma table, and the characteristics of the reference gamma table are adjusted according to the output density read by the sensor. In recent years, which tend to be multifunctional, it is common to use a single image forming apparatus as a copier or printer, and the type of image data to be processed (text data, image data, etc.). Has also increased. In view of this, an image forming apparatus has been developed that includes a plurality of screens according to the characteristics of these different types of image data and performs γ adjustment suitable for the type of input image data.

  By performing γ adjustment according to input image data, a suitable output image that is not affected by the type of input image data can be obtained, but on the other hand, the time for performing γ adjustment increases. And the problem of increased consumption of toner and the like. That is, for each type of input image data, a series of steps including formation of a reference screen based on the reference gamma table → measurement of the density value of the reference screen → adjustment of the reference gamma table based on the measured density value is repeated. Time is required for each type of image data. Furthermore, since it is necessary to re-form the reference screen by each γ adjustment, the amount of toner consumption increases accordingly.

  Various inventions have been made in order to solve the problems of long time for γ adjustment and increase in toner consumption in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of screens for each type of input image data. Patent Document 1 discloses a composite copying apparatus that is compatible with input / output of image data and text data as input image data, and has been devised for the timing of performing γ adjustment. That is, in general, the γ adjustment is often executed at the time of warm-up performed immediately after the apparatus is turned on. The composite copying apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to perform γ adjustment according to the type of input image data at the timing when the input image data is first received without performing γ adjustment during warm-up. Yes.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming apparatus having a plurality of reference gamma tables for γ adjustment, in which a screen is formed according to a representative reference gamma table among the plurality of gamma tables, and according to the density value of the screen. An image that generates a correction gamma table that indicates the relationship between the representative reference gamma table before γ adjustment and the representative reference γ table after γ adjustment, and then performs γ adjustment of other reference gamma tables according to the correction gamma table. A forming apparatus is disclosed.
JP 2004-181670 A JP 2004-266401 A

  However, since the composite copying apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs the γ adjustment processing according to the type of input image data for the first time when each type of input image data is first input, the type of input image data There is a problem that a time for γ adjustment must be ensured every time. That is, when text data is input first, time is secured and γ adjustment for text data is performed, and then image formation is performed. Next, when image data is input, the time is secured again, and γ adjustment for text data is performed, and then image formation is performed. Thus, every time the type of input image data changes, the user is kept waiting, and there is a problem of ensuring convenience.

  In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the normal γ adjustment process is performed once in principle, and a plurality of other γ adjustment processes are performed based on the conversion table generated by the normal γ adjustment process. Although there is an advantage that the time required for the γ adjustment can be shortened by the amount of γ adjustment of the reference gamma table, the other reference gamma tables are based on actual density values directly read from the sensor. Since γ adjustment is not performed, there remains a problem that the accuracy of adjustment decreases.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to perform γ adjustment time periodically performed after power-on or every predetermined time unit, and consumption of toner used in γ adjustment. And an appropriate γ adjustment according to the type of input image data.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a gamma adjustment unit that performs gamma adjustment processing on input image data using at least one of a plurality of types of screens, and the plurality of types. Setting means for selecting at least one screen to be used for gamma adjustment processing by the gamma adjustment means from among the screens according to the type of the input image data, and setting the selected screen as a basic setting, and the basic An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores settings;
Obtaining means for obtaining screen designation information which is inputted together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment processing;
Comparison means for comparing the screen designation information acquired by the acquisition means with the basic settings stored in the storage means;
When the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the control means causes the gamma adjustment means to execute a gamma adjustment process based on the screen designation information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the control means The gamma adjustment unit is caused to execute a gamma adjustment process using a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting among the screens specified by the screen specification information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, if the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, the screen designation is performed. together it is stored in the storage unit screen designation information for executing the gamma adjustment process to the gamma adjusting unit using a screen different from the screen which is set as the basic setting of the specified screen by the information, before Symbol Moreover, further comprising a storage control means for storing the scan clean specifying information in said storage means with the date and / or time stored in the storage means,
The control means compares the date and / or time stored by the storage control means with the current date and / or time, and if a predetermined time has elapsed, the control means stores the date and / or time in the storage means. characterized by erasing the stored previous kissing clean specifying information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gamma adjustment step for performing gamma adjustment processing using at least one of a plurality of types of screens on input image data, and the gamma adjustment from the plurality of types of screens. A setting step for selecting at least one screen used for the gamma adjustment processing in step according to the type of the input image data and setting the selected screen as a basic setting; and a storing step for storing the basic setting In an image forming method including:
An acquisition step of acquiring screen designation information that is input together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment;
A comparison step of comparing the screen designation information acquired in the acquisition step with the basic setting;
A control step of performing gamma correction in the gamma adjustment step based on the screen designation information when the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison in the comparison step.

The image forming method according to claim 5 is the image forming method according to claim 4, wherein, as a result of comparison in the comparison step, if the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, the screen designation is performed in the control step. Gamma correction is performed using a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting among the screens specified by the information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming method according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison in the comparison step, the screen designation performed when storing screen designation information for executing the gamma adjustment process by the gamma adjustment step using a screen different from the screen which is set as the basic setting of the specified screen and monitor, the memory by the information A storage control step for further storing the date and / or time
Comparing the date and / or time and the current date and / or time stored in the storage control step, the result of the comparison, if the predetermined time has passed, before stored at said storage control step Symbol further comprising the step of erasing the scan clean specifying information.

The invention according to claim 7 is a program having a plurality of screens corresponding to the type of input image data, and having a gamma adjustment function for performing gamma adjustment processing using at least one of the screens. In the computer that controls the image forming apparatus,
A setting function for selecting at least one screen used for the gamma adjustment function from among the screens according to the type of the input image data and setting the selected screen as a basic setting;
A storage function for storing the basic settings;
An acquisition function for acquiring screen designation information that is input together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment function;
A comparison function for comparing the screen designation information acquired by the acquisition function with a basic setting;
A control function for causing the gamma adjustment function to execute gamma adjustment processing based on the screen designation information when the screen designated by the screen designation information differs from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison function; It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 8, in the program according to claim 7, wherein the comparing function compares the result of the case where the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, in the control function, specified by the screen designation information The gamma adjustment function is caused to execute gamma adjustment processing using a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting among the screens set .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to the seventh or eighth aspect, if the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison function, the screen designation information is used. When storing the screen designation information for one of the specified screen using a screen different from the screen which is set as the basic setting executes gamma adjustment processing by said gamma adjustment function and monitor were the storage date And / or a storage control function for storing time;
Comparing the date and / or time and the current date and / or time stored in the storage control function, the result of the comparison, if the predetermined time has passed, before stored at said storage control function Symbol characterized by further realizing an erasing function of erasing the scan clean specifying information.

According to the first, fourth, or seventh aspect of the present invention, even when the type of input image data is not sufficient with gamma adjustment using the basic setting screen, it is based on screen designation information input together with the input image data. Thus, gamma adjustment processing can be performed using a screen suitable for the input image data. By setting the screen used for gamma adjustment processing suitable for frequently input image data types as basic settings, extra gamma adjustment processing is performed when the gamma adjustment processing is executed at power-on or at predetermined intervals. Therefore, it is only necessary to execute a gamma adjustment process suitable for input image data that is frequently input, and the time required for the gamma adjustment process is reduced.
In addition, since it is not necessary to perform an extra gamma adjustment process, there is an effect that toner for forming a screen can be saved.

  Further, even when input image data different from the frequently input type is input, a screen suitable for the type of the input image data is selected based on the screen designation information input together with the input image data. Since the gamma adjustment process is executed by using the image forming apparatus, it is possible to ensure image formation with gradation accuracy ensured.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, 5 or 8, even when the screen designation data inputted together with the input image data and the screen set as the basic setting overlap, the gamma adjustment is already performed at the time of turning on the power. The gamma adjustment process is not executed using the basic setting screen that has been processed, and the gamma adjustment process can be executed using only a screen different from the basic setting. As a result, the time required for the gamma adjustment processing can be reduced, and the toner used for forming the screen can be saved.

  According to the invention of claim 3, 6 or 9, when a screen different from the basic setting is stored, the stored date and / or time is further stored, so that the basic setting is automatically set after a predetermined time. Can return.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention covers what is described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100 to which the present invention is applied. The MFP 100 includes a control unit 1, a nonvolatile memory 2, a storage unit 10, an image forming unit 4, an operation unit 5, a display unit 6, a scanner unit 7, an FNS (finisher) 8, and an external input / output I / F (Inter / face) 9. These are electrically and electronically connected via a bus 19.

  The MFP 100 has a copying function of input image data (for example, text data) input from the scanner unit 7 as an image forming function, and input image data (for example, image data) input from the PC 200 via the external input / output I / F 9. ) Based on the print function.

  The control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM. The CPU reads an operation program and various application programs stored in the ROM, the storage unit 10 described later, and the like, develops them in a RAM as a work area, and performs overall control of the MFP 100. The control unit 1 reads the γ adjustment processing program 16 stored in the storage unit 10 or the like during the γ adjustment processing and controls the processing.

  The nonvolatile memory 2 includes five types of line 1 gamma table 11a, line 2 gamma table 11b, dot 1 gamma table 12a, dot 2 gamma table 12b, and compression rate priority gamma table 13, which are basic gamma tables in the γ adjustment processing. A basic gamma table is stored.

  The line 1 gamma table 11a forms a line screen that is mainly used for γ adjustment of character-based input image data input via the scanner unit 7. The advantage is that the number of lines is highest, the finest and the jaggy is small. On the other hand, since it is a thin vertical line, there is a drawback that the color changes depending on the angle.

  The line 2 gamma table 11b forms a line screen that is used for γ adjustment of input image data mainly including a graph or the like among character-based originals input mainly through the scanner unit 7. This has the advantage that the number of lines is low and the color of fine vertical lines is less likely to change. On the other hand, there is a drawback that there are many jaggies.

  The dot 1 gamma table 12a forms a dot screen mainly used for γ adjustment of input image data for a printer. Although it is a general screen with a high number of lines, it has the drawback of being jaggy.

  The dot 2 gamma table 12b forms a dot screen mainly used for γ adjustment of input image data for a printer. There is an advantage that the number of lines is high and jaggies are small with vertical lines.

  The compression rate priority gamma table 13 forms an FM screen used for γ adjustment of input image data of a map (including characters in the map) that is mainly input via the scanner unit 7. An FM screen is a screen formed by a method that enables halftone expression by changing the distance between halftone dots (spots) of the same size. There is an advantage that a character image can be output. On the other hand, there is a drawback that there is a feeling of roughness.

  As described above, each type of screen has advantages and disadvantages. In a general image forming apparatus, γ adjustment is performed for all basic gamma tables when the power is turned on, but the MFP 100 uses γ adjustment. The screen can be set in advance by the user via the operation unit 5.

  The operation unit 5 is composed of an electrostatic or infrared touch panel, and is provided so as to cover the display unit 6. The display unit 6 is composed of a display composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an FPD (Flat Display Panel) composed of a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) element, an organic EL (Electro Luminescent) element, and the like. Display screens and operation guides. When the user presses the operation unit 5 by relying on images of various buttons provided on the operation screen, signals on the horizontal axis (X) and vertical axis (Y) of the pressed part are transmitted to the control unit 1. The The control unit 1 transmits a control signal to each functional unit by referring to an operation table (not shown) in which the XY position signal is associated with various processing commands in advance.

  An example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 6 when setting the above-described five types of screens is shown in FIG. In the operation screen, a copy tab 20, a scanner tab 21, a job management tab 22, and a machine status tab 23 are used to switch setting operation screens of a copy function, a scanner function, a job management function, and a machine status confirmation function provided in the MFP 100. (FIG. 3 shows the copy tab 20 being selected). The copy function operation screen is further provided with a plurality of item buttons (not shown) divided into various setting items. Each item button includes a lower-level operation screen for specifically determining the setting of each item. It is associated. By pressing an item button, a lower-level operation screen is superimposed and displayed.

  In FIG. 3, a lower operation screen 25 associated with an image quality adjustment item button (not shown) provided on the upper operation screen is displayed, and when a screen selection button 26 provided on the operation screen 25 is further pressed. The screen selection screen 30, which is a lower-level operation screen associated with the screen selection button 26, is displayed in a superimposed manner.

  The screen selection screen 30 is provided with a line 1 button 31, a line 2 button 32, a dot 1 button 33, a dot 2 button 34, a compression rate priority button 36, and an automatic button 35. That is, in the MFP 100, by pressing the line 1 button 31, the line 2 button 32, the dot 1 button 33, the dot 2 button 34, and the compression rate priority button 36, the screen to be used for γ adjustment can be selected, and the OK button 38 is pressed. The setting is confirmed. More specifically, it is stored as basic setting information on the screen setting table 15. FIG. 4A schematically shows an example of the screen setting table 15. The flag ON (“1”) is stored in the corresponding row of the selected basic gamma table. Flag OFF (“0”) is stored in the corresponding row of the unselected basic gamma table. Normally, the control unit 1 refers to the screen setting table 15 and executes the γ adjustment processing using the basic gamma table whose flag is ON (“1”).

  Further, the automatic button 35 in FIG. 3 is a button for performing setting so that the control unit 1 selects a screen necessary for γ adjustment according to the type of input image data. For example, if the input image data input from the PC 200 is image data, each screen is formed by the dot 1 gamma table 12a and the dot 2 gamma table 12b suitable for γ adjustment of the input image data, and γ adjustment is performed. . On the other hand, if the image inputted from the scanner unit 7 is text data, the screen is formed by the line 1 gamma table 11a and the line 2 gamma table 11b, and gamma adjustment is performed automatically. The table is selected and γ adjustment is performed.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the scanner unit 7 includes a platen glass (not shown) on which a read document is placed, and reads the placed document. The original is irradiated with light, and the reflected light is captured by a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The captured analog electrical signal is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter (not shown) and output to the control unit 1.

  The image forming unit 4 includes a laser diode control unit 70, an intermediate transfer drum 71, a density sensor 72, and the like, and includes a known image forming mechanism that forms various images by an electrophotographic process or the like. In the γ adjustment process, the control unit 1 refers to the screen setting table 15 and forms a screen on the intermediate transfer drum 71 based on the basic gamma table whose setting is ON. The density sensor 72 measures the optical density of the screen and transmits the measured density value to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 adjusts the basic gamma table based on the input image data and the optical density transmitted from the density sensor 72.

  The FNS 8 is a functional unit that performs post-processing such as stapling processing, sorting processing, tri-fold processing, Z-fold processing, punching processing, and the like of recording paper on which image formation has been completed.

The external input / output I / F 9 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. This is a functional unit that inputs and outputs operation signals and input image data of the MFP 100 transmitted from the PC 20.
The driver software is stored in advance in the PC 200, and various operations and function settings can be performed on the MFP 100. This function setting includes a setting operation related to γ adjustment.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the monitor when a setting operation related to γ adjustment is performed from the PC 200. On the setting menu screen 40, the setting button 41a for setting the setting of the line 1 gamma table 11a to “use”, the setting button 41b for setting to “prohibited”, and the setting of the line 2 gamma table 11b are set to “use”. A setting button 42a, a setting button 42b that is set to "prohibited", a setting button 43a that sets the setting of the dot 1 gamma table 12a to "use", a setting button 43b that is set to "prohibited", and the dot 2 gamma table 12b Setting button 44a for setting “use”, setting button 44b for setting “prohibited”, setting button 45a for setting compression rate priority gamma table 13 to “use”, and setting button for setting “prohibited” 45b. When the input image data is transmitted from the PC 200 together with the print request, the user can transmit it as screen designation information for designating a screen (basic gamma table) used for γ adjustment by operating the mouse or the like.

  When a print request, input image data, and screen designation information are input from the PC 200, the control unit 1 of the MFP 100 compares the screen designation information with basic setting information preset in the screen setting table 15 of the nonvolatile memory 2. At this time, if there is a screen whose setting is set to “use” in the screen designation information other than the basic setting information, the MFP 100 performs processing for changing the screen set to “prohibited” to “use”. In more detail with reference to FIG. 4B, the screen flag set to OFF (“0”) on the MFP 100 side in the screen setting table 15 is changed to ON “(1)”. Further, the current date and time information obtained from the clock circuit (not shown) is stored in the screen whose flag setting has been changed. After that, the gamma correction process is performed using the screen in which the date and time information is stored.

Next, the operation of MFP 100 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the basic setting information of the MFP 100 includes the line 1 gamma table 11a, the line 2 gamma table 11b, and the compression rate priority gamma table 13, and the screen designation data input from the PC 200 is In addition, the description will be made assuming that the dot 1 gamma table 12a and the dot 2 gamma table 12b are set to “use”. Further, the MFP 100 performs the γ adjustment process when the power is turned on and at a certain time interval (for example, every 12 hours) for the screen registered as the basic setting information, and for the other screens from the PC 200. Γ adjustment is performed in accordance with the input screen designation signal.
Further, the following processing is executed by the CPU of the control unit 1 in accordance with an instruction of the γ adjustment processing program 16.

  In step S101, the control unit 1 that has received the print request, the input image data, and the screen designation information from the PC 200 refers to the screen setting table 15 in step S102, and stores the basic settings stored in advance (by a user setting operation or the like). The information is compared with the received screen designation information, and it is determined whether or not the designated screen is ON (flag “1”) on the screen setting table 15. When the designated screen is OFF (flag “0”), the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step S103 (step S102: NO). Conversely, if the designated screen is ON (flag “1”), the process proceeds to step S106 (YES in step S102).

  In step S <b> 103, the control unit 1 turns on the flag of the designated screen (“1”), acquires date / time information from a clock circuit (not shown), and stores it in the date / time information column of the screen setting table 15.

  After comparing all screen designations with the basic setting information for the screen designation information, in step S104, the control unit 1 uses the basic gamma table in which the flag is set to ON (“1”) in step S103 to perform γ adjustment processing. Execute. That is, in this embodiment, γ adjustment is performed for the dot 1 gamma table 12a and the dot 2 gamma table 12b.

  Thereafter, in step S105, the control unit 1 determines that all the basic gamma tables subjected to the γ adjustment (in this embodiment, the line 1 gamma table 11a, the line 2 gamma table 11b, the dot 1 gamma table 12a, and the dot 2 gamma table). The input image data is subjected to γ correction based on 12b and the compression rate priority gamma table 13, and an image is formed on the recording paper and output.

On the other hand, the control unit 1 that has determined that the screen specified by the screen specification information in step S102 is ON (“1”) on the screen setting table 15 is ON (“1”) in the process of step S106. It is determined whether or not the setting indicated by) is the same as the basic setting information. Specifically, it is determined whether date / time information is stored in the screen setting which is ON (“1”) on the screen setting table 15. That is, when screen designation information different from the basic setting information is input, a screen designated different from the basic setting information is turned on (“1”) for a predetermined time on the screen setting table 15 (FIG. 1: See step S111). This is because screen designation information different from the basic setting may be input again from the PC 200 before the predetermined time elapses.
When the control unit 1 determines that the date and time information is different from the basic setting, that is, the date and time information is stored, the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step S107 (step S106: YES). Conversely, if the control unit 1 determines that it is the same as the basic setting, that is, the date and time information is not stored, the control unit 1 proceeds to step S105 and executes print processing based on the input image data (step S106: NO).

  In step S107, the control unit 1 acquires current time information from a clock circuit (not shown), and updates the date / time information to the current date / time information.

As described above, the control unit 1 that performs the screen setting on the screen setting table 15 and executes the printing process based on the input image data refers to the screen setting table 15 again in step S108.
In step S109, the control unit 1 determines whether date / time information is stored in the screen setting table 15 for each screen. If the control unit 1 determines that date / time information is stored, the control unit 1 performs step S110. The process proceeds (step S109: YES). Conversely, when the control unit 1 determines that the date / time information is not stored, the control unit 1 exits this flow.

In step S110, the control unit 1 acquires current date / time information from a clock circuit (not shown), and compares it with the date / time information detected in step S109.
In step S111, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the difference between the date and time information stored in the screen setting table 15 and the current date and time information exceeds a predetermined time (that is, the predetermined time elapses).
When it is determined that the difference between the two has passed the predetermined time, the control unit 1 proceeds to the process of step S112 (step S111: YES). Conversely, when determining that the predetermined time does not elapse, the control unit 1 waits until the predetermined time elapses (step S111: NO).

  In step S112, the control unit 1 performs a process of turning off the flag (“0”) for the screen setting for which the date / time information is stored in the screen setting table 15, and ends the present process. That is, processing for returning to the basic setting is performed.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 to which the present invention is applied, even when a plurality of screens are selectively used according to the type of input image data in the γ adjustment processing, the γ correction processing is not always executed using all the screens. In addition, since the γ adjustment process is performed using a screen suitable for the type of input image data as necessary, the time required for the process can be shortened and toner and the like can be saved without creating an extra screen. It can be said.

  Further, since accurate γ adjustment is performed using a necessary screen according to the type of input image data, printing can be performed based on output image data subjected to highly accurate γ adjustment.

  Furthermore, a screen is specified for a screen different from the basic setting information, and a screen whose setting is changed from OFF to ON on the screen setting table 15 is set to OFF again after a predetermined time. Therefore, if a screen (for example, the line 1 gamma table 11a or the line 2 gamma table 11b) suitable for input image data input relatively frequently is set as basic setting information on the screen setting table 15, The γ adjustment process using the screen is always adjusted by the γ adjustment process during warm-up when the MFP 100 is turned on or the periodic γ adjustment process. Therefore, when the user uses the copy function in MFP 100, a suitable output image can be acquired immediately without waiting, and the convenience is improved. On the contrary, if the print function is frequently used, the same effect can be obtained by setting the dot 1 gamma table 12a, the line 2 gamma table 12b, etc. as basic setting information. .

  As mentioned above, although the best form for implementing this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the said various example.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the MFP in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the MFP in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen selection screen of the MFP in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a screen setting table in the best mode for carrying out the present invention, and shows a state where only basic settings are ON. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing a screen setting table in the best mode for carrying out the present invention. The screen other than the basic setting is ON, and the date and time on the screen other than the basic setting is displayed. It shows a state where information is stored. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen designation information setting operation screen on a PC that inputs input image data and screen designation information to the MFP in the best mode for carrying out the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Non-volatile memory 4 Image formation part 5 Operation part 6 Display part 7 Scanner part 8 FNS
9 External input / output I / F
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Memory | storage part 11a Line 1 gamma table 11b Line 2 gamma table 12a Dot 1 gamma table 12b Dot 2 gamma table 13 Compression rate priority gamma table 15 Screen setting table 16 γ adjustment processing program 19 Bus 20 Copy tab 21 Scanner tab 22 Job management tab 23 Machine state tab 25 Operation screen 26 Screen selection button 30 Screen selection screen 31 Line 1 button 32 Line 2 button 33 Dot 1 button 34 Dot 2 button 35 Automatic button 36 Compression rate priority buttons 37, 49 Cancel button 38, 50 OK button 40 Setting Menu tab 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, 45a, 45b Setting button 100 MFP
200 PC

Claims (9)

Gamma adjustment means for performing gamma adjustment processing using at least one of a plurality of types of screens for input image data, and at least used for gamma adjustment processing by the gamma adjustment means from among the plurality of types of screens. In an image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit for selecting one screen according to the type of the input image data and setting the selected screen as a basic setting; and a storage unit for storing the basic setting.
Obtaining means for obtaining screen designation information which is input together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment processing;
Comparison means for comparing the screen designation information acquired by the acquisition means with the basic settings stored in the storage means;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison means, if the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, a control means for causing the gamma adjustment means to execute gamma adjustment processing based on the screen designation information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: If the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the control means is configured to select a screen set as the basic setting among the screens designated by the screen designation information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a gamma adjustment process is executed by the gamma adjustment unit using a different screen. If the screen specified by the screen specifying information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting is used among the screens specified by the screen specifying information. the causes the gamma adjustment means screen designation information for executing the gamma adjustment process stored in said storage means, further pre kiss clean specifying information in said storage means with the date and / or time stored in the storage means Te Further comprising storage control means for storing,
The control means compares the date and / or time stored by the storage control means with the current date and / or time, and if a predetermined time has elapsed, the control means stores the date and / or time in the storage means. the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that to erase the stored previous kissing clean specifying information. A gamma adjustment step for performing gamma adjustment processing using at least one of a plurality of types of screens for input image data, and a gamma adjustment process in the gamma adjustment step from among the plurality of types of screens. In an image forming method comprising: a setting step for selecting at least one screen according to the type of the input image data and setting the selected screen as a basic setting; and a storing step for storing the basic setting.
An acquisition step of acquiring screen designation information that is input together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment;
A comparison step of comparing the screen designation information acquired in the acquisition step with the basic setting;
As a result of the comparison in the comparison step, if the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, a control step for performing gamma correction in the gamma adjustment step based on the screen designation information;
An image forming method comprising: If the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison in the comparison step, a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting among the screens designated by the screen designation information is used in the control step. the image forming method according to claim 4, characterized in that to perform the gamma correction Te. If the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison in the comparison step, a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting is used among the screens designated by the screen designation information. When storing the screen designation information for executing the gamma adjustment process by the gamma adjustment step Te and monitor, a storage control step of further storing the date and / or time of performing the storage,
Comparing the date and / or time and the current date and / or time stored in the storage control step, the result of the comparison, if the predetermined time has passed, before stored at said storage control step Symbol the image forming method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the further comprises a step of erasing the scan clean specifying information. A computer having a plurality of screens corresponding to the type of input image data and controlling an image forming apparatus having a gamma adjustment function for performing gamma adjustment processing using at least one of the screens;
A setting function for selecting at least one screen used for the gamma adjustment function from among the screens according to the type of the input image data and setting the selected screen as a basic setting;
A storage function for storing the basic settings;
An acquisition function for acquiring screen designation information that is input together with the input image data and designates a screen to be used for the gamma adjustment function;
A comparison function for comparing the screen designation information acquired by the acquisition function with a basic setting;
As a result of comparison by the comparison function, when the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, a control function that causes the gamma adjustment function to execute gamma adjustment processing based on the screen designation information;
A program characterized by realizing. As a result of comparison by the comparison function, when the screen designation information is different from the basic setting, the control function uses a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting among the screens designated by the screen designation information. the program according to claim 7, characterized in that to perform the gamma adjustment process to the gamma adjustment function Te. If the screen designated by the screen designation information is different from the basic setting as a result of the comparison by the comparison function, a screen different from the screen set as the basic setting is used among the screens designated by the screen designation information. When storing the screen designation information for executing the gamma adjustment process by the gamma adjustment function Te and monitor, a storage control function for storing the date and / or time of performing the storage,
Comparing the date and / or time and the current date and / or time stored in the storage control function, the result of the comparison, if the predetermined time has passed, before stored at said storage control function Symbol scan program according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by further realizing an erasing function of erasing the clean specification information.

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