JP4835803B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system having a function of adjusting image quality.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, an apparatus having an image quality adjustment function called registration, calibration, or the like that measures and corrects an image forming position shift or density shift is known. Such image quality adjustment is performed when a predetermined adjustment execution condition is satisfied, for example, when the number of printed sheets from the previous image quality adjustment reaches a predetermined value or when a certain time has elapsed since the previous image quality adjustment. Executed.

  Here, when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job, conventionally, the print operation is interrupted immediately after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, and the image quality adjustment is performed, or the print job being executed is ended. Later, image quality adjustment was performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the latter case, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a user waiting time as in the former case.

JP 2007-090561 A

  However, if the image quality adjustment is performed during the execution of the print job as in the former case, the image quality may change greatly between pages before and after the image quality adjustment. Further, as in the latter case, if the execution of image quality adjustment is postponed until after the end of the print job, the image quality may not be ensured.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus and an image forming system capable of executing image quality adjustment at an appropriate timing or ensuring image quality. For the purpose.

  As means for achieving the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a receiving means for receiving a print job, a printing means for performing printing in accordance with a print job received by the receiving means, An adjustment means for adjusting image quality for adjusting image quality; a determination means for determining whether an adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job; and when the determination means determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied Control means capable of executing adjustment priority processing for adjusting image quality by the adjustment means before starting execution of a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job. If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, the adjustment priority for adjusting the image quality before starting execution of the print job is determined. Processing can be executed. By performing the image quality adjustment before the execution of the print job by the adjustment priority process, it is possible to ensure good image quality. In addition, since the possibility that image quality adjustment is performed during the execution of a print job is reduced, it is possible to suppress a change in image quality during the print job.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied by the determination unit when sequentially executing the plurality of print jobs received by the reception unit. When there is a print job having a common attribute before the job, as the adjustment priority process, the image quality adjustment is performed by the adjustment unit before the execution of the print job having the common attribute is started.

  According to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied by the determination unit when sequentially executing the plurality of print jobs received by the reception unit. When there are consecutive print jobs having a common attribute before the job, the adjustment unit performs image quality adjustment before starting execution of the print job having the common attribute as the adjustment priority process. Do.

  According to the second and third inventions, when there is a print job having an attribute common to the print job before the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, the adjustment priority process is performed. The image quality adjustment is performed before the execution of the print job having the common attribute is started. That is, there is a high possibility that it is desired that there is little change in image quality between print jobs having common attributes (user name, document name, print setting, job reception time, etc.). It is possible to suppress a change in image quality between print jobs having such common attributes.

  Further, when a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition and a print job having a common attribute are not continuous, that is, a print job having no common attribute (less relevant) is executed in the middle. If the image quality adjustment is executed prior to the print job having the common attribute, the execution of the print job having no common attribute (for example, the user name is different) is delayed by the time of the image quality adjustment. Arise. On the other hand, according to the third aspect, since the image quality adjustment is executed first when print jobs having common attributes are continuous, it is possible to avoid such inconvenience.

  An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a receiving unit that can accept a print job, a printing unit that performs printing according to the print job received by the receiving unit, and an image quality adjustment that adjusts the image quality during printing. An adjustment unit; a determination unit that determines whether an adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job; and a print job that is determined by the determination unit to satisfy the adjustment execution condition includes a color page. Control means capable of executing adjustment priority processing for adjusting image quality by the adjustment means before printing of the first color page included in the print job is started.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job. If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, before the start of printing of the first color page included in the print job. It is possible to execute adjustment priority processing for adjusting image quality. In general, color printing tends to require higher quality than monochrome printing, so image quality adjustment is performed prior to printing the first color page using adjustment priority processing to ensure good image quality. be able to. In addition, when a print job includes a plurality of color pages, the possibility that image quality adjustment is performed during printing of the color pages is reduced, so that a change in image quality between color pages can be suppressed.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the control unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied by the determination unit when sequentially executing the plurality of print jobs received by the reception unit. When there is a print job having a common attribute before the job, as the adjustment priority process, the first color included in the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition and the print job having the common attribute Prior to starting the printing of the page, image quality adjustment is performed by the adjusting means.

  According to the fifth invention, if there is a print job having an attribute common to the print job before the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, the print job is set as the adjustment priority process. The image quality adjustment is performed before the printing of the first color page included in is started. In other words, print jobs having common attributes (user name, document name, print settings, job reception time, etc.) are likely to have little change in image quality. For color pages included in print jobs having common attributes, it is possible to suppress changes in image quality.

  According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, for the print job for which the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, a print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is The control unit determines whether or not the first reference is exceeded, and the control unit executes the adjustment priority process when the determination unit determines that the printing amount after the establishment is higher than the first reference.

  According to the sixth aspect, the adjustment priority process is executed when the printing amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the first reference. That is, when the amount of printing after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied becomes relatively large, the image quality adjustment of the printed matter can be ensured by adjusting the image quality first by the adjustment priority process, and a great effect can be obtained. . On the contrary, when the amount of printing after the establishment is relatively small, it is considered that there is little influence of image quality deterioration without performing image adjustment. Thereby, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation.

  In a seventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, the determination means can identify whether or not each page included in the print job is a page for which high image quality is required. When determining whether the print amount is equal to or higher than the first reference, the print amount for only pages that require high image quality is used.

  According to the seventh aspect, when determining whether or not the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the first reference, the print amount of only a page that requires high image quality in the print job is used. That is, in order to determine whether or not to execute the adjustment priority process based on the print amount of only a page that requires high image quality (a high degree of necessity for image quality adjustment) such as a color page or a high-definition setting page. The image quality adjustment can be executed at a more appropriate time.

  In an eighth invention based on any one of the first to seventh inventions, the determining means determines whether the print amount of the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition is equal to or greater than a second reference, The control means executes the adjustment priority process when it is determined that the printing amount is equal to or greater than the second reference.

  According to the eighth aspect, the adjustment priority process is executed when the print amount of the print job that satisfies the adjustment execution condition is equal to or greater than the second reference. That is, when the print amount of a print job is relatively large, the image quality adjustment of the print job can be ensured by adjusting the image quality first by the adjustment priority process, and a great effect can be obtained. On the contrary, when the printing amount is relatively small, it is considered that the influence of the deterioration of the image quality is small even if the image adjustment is not executed. Thereby, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation.

  According to a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the determination unit executes the same printing when the adjustment priority processing is executed for a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition. The control unit determines whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the job, and the control unit performs the adjustment priority processing when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the same print job. Do not execute.

  According to the ninth aspect, when adjustment priority processing is executed for a print job that is determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition during execution, it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the same print job. The adjustment priority process is not executed for. In other words, if the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the same print job even if the image quality adjustment is performed before the print job or the color page included in the print job by the adjustment priority process, the adjustment priority process is performed. There is a high possibility that the effect of performing the above will not be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation by not executing the adjustment priority process in such a case.

  According to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the control unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job by the determination unit, and performs the adjustment priority process. If not, image quality adjustment is executed after the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition.

  According to the tenth aspect, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job and the adjustment priority process is not executed, the image quality adjustment is performed after the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition. Execute. By executing the image quality adjustment after the end of the print job, it is possible to avoid the waiting time of the user. In addition, by not performing the image quality adjustment during the execution of the print job, it is possible to suppress a change in image quality between print pages.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, a plurality of print jobs are received by the reception unit, and an adjustment execution condition is determined by any one of the plurality of print jobs by the determination unit. And a first notification means for notifying a relationship between the execution order of the plurality of print jobs and the timing when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied.

  According to the eleventh aspect, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied in any one of the plurality of print jobs, the relationship between the execution order of the plurality of print jobs and the timing when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is notified. To do. Thereby, the user can grasp | ascertain the condition of an apparatus.

  In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the first notification means notifies the identification information of the plurality of print jobs together when the relationship is notified.

  According to the twelfth aspect, when the relationship is notified, identification information (user name, file name, number of print pages, etc.) of a plurality of print jobs is notified together. Thereby, the user can identify each print job.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the image quality adjustment is executed at least when the adjustment priority process is executed when the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied. The control unit includes a designation unit capable of designating a timing for executing the image quality adjustment from a plurality of times including the designated timing, and the control unit performs the image quality adjustment at the timing designated by the designation unit.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the print job, at least from among a plurality of times including the time when the image quality adjustment is executed when the adjustment priority process is executed. In addition, it is possible to specify a timing for executing image quality adjustment. As a result, the image quality adjustment can be executed at a time desired by the user.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, the execution order of print jobs determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, the execution timing of image quality adjustment when the adjustment priority process is executed, and the adjustment priority process are not executed. Second notification means for notifying the relationship with the execution timing of the image quality adjustment in this case.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the relationship between the print job execution order, the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority processing is executed, and the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority processing is not executed is notified. Thereby, the effect at the time of a user performing adjustment priority processing etc. can be grasped | ascertained.

  An image forming system according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is a generating unit that generates a print job, a receiving unit that receives a print job generated by the generating unit, and a printing unit that performs printing according to the print job received by the receiving unit An adjustment unit that performs image quality adjustment for adjusting image quality during printing, a determination unit that determines whether an adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job, and the adjustment execution condition that is satisfied by the determination unit Control means capable of executing adjustment priority processing for adjusting image quality by the adjustment means before starting execution of a print job that is determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition when determined.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, it is determined whether or not the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job, and if it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, the adjustment priority for adjusting the image quality before starting the execution of the print job. Processing can be executed. By performing the image quality adjustment before the execution of the print job by the adjustment priority process, it is possible to ensure good image quality. In addition, since the possibility that image quality adjustment is performed during the execution of a print job is reduced, it is possible to suppress a change in image quality during the print job.

The following configuration is also possible.
An accepting unit that accepts a print job, a printing unit that performs printing according to the print job accepted by the accepting unit, an adjusting unit that performs image quality adjustment that adjusts image quality at the time of printing, and an adjustment that is performed during execution of the print job A determination unit that determines whether the condition is satisfied; a specification unit that can specify an execution timing of image quality adjustment when the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied; and a specification unit that specifies image quality adjustment. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that is executed at a specified time.
According to this configuration, the image quality adjustment can be executed at a time desired by the user.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job. If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, before the start of execution of the print job or the first included in the print job. It is possible to execute adjustment priority processing for performing image quality adjustment before printing of a color page is started. By performing the image quality adjustment by the adjustment priority process before executing a print job or before printing a color page, it is possible to ensure good image quality.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a printer in Embodiment 1 and Reference Examples 1 to 6 and a computer connected to the printer. Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 1 The figure explaining the relationship between the print job and execution timing of image quality adjustment in Reference Example 1 Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 2 The figure explaining the relationship between the print job and execution timing of image quality adjustment in Reference Example 2 7 is a flowchart illustrating print job execution processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a print job and image quality adjustment execution timing in the first embodiment. Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 3 The figure explaining the relationship between the print job and the execution timing of image quality adjustment in Reference Example 3 Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 4 Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 5 Flowchart showing print command processing in Reference Example 6 Flowchart showing print job execution processing in Reference Example 6 The figure which shows the example of the designation | designated screen in the reference example 6

<Reference Example 1>
Next, Reference Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of printer and computer)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a printer 10 which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to this reference example and a computer 30 connected to the printer 10.

  The printer 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 14, and a network interface 15. The ROM 12 stores a program for executing various operations of the printer 10 such as a print job execution process to be described later. The CPU 11 (an example of an accepting unit, an adjusting unit, a determining unit, and a controlling unit) In accordance with the program read out from, each unit is controlled while the processing result is stored in the RAM 13 or NVRAM 14. The network interface 15 (first notification means, second notification means) is connected to one or a plurality of computers 30 or the like via a communication line 25, and can perform data communication with each other.

  The printer 10 includes a printing unit 17, a display unit 18, and an operation unit 19. The printing unit 17 (an example of a printing unit) forms an image by, for example, an electrophotographic method, and prints a color or monochrome image on a sheet (an example of a recording medium) according to a print job described later. Is possible. The display unit 18 includes a display, a lamp, and the like, and can display various setting screens and operation states of the apparatus. The operation unit 19 includes a plurality of buttons, and the user can input various instructions.

  Connected to a computer 30 (an example of an information processing apparatus), a CPU 31 (an example of a generation unit), a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk drive 34, an operation unit 35 including a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit 36 including a display, and a communication line 25. Network interface 37 and the like. The hard disk drive 34 stores various programs such as application software for creating image data for printing and a printer driver for controlling the printer 10.

(Print job execution processing)
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating print job execution processing executed in the printer 10, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the print job and the execution timing of image quality adjustment.

  When a printer driver corresponding to the printer 10 is activated, print conditions are set, etc., and a print execution instruction is input, the CPU 31 generates print job data and transmits it to the printer 10 via the network interface 37. . In addition to the print execution command, the print job data includes, for example, information such as a user name (login user name of the computer 30), a file name, various print condition setting values, transmission date and time (these are called print job attribute information). ) And image data.

  When the print job data is received via the network interface 15, the CPU 11 of the printer 10 performs a reception process for registering the print job data as a print job in a print queue configured on the RAM 13. Then, when a print job is registered in the print queue, the CPU 11 starts a print job execution process for performing execution control of the print job and image quality adjustment as described below.

  Here, the image quality adjustment is a process performed to ensure image quality, such as a positional deviation correction and a density correction described later. In the print job execution process, one or a plurality of print jobs registered in the print queue at the start time are set as target jobs, and the target jobs are executed in the order registered in the print queue. Note that the print job registered in the print queue is deleted after execution is completed.

  In the print job execution process shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 first determines whether the adjustment execution condition has already been established (S101). This adjustment execution condition is a condition for determining whether or not the printer 10 needs to execute image quality adjustment. For example, the number of prints from the previous image quality adjustment or the progress from the previous image quality adjustment. For example, the time has reached a predetermined reference value.

  When the adjustment execution condition is satisfied (S101: Yes), the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S102). For example, when performing misregistration correction as image quality adjustment, the CPU 11 forms a pattern composed of marks of each color by the printing unit 17, measures the position of each mark with an optical sensor, and deviates from the ideal position of each color. The amount is detected, and a correction value for canceling the deviation is stored in the NVRAM 14. At the time of printing, the CPU 11 reads the correction value stored in the NVRAM 14, and corrects the image forming position of each color based on the correction value.

  After executing the image quality adjustment, the CPU 11 executes the above-described target job (S103) and ends the print job execution process. If a print job is newly registered in the print queue during this print job execution process, the print job is executed again with the newly registered print job as the target job after the print job execution process is completed. Execute the process.

  In S101 (that is, at the start of the print job execution process), if the adjustment execution condition is not satisfied (S101: No), the CPU 11 determines whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job. Is determined (S104). That is, here, when an unprocessed print job registered in the print queue is executed without executing image quality adjustment, it is determined whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job. If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is not satisfied during the execution of the target job (S104: No), the target job is executed (S105), and then the print job execution process is terminated.

  If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job (S104: Yes), the print job (hereinafter also referred to as the condition satisfaction job) determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition among the target jobs. The previous print job is executed (S106). Note that if there is no print job before the condition satisfaction job, this step S106 is omitted. Subsequently, the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S107). Then, the remaining target job (that is, the condition satisfaction job and the subsequent print job when there is a subsequent print job in the target job) is executed (S108), and this print job execution process is terminated.

  Here, FIG. 3 shows an example of the execution timing of image quality adjustment when print job execution processing is executed with print jobs 1 to 4 as target jobs. In the figure, print jobs 1 to 4 are sequentially processed from top to bottom, and the timing at which image quality adjustment is executed and the timing at which the adjustment execution condition is satisfied are indicated by the positions of arrows. . That is, in this example, it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the print job 3, and the image quality adjustment is executed after the previous print job 2 is finished and before the print job 3 is executed.

(Effect of this reference example)
As described above, according to this reference example, it is determined whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the print job, and if it is determined that the adjustment is satisfied, the image quality adjustment is performed before the execution of the print job is started. The adjustment priority processing (S106 to S108) to be performed can be executed. By performing the image quality adjustment before the execution of the print job by the adjustment priority process, it is possible to ensure good image quality. In addition, since the possibility that image quality adjustment is performed during the execution of a print job is reduced, it is possible to suppress a change in image quality during the print job.

  If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job and the adjustment priority process is not executed, the image quality adjustment is executed after the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition. By executing the image quality adjustment after the end of the print job, it is possible to avoid the waiting time of the user. In addition, by not performing the image quality adjustment during the execution of the print job, it is possible to suppress a change in image quality between print pages.

  In this reference example, the image quality adjustment is performed immediately before the execution of a print job (hereinafter, also referred to as a condition satisfaction job) determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition. However, the image quality adjustment is executed. The timing is not limited to this. For example, when the target job exists before the job that satisfies the condition, the image quality adjustment may be performed before the target job is executed (for example, before execution of print job 1 in FIG. 3). good.

<Reference Example 2>
Next, Reference Example 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print job execution processing, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the print job and the execution timing of image quality adjustment. In the following first embodiment and reference examples 2 to 6, the configurations of the printer 10 and the computer 30 are the same as those in the reference example 1, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. . Also, in the print job execution process of FIG. 4, processes similar to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  If the CPU 11 determines in the print job execution process shown in FIG. 4 that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job (S104: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether a common attribute job exists in the target job (S104: Yes). S201). Here, the common attribute job is one or a plurality of print jobs having a specific attribute common to the condition satisfaction job and executed continuously with the condition satisfaction job before the condition satisfaction job. The specific attribute is one or more attributes among a user name, a file name, setting values of various printing conditions, a job reception time, and the like. The job reception time has a common attribute that is close to the condition satisfaction job.

  When the common attribute job does not exist (S201: No), the CPU 11 executes the image quality adjustment after executing the print job before the condition satisfaction job among the target jobs, as in S106 to S108 of FIG. Execute the remaining target job.

  If a common attribute job exists (S201: Yes), print jobs up to the common attribute job before the common job are executed (S202). If there is no print job before the common attribute job, this step S202 is omitted. Subsequently, image quality adjustment is executed (S203), then the remaining target job is executed (S204), and this print job execution process is terminated.

  Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of execution timing of image quality adjustment when print job execution processing is executed with print jobs 1 to 5 as target jobs. As shown in the figure, the print job 4 is a condition satisfaction job, the user name is common to the condition satisfaction job as an attribute, and the print jobs 2 and 3 are executed continuously before the condition satisfaction job. Is a common attribute job. In this example, the processes of S202 to S204 described above are executed in the order of “print job 1 → image quality adjustment → print job 2 and 3 (common attribute job) → print job 4 (condition satisfaction job) → print job 5”. .

  According to this reference example, if there is a print job having an attribute common to that print job before the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, the common attribute is set as the adjustment priority process. The image quality adjustment is performed before the execution of the print job is started (S202 to S204). That is, there is a high possibility that it is desired that there is little change in image quality between print jobs having common attributes (user name, document name, print setting, job reception time, etc.). It is possible to suppress a change in image quality between print jobs having such common attributes.

  Further, when a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition and a print job having a common attribute are not continuous, that is, a print job having no common attribute (less relevant) is executed in the middle. If the image quality adjustment is executed prior to the print job having the common attribute, the execution of the print job having no common attribute (for example, the user name is different) is delayed by the time of the image quality adjustment. Arise. On the other hand, in this configuration, since the image quality adjustment is executed first when print jobs having common attributes are continuous, such inconvenience can be avoided.

  According to the present invention, even when a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition and a print job having a common attribute are not consecutive, image quality adjustment is performed before the print job having the common attribute. You may make it perform.

<Embodiment 1>
Next, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing print job execution processing, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the print job and the execution timing of image quality adjustment. Of the print job execution processing of FIG. 6, the same processing as in FIG. 2 is assigned the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the print job execution process shown in FIG. 6, if the CPU 11 determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job (S104: Yes), the CPU 11 determines whether the common job described above exists in the target job. Judgment is made (S301). If there is a common attribute job (S301: Yes), printing is performed up to the condition job and the first color page included in the common attribute job among the target jobs (S302). If the first page to be printed of the common attribute job is a color page and there is no print job before the common attribute job, this step S302 is omitted.

  If the color job is not included in the condition satisfaction job and the common attribute job, the pages up to the last page of the condition satisfaction job are printed in S302. Subsequently, the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S303), and then executes the remaining target job (S304). If there is no remaining target job, this step S304 is omitted.

  If there is no common attribute job (S301: No), the CPU 11 executes printing up to the first color page included in the condition-satisfied job among the target jobs (S305). Note that if the page to be printed at the beginning of the condition satisfaction job is a color page and there is no print job before the condition satisfaction job, this step S305 is omitted. If no color page is included in the condition satisfaction job, the last page of the condition satisfaction job is printed in S305. Subsequently, the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S306), and then executes the remaining target job (S307). If there is no remaining target job, this step S307 is omitted.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of the execution timing of image quality adjustment when print job execution processing is executed with print jobs 1 to 4 as target jobs. As shown in the figure, print jobs 1 to 4 are jobs for printing four pages of color or monochrome, respectively. Also, the print job 3 is a condition satisfaction job, and the presence / absence of the sort output (an example of an attribute) that is one of the print conditions matches the condition satisfaction job, and continuously before the condition satisfaction job. The print job 2 to be executed is a common attribute job.

  In this example, through the processes of S302 to S304 described above, first up to page 1 before the first color page of print job 2 (common attribute job) is printed, then image quality adjustment is performed, and then the print job 2 from the first color page 2 to the last page 4 of the print job 4 are printed.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, it is determined whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job. If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, printing of the first color page included in the print job is started. Adjustment priority processing (S302 to S304 or S305 to S307) for performing image quality adjustment before can be executed. In general, color printing tends to require higher quality than monochrome printing, so image quality adjustment is performed prior to printing the first color page using adjustment priority processing to ensure good image quality. be able to. In addition, when a print job includes a plurality of color pages, the possibility that image quality adjustment is performed during printing of the color pages is reduced, so that a change in image quality between color pages can be suppressed.

  In addition, if there is a print job having an attribute common to that print job before the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, the first color included in those print jobs is set as the adjustment priority process. Image quality adjustment is performed before starting the printing of the page (S302 to S304). In other words, it is highly likely that print jobs having common attributes have little change in image quality. However, according to this configuration, the image quality of color pages included in print jobs having such common attributes can be reduced. It can suppress that a change arises.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job, printing is performed up to the previous color page of the condition satisfaction job without determining whether the common attribute job exists. Then, image quality adjustment may be performed (processing of S305 to S307). In the same case, image quality adjustment may be performed by printing up to the first color page of all target jobs.

<Reference Example 3>
Next, Reference Example 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the print job execution process, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the print job and the image quality adjustment execution timing. Of the print job execution processing of FIG. 8, the same processing as in FIG.

  In the print job execution process shown in FIG. 8, when the CPU 11 determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job (S104: Yes), the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is the first reference. It is determined whether or not the above is reached (S401). Here, for example, the number of printed sheets or the number of printed pages after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied (that is, the absolute print amount) may be compared with a reference. Alternatively, the ratio (that is, the relative print amount) of the number of printed sheets (or the number of printed pages) after the condition is satisfied to the total number of printed sheets (or the number of printed pages) in the condition-satisfied job may be compared with a reference.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the adjustment execution condition is satisfied at the end of page 7 in the print job consisting of 12 pages. In this example, the number of printed pages after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is 5 pages (absolute print amount) of pages 8 to 12, and the ratio (relative print amount) to the total number of printed pages is 5/12.

  When the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the first reference (S401: Yes), the CPU 11 executes the adjustment priority process similar to S106 to S108 in FIG. That is, in this case, after executing the print job before the condition satisfaction job among the target jobs, the image quality adjustment is executed, and the remaining target jobs are executed. If the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied does not exceed the first reference (S401: No), the print job up to the condition satisfaction job among the target jobs is executed (S402). That is, in this case, the adjustment priority process is not executed. Thereafter, the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S403) and executes the remaining target job (S404). If there is no remaining target job, S404 is omitted.

  As described above, according to this reference example, the adjustment priority process is executed when the printing amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the first reference. That is, when the amount of printing after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied becomes relatively large, the image quality adjustment of the printed matter can be ensured by adjusting the image quality first by the adjustment priority process, and a great effect can be obtained. . On the contrary, when the amount of printing after the establishment is relatively small, it is considered that there is little influence of image quality deterioration without performing image adjustment. Thereby, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation.

  Also, if the printing amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied does not exceed the first reference, the image quality adjustment is executed after the completion of the condition satisfaction job, so that a waiting time due to the image quality adjustment occurs for the condition satisfaction job. Can be avoided.

  When determining whether or not the printing amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than the first reference (S401), it is identified whether or not each page included in the print job is a page that requires high image quality. Alternatively, the print amount of only a page that requires high image quality may be used. A page that requires high image quality is a page that requires a high degree of image quality adjustment. For example, a print amount of only a color page may be used. In this case, for example, in FIG. 9, two pages 9 and 10 are the print amounts after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied. Further, for example, when the printing resolution can be set in a plurality of stages, the number of pages set to a high resolution may be used as the printing amount.

<Reference Example 4>
Next, Reference Example 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing print job execution processing. The print job execution process of FIG. 10 is a modification of only the process of S401 of FIG. 8, and the other processes are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of FIG.

  If the CPU 11 determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the target job in the print job execution process shown in FIG. 10 (S104: Yes), does the print amount of the condition satisfaction job exceed the second reference? Is determined (S501). Here, the number of prints and the number of print pages of the job that satisfies the condition are compared with the reference as the print amount.

  When the print amount of the condition-satisfied job is equal to or greater than the second reference (S501: Yes), the CPU 11 executes the adjustment priority process similar to S106 to S108 in FIG. If the print amount of the condition-satisfied job does not exceed the second reference (S501: No), the same processing as S402 to S404 in FIG. 8 is executed without executing the adjustment priority processing.

  As described above, according to the present reference example, the adjustment priority process is executed when the printing amount of the condition-satisfied job is equal to or larger than the second reference. In other words, when the print amount of the condition-satisfied job is relatively large, the image quality adjustment of the printed matter can be ensured by adjusting the image quality first by the adjustment priority process, and a great effect can be obtained. On the contrary, when the printing amount is relatively small, it is considered that the influence of the deterioration of the image quality is small even if the image adjustment is not executed. Thereby, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation.

  Further, when the print amount of the condition-satisfied job does not exceed the second reference, the image quality adjustment is executed after the condition-satisfied job is finished, thereby avoiding the waiting time due to the image quality adjustment for the condition-satisfying job. Can do.

  When determining whether the print amount of the condition-satisfied job is greater than or equal to the second reference (S501), it is identified whether or not the page that requires high image quality is required for each page included in the print job. The print amount of only the required page may be used.

<Reference Example 5>
Next, Reference Example 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing print job execution processing. Of the print job execution processing of FIG. 11, processing similar to that of FIG. 2 is assigned the same reference numeral, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the print job execution process shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 11 determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the target job (S104: Yes), the CPU 11 executes the adjustment priority process (S106 to S108). It is determined whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the condition satisfaction job (S601). When it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is not satisfied again (S601: No), the same adjustment priority process as in S106 to S108 of FIG. 2 is executed.

  If it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the condition satisfaction job (S601: Yes), the target job is executed until the adjustment execution condition is satisfied (S602). Then, when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, the condition satisfaction job is interrupted, the image quality adjustment is executed (S603), and the remaining target job is executed (S604).

  As described above, according to this reference example, when adjustment priority processing is executed for a print job that is determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition during execution, it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the same print job. If the adjustment priority processing is performed, the image quality adjustment is performed after the adjustment priority processing is established. That is, even if the image quality adjustment is performed before the print job by the adjustment priority process, if the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the same print job (for example, when a relatively large amount of printing is performed), the adjustment priority process There is a high possibility that the effect of performing the above will not be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, the adjustment priority process can be executed in an appropriate situation by not executing the adjustment priority process in such a case.

<Reference Example 6>
Next, Reference Example 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this reference example, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming system including the printer 10 and the computer 30 of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing print command processing executed in the computer 30, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing print job execution processing executed in the printer 10. FIG. 14 shows an example of the designation screen M1 displayed on the display unit 36 of the computer 30. Of the print job execution processes in FIG. 13, the same processes as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the user activates the printer driver corresponding to the printer 10 on the computer 30 and sets the printing conditions and inputs a print execution instruction, the CPU 31 executes the print command process shown in FIG. 12 according to the printer driver. To do. In the print command process, the CPU 31 generates the above-described print job data and transmits it to the printer 10 via the network interface 37 (S701). Then, it waits for reception of an adjustment execution notification (to be described later) from the printer 10 (S702), and when no adjustment execution notification is received for a predetermined period (S702: No), this print command processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 of the printer 10 determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the target job in the print job execution process shown in FIG. 13 (S104: Yes), the CPU 11 notifies the information regarding the execution of the image quality adjustment. The adjustment execution notification is generated and transmitted to the computer 30 that is the transmission source of the condition satisfaction job, for example (S801). This adjustment execution notification includes, for example, the execution order of each print job included in the target job, identification information for identifying each print job (user name, file name, etc.), timing when adjustment execution conditions are met, image quality Information such as recommended execution timing (to be described later) in the case where adjustment is performed prior to the job that satisfies the condition by adjustment priority processing is included.

  When the computer 30 receives the adjustment execution notification transmitted from the printer 10 via the network interface 37 in S702 of FIG. 12 (S702: Yes), for example, a designation screen M1 shown in FIG. (S703). In the target job display area 40 of the designation screen M1, user names (such as “User A”) and file names (such as “Document01”) are displayed as identification information for four print jobs included in the target job. The execution order of each print job is shown in order from top to bottom. In the target job display area 40, the number of pages included in each print job and the printing order are indicated by arranging the numbers of the pages side by side from top to bottom, and the print conditions for each page are displayed. Setting values (color / monochrome) are shown.

  In the designation screen M1, the timing at which the adjustment execution condition is determined to be satisfied is indicated by the position of the mark 41 provided on the left side of the target job display area 40. Further, on the designation screen M1, the recommended execution timing of image quality adjustment is indicated by the position of a mark 42 provided on the left side of the target job display area 40.

  Here, the print job (second print job) having the same file name as the condition satisfaction job (third print job) is set as a common attribute job, and the timing immediately before the common attribute job is set as the recommended execution timing of image quality adjustment. Yes. That is, when image quality adjustment is performed at the recommended execution timing, adjustment priority processing is executed.

  A slider 43 that can be moved up and down by an input from the operation unit 35 is provided on the right side of the target job display area 40. The slider 43 is for designating the timing for executing image quality adjustment. The user can set the slider 43 before and after each print job displayed in the target job display area, and between each page in the print job. Can be moved to.

  When the OK button 44 on the designation screen M1 is clicked by the operation unit 35, the CPU 31 closes the designation screen M1, and transmits the execution timing of image quality adjustment indicated by the position of the slider 43 at that time to the printer 10 as designation information. .

  When the CPU 11 of the printer 10 receives the designation information of the image quality adjustment execution timing transmitted from the computer 30 in step S802 of FIG. 13, the CPU 11 selects the target job before the image quality adjustment execution timing designated in the designation information. Execute (S803). Note that if the image quality adjustment execution timing is specified before the target job, this step S803 is omitted. Subsequently, the CPU 11 executes image quality adjustment (S804), and then executes the remaining target job (S805). Note that if the image quality adjustment execution timing is specified after the target job, step S805 is omitted. In the present reference example, the adjustment priority process of the present invention is executed when the execution timing prior to the start of execution of the condition satisfaction job is instructed on the instruction screen M1.

  As described above, according to this reference example, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied in any of the plurality of print jobs, the execution order of the plurality of print jobs and the timing when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied are Inform the relationship. Thereby, the user can grasp the status of the printer 10.

  Further, when notifying the above relationship, identification information (user name, file name, number of print pages, etc.) of a plurality of print jobs is notified together. Thereby, the user can identify each print job.

  Further, when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the print job, the image quality adjustment is executed from a plurality of times including the time when the image quality adjustment is executed at least when the adjustment priority process is executed. The time can be specified. As a result, the image quality adjustment can be executed at a time desired by the user.

  Further, it notifies the relationship between the print job execution order, the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority processing is executed, and the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority processing is not executed. Thereby, the effect at the time of a user performing adjustment priority processing etc. can be grasped | ascertained.

  Note that the specifiable range may be limited when designating the timing for executing image quality adjustment. For example, it may be a range from immediately before to immediately after the condition satisfaction job, or may be a range from immediately before to immediately after a print job of the same user as the condition satisfaction job (three print jobs of user A in FIG. 14).

In addition, when designating the timing for executing image quality adjustment, it may be possible to instruct execution stop of image quality adjustment.
In the above-described reference example, the image quality adjustment is always performed before the execution of the target job when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied at the start of the print job execution process. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image quality adjustment timing may be specified by the user.

  The notification regarding execution of image quality adjustment may be sent to all the transmission sources of the target job, may be sent to a specific user such as an administrator, or may be displayed on the display unit 18 of the printer 10. Further, the image quality adjustment execution timing may be designated from the operation unit 35, for example.

In the above reference example, the image quality adjustment execution timing can be specified for each page. However, according to the present invention, the image quality adjustment execution timing may be specified only before and after the print job. Further, for example, when performing double-sided printing on the front and back sides one by one in a print job, the image quality adjustment may not be performed while the front and back pages of the same sheet are printed.
In the above reference example, the content of the print job is displayed in units of one page. However, for example, it may be displayed in units of a plurality of pages such as 20 pages, and the execution timing of image quality adjustment can be specified in units of a plurality of pages. May be.

  The technology that allows the user to specify the execution timing of image quality adjustment and the technology that notifies the execution timing of a print job can also be applied to an image forming apparatus that does not execute adjustment priority processing. For example, when the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during the execution of the print job, the execution timing of the image quality adjustment may be specified within the range after the satisfaction.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) In the above embodiment, a printer that forms an image by an electrophotographic method has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus of another method such as an ink jet method, and has a color printing function. The present invention can also be applied to image forming apparatuses that are not. The present invention is also applicable to a case where, for example, printing of data received by a facsimile, printing (copying) of data captured by a scanner, printing of data acquired from an external storage medium (direct printing) is executed as a print job. Can be applied.

(2) In the above embodiment, as the image quality adjustment, the position deviation correction is shown. However, according to the present invention, for example, even if the image formation density deviation is measured and density correction is performed to correct it. good. Further, as image quality adjustment, for example, a cleaning process for a photosensitive drum or a belt may be performed for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a head nozzle cleaning process may be performed for an inkjet image forming apparatus.

(3) Embodiment 1 and Reference Examples 1 to 4 show what is executed after the end of a print job when adjustment priority processing is not executed. However, in these embodiments and reference examples, the adjustment execution condition is satisfied. Immediately after the execution of the condition satisfaction job, the image quality adjustment may be executed.
(4) In the reference examples 1, 3 to 5, as in the first embodiment, when performing the adjustment priority process, it is possible to perform a process of executing printing before the color page before performing the image quality adjustment.
(5) Conditions for determining whether to execute the adjustment priority process (S401 in FIG. 8, S501 in FIG. 10, S601 in FIG. 601, etc.) can be changed as appropriate, and a plurality of conditions may be combined.

(6) The adjustment execution conditions are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate. As the adjustment execution conditions, for example, those related to the operation amount and state change of the apparatus can be used, and a plurality of conditions can be combined. In particular, in the present invention, conditions that reduce the possibility that adjustment execution conditions will be performed later by adjusting image quality through adjustment priority processing are effective.

10. Printer (image forming apparatus)
11 ... CPU (accepting means, adjusting means, judging means, control means)
15 ... Network interface (first notification means, second notification means)
17 ... Printing section (printing means)
30 ... Computer 31 ... CPU (generation means)

Claims (12)

An accepting means capable of accepting a print job;
Printing means for performing printing according to the print job received by the receiving means;
Adjusting means for adjusting image quality for adjusting image quality during printing;
Determining means for determining whether an adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job;
When a color page is included in a print job that is determined by the determination unit to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, image quality adjustment is performed by the adjustment unit before starting printing of the first color page included in the print job. A control means capable of executing adjustment priority processing for performing
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When the control unit sequentially executes a plurality of print jobs received by the reception unit, a print job having a common attribute is set before the print job determined by the determination unit that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied. If there is, the adjustment priority process is performed before the start of printing the first color page included in the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition and the print job having the common attribute. An image forming apparatus that performs image quality adjustment by means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The determination unit determines whether the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or more than a first reference for the print job determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit executes the adjustment priority process when the determination unit determines that the printing amount after the establishment is equal to or greater than a first reference. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The determination means can identify whether each page included in the print job is a page that requires high image quality, and determines whether the print amount after the adjustment execution condition is satisfied is equal to or greater than a first reference. An image forming apparatus that uses a printing amount of only a page that requires high image quality. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The determination unit determines whether the print amount of the print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition is equal to or greater than a second reference;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit executes the adjustment priority process when the printing amount is determined to be equal to or greater than a second reference. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The determination unit determines whether the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the same print job when the adjustment priority process is executed for a print job determined to satisfy the adjustment execution condition.
The control unit does not execute the adjustment priority process when it is determined that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied again during execution of the same print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The control means determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job by the determination means, and if the adjustment priority process is not executed, the control means determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied. An image forming apparatus that performs image quality adjustment after completion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When the receiving unit receives a plurality of print jobs, and the determining unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied in any of the plurality of print jobs, the execution order of the plurality of print jobs and the An image forming apparatus comprising first notification means for notifying a relationship with a time when an adjustment execution condition is satisfied. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the first notification unit notifies the identification information of the plurality of print jobs together when the relationship is notified. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
When the determination means determines that the adjustment execution condition is satisfied, the timing for executing the image quality adjustment is selected from a plurality of times including the time when the image quality adjustment is executed at least when the adjustment priority processing is executed. It has a designation means that can be designated,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit performs image quality adjustment at a time designated by the designation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
Notification of the relationship between the execution order of print jobs determined to satisfy the adjustment execution conditions, the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority process is executed, and the image quality adjustment execution time when the adjustment priority process is not executed An image forming apparatus comprising: a second notifying unit that performs An accepting means capable of accepting a print job;
Printing means for performing printing according to the print job received by the receiving means;
Adjusting means for adjusting image quality for adjusting image quality during printing;
Determining means for determining whether an adjustment execution condition is satisfied during execution of the print job;
When a color page is included in a print job that is determined by the determination unit to satisfy the adjustment execution condition, image quality adjustment is performed by the adjustment unit before starting printing of the first color page included in the print job. A control means capable of executing adjustment priority processing for performing
An image forming system comprising:

Images