JP6705143B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that detects an abnormality in an image formed on a recording medium and a control method thereof.

In recent years, an image forming apparatus has been proposed which forms an image on a recording medium and detects an abnormality in the image formed on the recording medium.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-331669 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that, when an abnormality is detected by the above sensor, stops outputting an image and displays an instruction requesting maintenance. ing.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-42521 (Patent Document 2), when a sensor as described above detects an abnormality, the pages after the page in which the abnormality is detected are discharged to a different discharge destination than before. An image forming apparatus that temporarily stops is disclosed. When restarting, the image forming apparatus reprints from the page in which the abnormality is detected.

JP, 2005-331669, A JP, 2010-42521, A

As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus, when an abnormality occurs in the formed image, the image forming operation is interrupted. As a result, since the image forming operation is delayed, there is a problem that the work efficiency in the image forming operation is reduced. On the other hand, if the image forming operation is continued without taking any measures despite the occurrence of the abnormality in the formed image, the detection of the abnormality becomes meaningless.

The present disclosure has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to form an image when an abnormality is detected while effectively utilizing the detection result of the abnormality in the formed image in the image forming apparatus. It is to suppress the decrease in work efficiency of operation.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper, a winding unit that winds up the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and between the winding unit and the image forming unit. A storage unit arranged to store the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, a reading unit for reading the image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit, and a winding unit according to the image read by the reading unit. An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a control unit that controls the operation of the pickup unit. When an abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit, the control unit continues the conveyance of the continuous paper in the image forming unit , and the winding unit of the succeeding portion after the portion in which the abnormality is detected in the continuous paper. The winding by is stopped and the subsequent portion is stored in the storage section.

Preferably, the storage unit includes a paper discharge adjusting unit that buffers the paper and an image checking unit that allows the user to check the continuous paper discharged from the image forming unit, and the control unit is read by the reading unit. When an abnormality is detected in the image, the take-up unit takes up the web at the timing when the portion of the continuous paper where the abnormality is detected is conveyed to the image confirmation unit while continuing the conveyance of the continuous paper in the image forming unit. The paper is stopped and the succeeding portion after the portion where the abnormality in the continuous paper is detected is stored in the paper discharge adjusting unit.
Preferably, the control unit receives an input of an instruction designating a response to the abnormality when an abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit, and controls the image forming unit according to the received instruction.
Preferably, the control unit restarts winding of the continuous paper by the winding unit in response to the input of the instruction.

Preferably, the instruction instructs to form an image again on continuous paper. Control unit, in response to an instruction has been input, to form a continuous sheet from the top image.

Preferably, the instruction instructs to re-form a portion of the image in which the abnormality is detected. Control unit, in response to the instruction is inputted, again form the detected partial abnormality of the images on the continuous paper.

Preferably, the image includes multiple pages. The image forming unit forms an image of each page on the continuous paper, and further forms an image representing the number of each page in the margin of each page.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus is disposed between the image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper, the winding unit that winds up the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, and the winding unit and the image forming unit. The image forming unit includes a storage unit that stores the continuous paper on which the image is formed, and a reading unit that reads the image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit. The control method includes a step of detecting an abnormality in the image read by the reading unit, and when the abnormality is detected, the continuous paper is continuously conveyed in the image forming unit, and the portion after the portion in which the abnormality is detected is detected. Stopping the winding of the subsequent portion by the winding portion and storing the following portion in the storage portion.

According to the present disclosure, when an abnormality is detected in the formed image, the winding of the succeeding portion of the continuous paper after the portion where the abnormality is detected is stopped by the winding unit, and the succeeding portion is stored in the storage unit. Be stored. As a result, the user can easily recognize the portion in which the abnormality is detected while the image forming apparatus continues to form the image of the subsequent portion.

Further, according to the present disclosure, when the abnormality is detected in the formed image, the image forming unit is controlled according to the instruction stored in the storage unit. Accordingly, the user can cause the image forming apparatus to deal with the abnormality while continuing the image formation of the subsequent portion.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system that is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional composition of an image forming system. 6 is a flowchart of an example of processing executed by a central control unit when executing a print job. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which alert|reports that abnormality has generate|occur|produced in the output page. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the method to recover. 4 is a flowchart of a recovery operation subroutine of FIG. 3. 9 is a flowchart of an example of processing executed in the image forming system according to the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which a central control part displays on a display part in order to receive the input of a setting in 3rd Embodiment.

An embodiment of an information processing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment]
<1. Image forming apparatus configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an image forming system 40 which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 40 includes a paper feeding unit 14, a paper feeding adjusting unit 81, a main unit 10, a paper discharging adjusting unit 90, an image checking unit 80, and a paper discharging unit 16. An arrow A01 in FIG. 1 indicates the feeding direction of the continuous paper 18. The paper discharge unit 16 is an example of a “winding unit”. The paper discharge adjusting unit 90 and the image checking unit 80 are an example of a “storage unit”.

The paper feeding unit 14 is a mechanism for holding the continuous paper 18. In the image forming system 40 according to the first embodiment, the continuous paper 18 is roll paper. The paper feeding unit 14 includes a receiving shaft 20 for the continuous paper 18 and rollers 22 and 24 for tension and guide. The operation of the sheet feeding unit 14 including the rotation of the receiving shaft 20 is controlled by a computer (not shown) in the sheet feeding unit 14 (a sheet feeding control unit 40A in FIG. 2, which will be described later).

The paper feed adjusting unit 81 functions as a buffer for absorbing a minute difference between the conveyance speeds of the continuous paper 18 in the paper feed unit 14 and the main unit 10 and a deviation in the continuous paper 18. The paper feed adjusting unit 81 includes rollers 82 and 83. The operation of the paper feed adjusting unit 81 is controlled by a computer (paper feed adjusting control unit 40B in FIG. 2, which will be described later) in the paper feed adjusting unit 81 (not shown).

The main unit 10 includes an image forming unit 150 for forming an image on the continuous paper 18, an operation panel 160 for inputting an instruction to the image forming system 40, and a document conveying unit for conveying a document to be read by the image forming unit 150. A device 170 and a document reading device 180 that reads an image of a document by a CCD (Charge Coupled device) or the like are included.

The operation panel 160 includes a display unit 161 including a liquid crystal display device and the like, and an input unit 162 that receives input of information. The input unit 162 includes hardware buttons and/or software buttons displayed on the display unit 161. Although the operation panel 160 is fixed to the image forming unit 150 in the first embodiment, it may be detachable from the image forming unit 150. The operation panel 160 may be a terminal such as a smartphone that can communicate with the image forming system 40.

The image forming unit 150 is provided with a central control unit 900 that controls the operation of the main unit 10. The central control unit 900 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (a processor 901 in FIG. 2, which will be described later). The central control unit 900 is an example of a “control unit”.

The image forming unit 150 forms an image by an electrophotographic process and transfers the image to a medium such as continuous paper. More specifically, the image forming unit 150 includes an image carrying unit 46 carrying a toner image for each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (BK), and an image carrying unit. An intermediate transfer belt 47 to which the toner image carried by the unit 46 is primarily transferred is included. The image transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 47 is secondarily transferred to the continuous paper 18.

The image forming unit 150 further includes a fixing unit 56 that fixes the transferred image on the continuous paper 18, and an image reading unit 84 that reads the image formed on the continuous paper 18. The image reading unit 84 is an example of a “reading unit”. A specific example of the image reading unit 84 is a CCD. Various adjustment operations in the image forming system 40 can be started without waiting for the continuous paper 18 to pass through the fixing unit 56.

The paper discharge adjusting unit 90 functions as a buffer in the image forming system 40 by adjusting the speed of feeding the continuous paper 18 discharged from the image forming unit 150. The paper discharge adjusting unit 90 includes rollers 91 to 98. The operation of at least a part of the rollers 91 to 98 in the paper discharge adjusting unit 90 is controlled by a computer (not shown) in the paper discharge adjusting unit 90 (paper discharge adjusting control unit 40C in FIG. 2, which will be described later).

The image confirmation unit 80 is a portion for allowing the user to confirm the continuous paper 18 discharged from the image forming unit 150. When the continuous paper 18 passes above the image confirmation unit 80, the user looks at the continuous paper 18 and confirms, for example, the image on the continuous paper 18.

The paper discharge unit 16 includes a shaft 26 that winds the continuous paper 18 sent from the paper discharge adjusting unit 90 through the image confirmation unit 80, and rollers 28 and 30 that feed the continuous paper 18 to the shaft 26. The rotation operation of the rollers 28, 30 and the shaft 26 in the paper output unit 16 is controlled by a computer (not shown) in the paper output unit 16 (the paper output control unit 40D in FIG. 2, which will be described later).

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, in the image forming system 40, the continuous paper 18 supplied from the paper supply unit 14 is sent to the image forming unit 150 via the paper supply adjusting unit 81. The image forming unit 150 forms an image on the continuous paper 18 and outputs the image to the paper discharge adjusting unit 90. The paper discharge adjusting unit 90 sends the continuous paper 18 to the image checking unit 80. The continuous paper 18 sent to the image confirmation unit 80 is further sent to the paper discharge unit 16 and wound around the shaft 26.

<2. Functional block>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming system 40, the central control unit 900 includes a processor 901, a program storage unit 902 that stores a program executed by the processor 901, and various types of programs used for executing the program. And a data storage unit 903 for storing data. The program executed by the processor 901 may be stored in a storage device other than the central control unit 900. In addition, the program executed by the processor 901 may be stored non-temporarily in a storage medium that is removable from the main unit 10.

The central control unit 900 controls the image forming unit 150, the operation panel 160, the document feeding device 170, and the image reading device 180 in the main unit 10 by the processor 901 executing a given program. In particular, the central control unit 900 receives the image read by the image reading unit 84, and determines whether or not the image formed on the continuous paper 18 is abnormal based on the image. When the central control unit 900 determines that the image formed on the continuous paper 18 is abnormal, the central control unit 900 appropriately executes the recovery operation. The details of the recovery operation will be described later.

The central control unit 900 further controls the paper feed control unit 40A, the paper feed adjustment control unit 40B, the paper discharge adjustment control unit 40C, and the paper discharge control unit 40D. The paper feed control unit 40A controls the paper feed unit 14. The paper feed adjustment control unit 40B controls the paper feed adjustment unit 81. The discharge adjustment control unit 40C controls the discharge adjustment unit 90. The paper discharge control unit 40D controls the paper discharge unit 16. That is, the central control unit 900 controls the image forming system 40 as a whole.

<3. Process flow>
The image forming system 40 according to the first embodiment uses two lists ("user confirmation waiting image list" and "reprint page list after job completion") when executing a print job.

The “user confirmation waiting image list” is a page determined to be abnormal among the pages on the continuous paper on which the image is formed by the print job, and the user has not yet confirmed that the abnormality of the page has been completed. This is a list of pages that have not been entered.

The “list of reprinted pages after completion of JOB” is a list of pages to be reprinted among the pages determined to be abnormal.

Both the “user confirmation waiting image list” and the “post-job reprint page list” are stored in, for example, the data storage unit 903.

Next, the contents of the processing executed by the central control unit 900 when executing a print job will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of the processing.

Referring to FIG. 3, in step S100, central control unit 900 determines whether a new print job (“new JOB”) has been input to image forming system 40. The central control unit 900 is input with a print job by, for example, transmission via a network, reading an original image by the image reading device 180, or inputting a print instruction for a file stored in the data storage unit 903. . The central control unit 900 keeps the control in step S100 until it determines that a new print job is input, and advances the control to step S110 when it determines that a new print job is input.

In step S110, the central control unit 900 starts the image forming operation of the input print job. In the print job, the page that is the target of image formation is managed by the count value “pageCount” of the counter. The count value is stored in, for example, the data storage unit 903. In step S110, the central control unit 900 sets the value of pageCount to "1". Then, the control proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the central control unit 900 determines whether the value of pageCount has exceeded the “total number of printed pages” specified in the print job. When the central control unit 900 determines that the value of pageCount has not exceeded the total number of printed pages, the control proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the value of pageCount exceeds the total number of printed pages, the control proceeds to step S200.

In step S130, the central control unit 900 causes the image forming unit 150 to form an image of a page having a value of pageCount on the continuous paper 18. Then, the control proceeds to step S140.

In step S140, the central control unit 900 writes the information specifying the page in the margin of the page on which the image is formed in step S130. The information that identifies a page is, for example, a page number. Then, the control proceeds to step S150.

In step S150, the central control unit 900 causes the image confirmation unit 80 to read the image of the page formed in step S130. Then, the control proceeds to step S160.

In step S160, central control unit 900 determines whether or not the image read in step S150 is abnormal. Then, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S240 when determining that the read image is abnormal, and advances the control to step S170 when determining that there is no abnormality.

For example, when the central control unit 900 compares the read image with the image of the corresponding page in the print job and determines that the read image contains image noise of a preset level or higher, Judge that there is an abnormality (image defect). On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the read image does not include image noise equal to or higher than a preset level, it determines that there is no abnormality.

In step S240, the central control unit 900 adds the page having the current value of pageCount to the above-mentioned user confirmation waiting image list. Then, the control proceeds to step S250.

In step S250, central control unit 900 determines whether the user is already confirming the abnormality. When the central control unit 900 determines that the user is confirming the abnormality, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S170. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the user has not confirmed any abnormality, the control proceeds to step S260.

The central control unit 900 outputs, for example, to the display unit 161 a screen notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the output page, and confirms whether the user has performed input indicating that the screen has been confirmed. to decide.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the output page. The screen 400 of FIG. 4 includes a button 401. When the user operates the button 401, the central control unit 900 displays the screen of the display unit 161 for selecting a method for recovering from the abnormality that has occurred.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for selecting a recovery method. The screen 500 of FIG. 5 includes a title 501 of the screen 500, a message 502 prompting selection of a recovery method, and buttons 503 to 506 corresponding to each of the four options. When the user touches any of the buttons 503 to 506, the central control unit 900 determines that the recovery method corresponding to the touched button has been selected.

The button 503, as a recovery method, specifies to continue printing without printing the page in which the abnormality is detected again.

The button 504 specifies, as a recovery method, to stop the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150, and restart the image formation from the page where the abnormality is detected after the recovery operation for the image forming system 40.

The button 505, as a recovery method, specifies that after the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 is continued to the end of the print job being executed, the image formation is performed again from the page in which the abnormality is detected.

The button 506 designates, as a recovery method, that the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 should be ended at that point and that the image should be formed again from the first page of the print job.

Returning to FIG. 3, in step S250, central control unit 900 advances the control to step S170, for example, when button 401 in FIG. 4 is operated (during confirmation of abnormality). On the other hand, for example, if the button 401 in FIG. 4 has not been operated, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S260. The central control unit 900 may display the button 401 on the display unit 161 until it is operated by the user. That is, even if the content displayed on the display unit 161 is switched, the central control unit 900 may continue to display the button 401 on the display unit 161.

In step S260, the central control unit 900 winds the continuous paper 18 by the shaft 26 of the paper discharge unit 16 at the timing when the portion of the continuous paper 18 having the pageCount value as the page number is conveyed to the image confirmation unit 80. To stop. However, the central control unit 900 continues to output the continuous paper 18 from the image forming unit 150 to the paper discharge adjusting unit 90. As a result, the portion of the continuous paper 18 on which the pages after the page in which the abnormality is detected are printed are stored in the paper discharge adjusting unit 90. Then, the control proceeds to step S270.

In step S270, the central control unit 900 prompts the user to select an abnormality occurrence and recovery method. For example, the central control unit 900 prompts the user to operate the button 401 in FIG. 4 by outputting a voice or the like. Then, the control proceeds to step S170.

That is, for example, when the central control unit 900 detects the occurrence of an abnormality in step S160, the central control unit 900 displays the button 401 (FIG. 4) on the display unit 161. When the user operates the button 401, the central control unit 900 advances the control from step S250 to step S170. On the other hand, if the user has not operated the button 401, the central control unit 900 advances the control from step S250 to step S260.

In step S170, central control unit 900 increments the value of pageCount by 1, and advances the control to step S180.

In step S180, central controller 900 determines whether the user has selected a recovery method. The user touches any of the buttons 503 to 506 in FIG. 5, for example, to select the recovery method corresponding to the touched button. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that the user has selected the recovery method, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S190. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the user has not yet selected the recovery method, it returns the control to step S120.

In step S190, the central control unit 900 executes a recovery operation. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the subroutine of step S190 of FIG. Hereinafter, the recovery operation of step S190 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S900, the central control unit 900 identifies the recovery method selected by the user and advances the control according to the identified method.

More specifically, if the recovery method is “continue printing without reprinting the page in which an abnormality is detected” (corresponding to button 503 in FIG. 5), the central control unit 900 The control proceeds to step S940.

The recovery method is to “stop the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150, and restart the image formation from the page in which the abnormality is detected after the recovery work for the image forming system 40” (button 504 in FIG. 5). Central processing unit 900, control proceeds to step S910.

The recovery method is that “after the image forming unit 150 continues the image forming operation to the end of the print job being executed, the image is formed again from the page where the abnormality is detected” (corresponding to the button 505 in FIG. 5). If there is, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S920.

If the recovery method is “end the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 at that point and perform image formation again from the first page of the print job” (corresponding to the button 506 in FIG. 5), the central control unit 900. Advances the control to step S930.

The control of steps S910 to S914 is performed by the recovery method "stop the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150, and restart the image formation from the page where the abnormality is detected after the recovery work for the image forming system 40. Is a control corresponding to.

In step S910, central control unit 900 stops the image forming operation by image forming unit 150, and advances the control to step S912.

In step S912, the central control unit 900 waits for the completion of the recovery work by the worker (user). One example of the recovery work is to cut out the abnormal output page portion from the continuous paper 18. Then, the control proceeds to step S914. It should be noted that, for example, when the information indicating that the user has completed the recovery work is input, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S914.

In step S914, central control unit 900 changes the value of pageCount to the number of the page where the user is currently confirming the abnormality (for example, the page with the lowest number in the user confirmation waiting image list). Further, the central control unit 900 clears the page registered in the user confirmation waiting image list. Then, the image forming unit 150 is caused to restart the image forming operation. As a result, the image forming unit 150 restarts the image forming operation from the page where the abnormality has occurred. Then, the control proceeds to step S940.

Steps S920 to S922 are controls corresponding to the recovery method “after the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 is continued until the end of the print job being executed, the image is formed again from the page where the abnormality is detected”. ..

In step S920, central control unit 900 returns the value of pageCount to "1", and advances the control to step S922.

In step S922, central control unit 900 clears the user confirmation waiting image list and the reprint page list after completion of JOB, and advances the control to step S940.

Step S930 is the control corresponding to the recovery method “end the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 at that point and perform image formation again from the first page of the print job”.

In step S930, the page number of the page for which the user is currently confirming an abnormality is added to the reprint page list after completion of JOB, and the control proceeds to step S940.

In step S940, central control unit 900 deletes the page number of the page currently checked by the user for abnormality from the reprint page list after completion of JOB, and advances the control to step S950.

In step S950, central control unit 900 determines whether there is a page waiting for confirmation by the user (selection of recovery method). For example, if one or more pages are still registered in the user confirmation waiting image list, the central control unit 900 determines that there is a page waiting for confirmation by the user, and registers the page in the user confirmation waiting image list. If there is no, it is determined that there is no page waiting for user confirmation. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is a page waiting for confirmation by the user, the control proceeds to step S970. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is no page waiting for confirmation by the user, the control proceeds to step S960.

In step S960, the central control unit 900 restarts the winding of the continuous paper 18 by the shaft 26 of the paper discharge unit 16, and returns the control to step S120 (FIG. 3).

In step S<b>970, the central control unit 900 causes the continuous paper 18 to be attached to the shaft 26 of the paper discharge unit 16 until the portion of the continuous paper 18 on which the next page to be checked is formed is conveyed to the image checking unit 80. Then, the winding by the shaft 26 is stopped. Then, the central control unit 900 urges the user to select a recovery method by displaying the screen 500 of FIG. 5 on the display unit 161, for example. Then, the central control unit 900 returns the control to step S120 (FIG. 3).

Returning to FIG. 3, when the value of pageCount exceeds the total number of print pages of the print job in step S120, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S200.

In step S200, central control unit 900 determines whether or not there is a page registered in the reprint page list after the JOB is completed. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is such a page, the control proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is no such page, the control proceeds to step S280.

In step S210, the central control unit 900 forms an image of the first page registered in the reprint page list after JOB completion in the image forming unit 150 on the continuous paper 18, and advances the control to step S220.

In step S220, central control unit 900 prints information (for example, page number) identifying the page in the margin of the page on which the image is formed in step S210, and advances the control to step S230.

In step S230, central control unit 900 deletes the page on which the image is formed in step S210 from the reprinted page list after JOB is completed. Then, the control is returned to step S200.

By the control of steps S200 to S230, the image of each page listed in the reprinted page list after JOB is printed together with the information specifying each page after the job is printed.

In step S280, central control unit 900 stops the image forming operation by image forming unit 150, and ends the process of FIG.

According to the processing described above, when the central control unit 900 detects an abnormality in the formed image, the central control unit 900 continues the image forming operation until the recovery operation (step S190) for the abnormality is executed. The winding of the continuous paper 18 by the shaft 26 of the paper unit 16 is stopped. As a result, the paper discharge adjusting unit 90 buffers the printed pages from the occurrence of the abnormality until the recovery operation is executed.

[Second Embodiment]
In the image forming system 40 according to the second embodiment, information specifying a recovery method is stored in the data storage unit 903 in advance. Then, when the image forming system 40 detects an abnormality in the formed image, the image forming system 40 executes the recovery operation according to the recovery method specified by the information stored in advance.

In the image forming system 40 of the second embodiment, the processing shown in FIG. 3 for the first embodiment can be changed to the processing shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of processing executed in the image forming system 40 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S160, the central control unit 900 of the second embodiment determines whether or not the image read in step S150 is abnormal. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that the read image is abnormal, the central control unit 900 advances the control to step S190, and executes the recovery operation. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is no abnormality in step S160, the control proceeds to step S170.

After executing the recovery operation in step S190, the central control unit 900 returns the control to step S120.

In step S170, the central control unit 900 adds 1 to the value of pageCount and returns the control to step S120.

Also in the second embodiment, the recovery operation in step S190 can be realized by the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S900 of the second embodiment, central control unit 900 advances the control to step S910, step S920, step S930, or step S940 according to the recovery method specified by the information stored in advance.

In the second embodiment, the “preset recovery method” may be set by default in the image forming system 40. That is, the “preset recovery method” does not necessarily have to be selected by the user.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the central control unit 900 accepts a reference setting for determining whether the formed image (the image read by the image reading unit 84) is abnormal. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 161 by the central control unit 900 to accept the input of the setting.

On the screen 600 of FIG. 8, the central control unit 900 accepts designation of settings for eight items starting with “no detection”. On the screen 600 of FIG. 8, when two or more options are displayed for each item, the selected option is highlighted.

More specifically, the item “without detection” includes two options, “with detection” and “without detection”. “Detected” specifies to detect an abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit 84. “No detection” specifies that no abnormality is detected in the image read by the image reading unit 84. When the detection of the above abnormality is designated, the image forming system 40 executes the control shown in FIG. If it is specified that the above abnormality is not detected, the image forming system 40 continues the print job regardless of whether or not there is an abnormality in the image formed on the continuous paper 18.

The item “image noise detection level” includes three choices of noise level: “high level”, “medium level” and “low level”. Each option is displayed as a software button. The user can select an option by touching. The data storage unit 903 stores information that specifies the levels of three types of noise corresponding to each of “high level”, “medium level”, and “low level”. The central control unit 900 detects the presence/absence of abnormality in the image based on the information corresponding to the designated level among “high level”, “medium level” and “low level”. The designated level specifies, for example, the level of noise determined to be abnormal. That is, as the designated level is higher, it is not determined that the abnormality has occurred until the higher level noise is detected.

The item "image offset detection level" includes three options of "level high", "level medium", and "level low" regarding the displacement of the formed image on the continuous paper 18. Each option is displayed as a software button. The user can select an option by touching. The data storage unit 903 stores information that specifies three types of levels corresponding to “level high”, “level medium”, and “level low” with respect to the arrangement shift. The central control unit 900 detects the presence/absence of abnormality in the image based on the information corresponding to the designated level among “high level”, “medium level” and “low level”. That is, it is not determined that the abnormality has occurred until the position of the formed image on the continuous paper 18 becomes larger as the designated level becomes higher.

The item "image density abnormality detection level" includes three options of "high level", "medium level", and "low level" for image unevenness. Each option is displayed as a software button. The user can select an option by touching. The data storage unit 903 stores information that specifies three types of image unevenness levels corresponding to “high level”, “medium level”, and “low level” for the “image density abnormality detection level”. The central control unit 900 detects the presence/absence of abnormality in the image based on the information corresponding to the designated level among “high level”, “medium level” and “low level”. That is, as the designated level is higher, it is not determined that the abnormality has occurred until the image unevenness increases.

The item "number of consecutive abnormal outputs" specifies the number of consecutive pages required to be detected as the occurrence of an abnormality. The user inputs the setting for the item by inputting a numerical value, for example. For example, when the numerical value “3” is set, the central control unit 900 has an abnormality in image formation until the image formed on the continuous paper 18 is determined to be abnormal for three consecutive pages. I do not judge. That is, for example, if an abnormality is detected in the images of two pages in succession, but no abnormality is detected in the image of the next page, the central control unit 900 does not detect the occurrence of the abnormality, and image formation and continuous The paper winding continues.

The item “output operation when abnormality occurs” includes two options of “stop” and “continue without stopping”. “Stop” specifies that when an abnormality of the image formed on the continuous paper 18 is detected, the image forming operation in the image forming system 40 is stopped and the user waits for recovery work. . “Continue without stopping” specifies that the image forming operation in the image forming system 40 is continued without stopping even if the above abnormality is detected.

The item “recovery method” specifies the recovery method to be stored in the data storage unit 903 in advance, as described in the second embodiment. The item includes three options, “reprint after abnormal image page”, “reprint only abnormal image page after JOB is completed”, and “reprint from JOB head”. The user can select the option by touching one of the three options.

The item “recovery count” sets the number of times the recovery operation is executed for the same print job. For example, when “2 times” is set as the “recovery count”, and when an error occurs during execution of the print job, the central control unit 900 executes reprinting (first time) after completion of the print job as a recovery operation. Then, if an abnormality occurs in the reprinting, reprinting (second time) is further executed as a recovery operation. However, the central control unit 900 stops the image forming operation without executing further recovery operation even if an abnormality occurs in the second reprinting. In such a case, the central control unit 900 may display on the display unit 161, for example, that the number of recovery operations designated as the number of recovery times has already been executed.

In the third embodiment, the central control unit 900 displays threshold values (items “image noise detection level”, “image deviation detection level”, “image density”) on the screen 600 of FIG. Accepts user settings for "error detection level", "continuous error output count", etc.) and recovery method. In the image forming system 40, different recovery methods may be set for different threshold settings.

That is, when the central control unit 900 detects noise of a size (threshold) equal to or higher than the level (threshold value) set for the item “image noise detection level”, it performs the recovery operation according to the recovery method “reprinting after abnormal image page”. On the other hand, if it is determined that images with consecutive pages that are equal to or more than the value set for the item "Continuous abnormal output number" are abnormal, follow the recovery method "Perform reprinting from JOB". Recovery action may be performed.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope. In addition, the invention described in the embodiment and each modification is intended to be implemented singly or in combination as much as possible.

10 main unit, 14 paper feed unit, 16 paper discharge unit, 18 continuous paper, 20, 26 axis, 40 image forming system, 80 image confirmation unit, 81 paper feed adjusting unit, 90 paper discharge adjusting unit, 150 image forming unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 162 input unit, 170 document feeder, 180 document reader.

Claims (8)

An image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper,
A winding unit that winds up the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit,
A storage unit that is disposed between the winding unit and the image forming unit, and stores the continuous paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the winding unit according to the image read by the reading unit,
When the control unit detects an abnormality in the image read by the reading unit, while continuing the conveyance of the continuous paper in the image forming unit, a portion after the portion of the continuous paper in which the abnormality is detected is detected. An image forming apparatus, which stops winding of a succeeding portion by the winding unit and stores the succeeding portion in the storage unit. The storage section is a sheet discharge adjusting section for buffering sheets,
An image confirmation unit for allowing the user to confirm the continuous paper discharged from the image forming unit,
When the control unit detects an abnormality in the image read by the reading unit, the portion in which the abnormality is detected in the continuous paper remains the same while the conveyance of the continuous paper in the image forming unit is continued. The winding of the winding unit is stopped at the timing when the image is conveyed to the image confirmation unit, and the succeeding portion of the continuous paper after the portion in which the abnormality is detected is stored in the paper discharge adjusting unit. The image forming apparatus described. The control unit receives an input of an instruction designating a response to the abnormality when an abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit, and controls the image forming unit according to the received instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit restarts the winding of the continuous paper by the winding unit in response to the input of the instruction. The instruction instructs to form the image again on continuous paper,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit forms the image on the continuous paper from the beginning in response to the input of the instruction. The instruction gives an instruction to re-form a portion in which an abnormality is detected in the image,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit re-forms a portion of the image in which an abnormality is detected on continuous paper in response to the input of the instruction. The image includes multiple pages,
7. The image forming unit forms an image of each page on continuous paper, and further forms an image representing the number of each page in a margin of each page. Image forming device. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising:
The image forming apparatus,
An image forming unit that forms an image on continuous paper,
A winding unit that winds up the continuous paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit,
A storage unit that is disposed between the winding unit and the image forming unit, and stores the continuous paper on which the image is formed in the image forming unit,
A reading unit for reading an image formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit,
The control method is
Detecting an abnormality in the image read by the reading unit,
When the abnormality is detected, while the conveyance of the continuous paper in the image forming unit is continued, the winding of the succeeding portion after the portion where the abnormality is detected is stopped by the winding unit, Storing the subsequent portion in the storage section.