JP6996645B2 - Inkjet recording device and printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus and a printing method.

In an inkjet recording device of an inkjet type, if the ink ejected on the paper is not completely dried, the ink may bleed and the printed product may not meet the user's expectations. Further, if ink adheres to the transport path for transporting the paper, the printed surface may become dirty and the printed result may not meet the user's expectations. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a mechanism for preventing ink from adhering to the transport path has been proposed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-042449

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for preventing ink from adhering to a transport path, but it is difficult to completely prevent ink from adhering to a transport path by this mechanism. Further, even if it is possible to prevent the ink from adhering to the transport path, if the ink ejected on the paper does not dry out, the ink will bleed and the printed result will not meet the user's expectations. Further, if the printed surface is dirty, the stain may be transferred to another paper. For example, when the paper is ejected face-up to the ejection tray, if the dirty paper on the printing surface is ejected, the stain may be transferred to the back surface of the paper ejected to the ejection tray immediately after that. Therefore, it is difficult to provide the user with a print result with high user satisfaction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user to be provided with a print result with high user satisfaction.

Further, the inkjet recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a paper feed unit for feeding paper, a paper transport unit having a transport path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit to the ejection tray, and an inkjet. By controlling the image recording unit that records an image on paper by a method, the paper feed unit, the paper transport unit, and the image recording unit, the image recording unit is fed from the paper feed unit and the paper is conveyed. An image reading provided at a position facing the transport path between a control unit for recording an image based on original image data on paper transported along the path and an image recording position by the image recording unit to the discharge tray. A result reading unit having a sensor and reading a result image from a print result obtained by the image recording unit recording an image on paper, and image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit. And the difference detection unit that detects the difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data based on the original image data, and the difference based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit. The paper transport unit includes an offset mechanism for detecting the location of stains on the printed product as indicated by the above, the paper transport unit has an offset mechanism for shifting the ejected paper in the paper width direction, and the control unit has the offset. By controlling the mechanism, the print result is shifted in the paper width direction by removing the spot of the stain on the print result detected by the place detection unit, and is discharged to the discharge tray.

Further, the inkjet recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a paper feed unit for feeding paper, a paper transport unit having a transport path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit to the ejection tray, and an inkjet. By controlling the image recording unit that records images on paper by a method, the paper feed unit, the paper transport unit, and the image recording unit, the image recording unit is fed from the paper feed unit and the paper is conveyed. An image reading provided at a position facing the transport path between the control unit for recording an image based on the original image data on the paper transported on the path and the image recording position by the image recording unit to the discharge tray. A result reading unit having a sensor and reading a result image from a print result obtained by the image recording unit recording an image on paper, and image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit. And the difference detection unit that detects the difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data based on the original image data, and the difference based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit. The control unit includes a location detection unit for detecting the location of stains on the printed product as indicated by the above, and the control unit detects stains at locations that are the same portion consecutively a predetermined number of times by the location detection unit. In this case, by controlling the paper feed unit and the paper transport unit, the paper fed from the paper feed unit and conveyed in the transport path is discharged to the discharge tray without recording an image.

According to the present invention, since reprinting is performed according to the degree of stain on the printed product, it is possible to provide the user with a printed product with high user satisfaction. Therefore, the adverse effect due to the deterioration of print quality can be reduced. Also, in the past, when the user found a dirty print result, it was necessary to find out the original image that was the source of the dirty print result and instruct the user to reprint it again, but this is unnecessary. Therefore, convenience is greatly improved.

It is a schematic sectional front view which showed the structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which showed schematic the main internal structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a result image from a print result product, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a manuscript image which is a source of a print result product. It is a figure which showed an example of the difference result obtained by detecting the difference amount between the result image shown in FIG. 3A and the original image shown in FIG. 3B. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process performed in the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which roughly showed the main internal structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process performed in the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which roughly showed the main internal structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process performed in the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which showed schematic the main internal structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed an example of the process performed in the control unit of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating each area of the paper which is a print result. It is a functional block diagram which showed schematic the main internal structure of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the inkjet recording apparatus and the printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing the configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The inkjet recording device 1 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The device main body 11 has an operation unit 47, a document feeding unit 6, and a document. It includes a reading unit 5, an image recording unit 12, a paper feeding unit 14, a paper transport unit 19, a result reading unit 18, and a marking unit 21.

The operation unit 47 receives instructions such as an image recording operation execution instruction from the operator regarding various operations and processes that can be executed by the inkjet recording device 1. The operation unit 47 includes a display unit 473 that displays operation guidance and the like to the operator. The display unit 473 is a touch panel, and the operator can operate the inkjet recording device 1 by touching the buttons and keys displayed on the screen.

A case where the document reading operation is performed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described. The document reading unit 5 optically reads the image of the document supplied by the document feeding unit 6 or the document placed on the platen glass 161 and generates image data. The image data generated by the document reading unit 5 is stored in an image memory or the like of the illustration.

The document reading unit 5 includes a reading mechanism 163 having a light source emitting unit, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the like, and the document reading unit 5 irradiates a document using a light irradiation unit having a light source and reflects the document. An image is read from a document by receiving light with a CCD sensor.

A case where the image recording operation is performed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described. Based on the original image data generated by the original reading operation, the original image data stored in the image memory, etc., the original image data received from the computer connected to the network, the image recording unit 12 is the paper feeding unit 14. The image is recorded on the paper P which is fed from the paper and is conveyed by the paper conveying unit 19.

The paper feed unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette 141. A paper feed roller 145 is provided above the paper feed cassette 141, and the paper P accommodated in the paper feed cassette 141 is fed out toward the transport path 190 by the paper feed roller 145.

Further, the paper feed unit 14 includes a manual feed tray 142 provided on the wall surface of the apparatus main body 11 so as to be openable and closable. The paper P set in the bypass tray 142 is fed out toward the transport path 190 by the paper feed roller 146.

The paper transport unit 19 includes a transport path 190 for transporting the paper P from the paper feed section 14 toward the discharge tray 151, a transport roller pair 191 provided at an appropriate position in the transport path 190, and a discharge roller pair 192.

The paper P fed from the paper feed unit 14 is conveyed in the transfer path 190 by the transfer roller pair 191. Further, the paper P on which the image is recorded by the image recording unit 12 is face-up and is discharged to the discharge tray 151 by the discharge roller pair 192 through the paper discharge transport path 193 (a part of the transport path 190).

Further, the paper transport unit 19 has an offset mechanism (not shown) that moves the discharge roller pair 192 in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction and shifts the paper P to be discharged to the discharge tray 151 in the paper width direction.

A marking portion 21 filled with vermilion ink is provided above the discharge tray 151. The marking unit 21 is an ink ejection device that ejects ink droplets toward the paper P (for example, the right end of the paper P) ejected to the ejection tray 151 under the control of the control unit 100 (FIG. 2). The marking unit 21 adds a mark to the paper P by ejecting the ink droplet.

The image recording unit 12 records an image based on the original image data on the paper P that is fed from the paper feed unit 14 and conveyed through the transport path 190, and includes a drive roller 125A, a driven roller 125B, and a suction roller 126. A tension roller 127, a transport belt 128, an inkjet head 121, and an ink tank 122 are provided.

The transport belt 128 is an endless belt, and is bridged over a drive roller 125A, a driven roller 125B, and a tension roller 127. The drive roller 125A is a roller that is rotationally driven counterclockwise by a motor (not shown). When the drive roller 125A is rotationally driven, the conveyor belt 128 travels counterclockwise, and the driven roller 125B and tension are used. Roller 127 rotates counterclockwise passively.

The tension roller 127 is a roller for keeping the tension state of the transport belt 128 in an appropriate state. The suction roller 126 is arranged to face the driven roller 125B in a state of being in contact with the conveyor belt 128, and by charging the conveyor belt 128, the paper P fed from the paper feed unit 14 is electrostatically charged to the conveyor belt 128. It is intended to be adsorbed.

The inkjet head 121 ejects ink droplets of four different colors (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) toward the paper P transported by the paper transport unit 19, and sequentially records images. The ink tank 122 is filled with ink corresponding to each color.

The result reading unit 18 is located between the image recording position by the image recording unit 12 (specifically, the most downstream position in the paper transport direction of the inkjet head 121) and the discharge tray 151, in the paper discharge transport path 193 (conveyance path 190). It has an image reading sensor provided at a position facing a part of the paper P), and the image recording unit 12 reads the result image from the print result obtained by recording the image on the paper P. The image reading sensor is, for example, CIS (Contact Image Scanner).
).

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. The inkjet recording device 1 includes a control unit 10, a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image recording unit 12, a paper feeding unit 14, a paper transport unit 19, a cleaning unit 22, an operation unit 47, a network interface unit 91, and a result. A reading unit 18 and a marking unit 21 are provided. The same components as those of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The paper feed unit 14 and the paper transport unit 19 include roller drive units 14A and 19A, respectively. The roller drive units 14A and 19A are composed of a motor, a gear, a driver, and the like, and the roller drive unit 14A functions as a drive source for applying a rotational drive force to the paper feed rollers 145 and 146. The roller drive unit 19A functions as a drive source for applying a rotational drive force to the drive rollers of the transport roller pair 191 and the discharge roller pair 192.

The cleaning unit 22 cleans the inkjet head of the image recording unit 12. The cleaning unit 22 is provided with, for example, a cleaning roller that has absorbed the cleaning liquid, and is configured to wipe off the ink adhering to the nozzle surface of each inkjet head by the cleaning roller.

The network interface unit 91 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device 20 such as a personal computer or a server in the local area or on the Internet.

The control unit 10 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a dedicated hardware circuit. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. The control unit 10 includes a control unit 100, an operation reception unit 101, a difference detection unit 102, and a reprint determination unit 103.

The control unit 10 functions as a control unit 100, an operation reception unit 101, a difference detection unit 102, and a reprint determination unit 103 by operating the processor according to a control program stored in a built-in non-volatile memory or the like. It is a thing. However, the control unit 100 and the like can be configured by hardware circuits, regardless of the operation according to the control program by the control unit 10. Hereinafter, the same applies to each embodiment unless otherwise specified.

The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 1. The control unit 100 includes a document feeding unit 6, a document reading unit 5, an image recording unit 12, a paper feeding unit 14, a paper transport unit 19, a cleaning unit 22, an operation unit 47, a network interface unit 91, a result reading unit 18, and a result reading unit 18. It is connected to the marking unit 21 and controls the drive of each of these units.

The operation reception unit 101 receives an operation input from the user via the operation unit 47. For example, when the operation receiving unit 101 receives a user instruction to execute a print job (for example, copying or printing), the control unit 100 determines the paper feeding unit 14 and the paper transport based on the document image data instructed by the user. The operation of the unit 19 and the image recording unit 12 is controlled so that the image is recorded on the paper P fed by the paper feeding unit 14.

The difference detection unit 102 includes image data of the result image from the print result (paper P) obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18 and the original image data (for example, the original image obtained by reading by the document reading unit 5). Compared with the data or the original image data transmitted from the external device 20), the difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data (assumed to be stains on the print result). Is detected. The difference detection unit 102 detects not only the stains caused by printing but also the stains on the paper P itself as the differences.

An example of the difference detection method by the difference detection unit 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a result image from a print result. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of a manuscript image that is the source of a print result. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the difference result obtained by detecting the difference amount between the result image GA shown in FIG. 3 (A) and the original image GB shown in FIG. 3 (B).

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the difference detection unit 102 subdivides each of the result image GA and the original image GB into block units, and the difference amount between the result image GA and the original image GB (that is, printing) for each block. The amount of dirt on the product) is detected, and the level of dirt is divided into 4 stages according to the amount of difference. In FIG. 4, the difference amount is shown in four levels of black and white shades (level 3: black, level 2: dark gray, level 1: light gray, level 0: white) according to the size, and the difference amount becomes large. As it is expressed, the color becomes darker. Assuming that the block in the upper left corner in FIG. 4 is 1A and the block in the lower right corner is 10M, blocks 1E, 1M, 4L, and 9D are level 1, blocks 2I, 2J, and 2K are level 2, and blocks 2L, 2M, and 3M. , 4M, 9J are level 3, and the other blocks are level 0.

The reprint determination unit 103 determines whether or not the reprint condition for reprinting the original image is satisfied based on the degree of stain on the print result indicated by the difference detected by the difference detection unit 102. Examples of the requirements for satisfying the reprint condition include the following requirements.

Requirement 1: When the ratio occupied by level 3 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (for example, 3%) of the entire image, the reprint condition is satisfied.

Requirement 2: When the ratio occupied by level 2 or higher is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (for example, 7%) of the entire image, the reprint condition is satisfied.

Requirement 3: When the proportion occupied by level 1 or higher is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (for example, 10%) of the entire image, the reprint condition is satisfied.

The difference result obtained by detecting the difference amount between the result image GA shown in FIG. 3 (A) and the original image GB shown in FIG. 3 (B) by the difference detection unit 102 is a level from the difference result shown in FIG. The proportion of 3 is 3.8% (≈5 / 130), the proportion of level 2 or higher is 6.2% (≈8/130), and the proportion of level 1 or higher is 9.2% (≈12 / 130). ), And since the requirement 1 is satisfied, the reprint determination unit 103 determines that the reprint condition is satisfied.

The reprint determination unit 103 determines, for example, whether or not there is a level 1 or higher stain at a position overlapping the original image based on the original image data, and the stain exists at a position overlapping the original image GB. In the case (in FIG. 4, the original image GB and the stain overlap with each other in the block 9J), the first threshold value to the third threshold value are changed to lower values set in advance, and the reprint condition is satisfied. You may decide whether or not. As a result, when there is a stain that overlaps with the original image, the reprint condition can be easily satisfied and the reprint can be easily performed.

Next, an example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this process, when the use of the paper P (for example, a postcard) set in the manual feed tray 142 by the user is specified in advance and accepted by the operation reception unit 101, the operation reception unit 101 is further performed. Is a process performed when a user instruction for printing on the original image data transmitted from the external device 20 (for example, a personal computer) is received via the network interface unit 91.

When the operation reception unit 101 receives a print instruction from the user and the control unit 100 receives the document image data transmitted from the external device 20, the control unit 100 operates the paper feed unit 14 (roller drive unit 14A). By controlling, the paper P set in the manual feed tray 142 is fed toward the transport path 190 (S1). Then, the control unit 100 controls the operations of the paper transport unit 19 (roller drive unit 19A) and the image recording unit 12, so that the image based on the original image data transmitted from the external device 20 to the image recording unit 12 Is recorded on the paper P (S2).

After that, the control unit 100 controls the paper transport unit 19 to transport the print result (paper P) toward the ejection tray 151, and the result reading unit 18 and the image recording unit 12 record the image on the paper P. The result image is read from the print result (paper P) obtained by this (S3).

Subsequently, the difference detection unit 102 compares the image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18 with the original image data, and detects the difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data. (S4). Then, the reprint determination unit 103 determines whether or not the reprint condition for reprinting the original image is satisfied based on the degree of contamination of the print result indicated by the difference detected by the difference detection unit 102. (S5).

When the reprint determination unit 103 determines that the reprint condition is satisfied (YES in S5), the control unit 100 controls the paper transport unit 19 and the marking unit 21 to print a print result (paper P). ) Is added with a mark (S6). After that, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the paper transport unit 19 to eject the printed result (paper P) to which the mark is added to the ejection tray 151 (S7).

For example, a paper sensor is arranged on the downstream side of the ejection unit in the paper transport direction in the immediate vicinity of the ejection unit of the marking unit 21, and the control unit 100 controls the marking unit 21 at the timing when the paper sensor detects the tip of the paper P. By adding a mark to the paper P, it is possible to make a mark in the upper right corner of the paper P.

Subsequently, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the paper feed unit 14 (roller drive unit 14A) to feed the new paper P set in the manual feed tray 142 toward the transport path 190 (S8). ), By controlling the operations of the paper transport unit 19 (roller drive unit 19A) and the image recording unit 12, the image recording unit 12 is made to record an image based on the original image data on the paper P and reprinted (). S9) By controlling the operation of the paper transport unit 19, the print result (paper P) obtained by reprinting is ejected to the ejection tray 151 (S10).

After that, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the original image data to be printed remains (S11), and the control unit 100 determines that the original image data to be printed remains (YES in S11). , Processing moves to S1. On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that there is no original image data to be printed (NO in S11), this process ends.

Further, in S5, when the reprint determination unit 103 determines that the reprint condition is not satisfied (NO in S5), it is not necessary to perform reprinting, so the process proceeds to S10.

According to the first embodiment, reprinting is performed based on the degree of stain on the print result, so that the print result with high user satisfaction can be provided to the user. Therefore, the adverse effect due to the deterioration of print quality can be reduced. Also, in the past, when the user found a dirty print result, it was necessary to find out the original image that was the source of the dirty print result and instruct the user to reprint it again, but this is unnecessary. Therefore, convenience is greatly improved.

In addition, since a mark is added to a print result that becomes unnecessary due to reprinting, the user can easily identify and pick up the unnecessary print result by paying attention to the mark. can.

In another embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 22 to clean the inkjet head of the image recording unit 12 when the reprinting is continuously performed a predetermined number of times. You may do it.

Further, as yet another embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the display unit 473 when reprinting is continuously performed a predetermined number of times, and prompts the user to perform the cleaning. When the guidance is displayed and then the operation reception unit 101 receives the user instruction to perform the cleaning, the control unit 100 may control the operation of the cleaning unit 22 to perform the cleaning.

Next, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. The inkjet recording device according to the second embodiment is different from the inkjet recording device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the control unit 10 includes a light judgment unit 104. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The lightness determination unit 104 determines whether or not the print result is slightly dirty based on the degree of stain on the print result indicated by the difference detected by the difference detection unit 102. For example, the minority determination unit 104 determines that the stain on the print result is minor when the stain levels detected by the difference detection unit 102 are all equal to or lower than the above level 1.

An example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. However, since the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, except for the processes S21 to S23 performed after the determination is YES in S5, the flowchart will be described from S5 here.

When the reprint determination unit 103 determines in S5 that the reprint condition is satisfied (YES in S5), the minor determination unit 104 determines that the print result is dirty as indicated by the difference detected by the difference detection unit 102. Based on the condition, it is determined whether or not the print result is slightly stained (S21).

When the lightness determination unit 104 determines that the print result is slightly dirty (YES in S21), the control unit 100 is obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18 by controlling the operation of the display unit 473. Whether to reprint while displaying the result image on the display unit 473 based on the image data of the result image and making the user visually recognize the result image (that is, a print result that is slightly but dirty). A notification message asking the user is displayed (S22).

After the notification message is displayed, when the operation reception unit 101 receives a user instruction indicating that reprinting is to be performed (YES in S23), the process proceeds to S6, and the control unit 100 performs a process for reprinting. On the other hand, when the operation receiving unit 101 receives a user instruction for not executing reprinting (NO in S23), the processing for reprinting is unnecessary, so the processing proceeds to S10.

If the minority determination unit 104 determines that the print result is not slightly dirty (NO in S21), the process proceeds to S6, and the control unit 100 performs a process for reprinting.

According to the second embodiment, if the stain is slight, reprinting is not performed and the user is confirmed to need to perform reprinting. Therefore, reprinting that the user does not like is performed. It is possible to prevent it from being printed.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 100 displays a notification message for inquiring the user whether to perform reprinting every time a slight stain is detected, but another embodiment. As a result, the control unit 100 may display the above notification message after all the printing of the original image to be printed is completed (specifically, after the determination in S11 is NO).

Next, the inkjet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment. The inkjet recording device according to the third embodiment is different from the inkjet recording device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the control unit 10 includes a character string detection unit 105 and an important character determination unit 106. In the description of the third embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The character string detection unit 105 performs character recognition processing on the image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18 by using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology or the like, and is present on the result image. Detect a character string.

The important character determination unit 106 determines whether or not the character string detected by the character string detection unit 105 includes a pre-registered wording indicating that the character is an important character. Examples of the pre-registered wording include characters indicating job titles and customer names such as directors and general managers.

An example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. However, since the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 except for the processes S31 to S33 performed after S3, it will be described from S3 here.

In S3, when the result reading unit 18 reads the result image from the print result (paper P) obtained by recording the image on the paper P by the image recording unit 12 (S3), the character string detection unit 105 Character recognition processing is performed on the image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18, and the character string existing on the result image is detected (S31).

Subsequently, the important character determination unit 106 determines whether or not the character string detected by the character string detection unit 105 includes the above-mentioned pre-registered wording indicating that the character is an important character (S32). ..

When the important character determination unit 106 determines that the character string contains the above wording (YES in S32), the control unit 100 relaxes the reprint condition so that reprinting can be easily performed (YES in S32). S33). This is because the printed result is to be provided to superiors and customers, and is assumed to be of high importance. After this, the process moves to S4. For example, the control unit 100 changes the first threshold value to the third threshold value in the above requirements 1 to 3 to a value lower than a predetermined value.

On the other hand, when it is determined by the important character determination unit 106 that the above wording is not included in the character string (NO in S32), it is not necessary to relax the reprint condition, so the process proceeds to S4 as it is.

According to the third embodiment, if the printed matter is provided to the boss or the customer and is considered to be of high importance, the reprinting conditions are relaxed, so that the printed matter of high quality can be obtained. In the required situation, the reprinting can provide a printed result with less stains.

Next, the inkjet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The inkjet recording device according to the fourth embodiment is different from the inkjet recording device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in that the control unit 10 includes a location detection unit 107. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The location detection unit 107 detects the location of stains in the entire image recorded in the print result indicated by the difference based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit 102.

Next, an example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording device 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. However, since the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 except for the processes S41 to S47 performed after S6, it will be described from S6 here.

In S6, when the control unit 100 adds a mark to the print result (paper P) by controlling the paper transport unit 19 and the marking unit 21 (S6), the location detection unit 107 causes the difference detection unit 102 to add a mark. Based on the detected difference, the location of stains in the entire image recorded in the print result indicated by the difference is detected (S41).

Subsequently, the control unit 100 determines whether the location of the stain is on the left side, the right side, or the center of the paper P, based on the location of the stain in the entire image recorded on the print result detected by the location detection unit 107. It is determined whether or not it is (S42). FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each area of the paper P which is a print result.

When the control unit 100 determines that the location of the stain on the printed product is, for example, the left side E1 in FIG. 12 (left side in S42), the control unit 100 sets the discharge roller pair 192 constituting the paper transport unit 19 on the left side with respect to the paper transport direction. After moving in the perpendicular direction (that is, shifting the paper P to the left), the printed result product (paper P) to which the mark is added is discharged to the ejection tray 151 (S43). After this, the process moves to S8. That is, when the location of stains on the printed product is specified, the control unit 100 moves the discharge roller pair 192 to the direction in which the location of the stains exists in the direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the control unit 100 moves the discharge roller pair 192 in the direction. The paper P is shifted to the side.

One of the methods for identifying the location of stains on the print result is to identify the portion with the highest degree of stain as the location of stains, but if the stains are widespread, the stains are widespread. It is preferable that the central part of the dirt is the dirt place.

Further, when the control unit 100 determines that the location of the stain on the printed product is the right side E2) in FIG. 12 (right side in S42), the control unit 100 sets the discharge roller pair 192 constituting the paper transport unit 19 with respect to the paper transport direction. The print result (paper P) to which the mark is added is ejected to the ejection tray 151 (S44) after being moved in the right-angled direction (that is, the paper P is shifted to the right). After this, the process moves to S8. That is, also in this case, the control unit 100 moves the discharge roller pair 192 toward the direction in which the dirt location exists in the direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and shifts the paper P to the direction side.

Further, when the control unit 100 determines that the location of the stain on the print result is the central portion E3 in FIG. 12 (central portion in S42), the mark is added by controlling the operation of the paper transport unit 19. The printed result (paper P) is discharged to the discharge tray 151 (S45). After that, by controlling the operations of the paper feed unit 14 and the paper transport unit 19, the paper P fed from the paper feed unit 14 and conveyed through the transport path 190 is used as a blank sheet in the discharge tray 151 without recording an image. Discharge (S46, S47). As a result, the intervening paper is interposed between the print result product ejected first and the print result product ejected next, and the stains on the print result product ejected first are transferred to the paper to be ejected next. Try not to. After this, the process moves to S8.

According to the fourth embodiment, the print result is ejected by shifting in the paper width direction (direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction) according to the location of the stain on the print result, so that the print result is stained on other paper. It will be possible to prevent the transfer of prints and provide users with print results with high user satisfaction. If the location of the stain is the central portion of the paper P in the width direction and the stain transfer cannot be avoided even if the paper P is displaced in the paper width direction and ejected, the print result product ejected earlier By interposing the interstitial paper between the print result product discharged next and the print result product discharged next, stain transfer from the print result product discharged first to the print result product discharged next is prevented.

Since the paper P set in the manual feed tray 142 is likely to be special paper such as a postcard, when the interleaving paper is sandwiched between S46 and S47, the control unit 100 feeds the paper from the paper feed unit 14. It is desirable to control the operation of the roller 145 to feed the paper P contained in the paper feed cassette 141.

Next, the inkjet recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the main internal configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The inkjet recording device according to the fifth embodiment is different from the inkjet recording device 1 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 in that the control unit 10 includes a stain elimination determination unit 108. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment will be omitted.

The stain elimination determination unit 108 stains the transport path 190 based on the degree of stain on the paper P indicated by the image data obtained by reading the result reading unit 18 from the paper P conveyed on the transport path 190 without recording the image. Determine if it has been resolved.

An example of a method for determining whether or not the stain has been removed will be described. The stain elimination determination unit 108 compares the image data of the paper P obtained by reading by the result reading unit 18 with the plain image data registered in advance (for example, an image data indicating a blank sheet), and the difference amount is large. If it is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the stain has been eliminated.

An example of the processing performed by the control unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. When the location detection unit 107 continuously detects stains on the same portion a predetermined number of times, the control unit 100 controls the operations of the paper feed unit 14 and the paper transport unit 19 from the paper feed unit 14. The paper P that is fed and conveyed through the transport path 190 is ejected to the discharge tray 151 without recording an image. As a result, when the cause of the stain is attached to the transport path 190, the paper P comes into contact with the soiled portion and scrapes off the cause of the stain.

Further, the control unit 100 causes the result reading unit 18 to read the image on the above-mentioned paper P discharged in this way.

The stain elimination determination unit 108 eliminates stains (dirt on the transport path 190) as described above based on the degree of stain on the paper P indicated by the image obtained by reading the result reading unit 18 from the paper P. Judge whether or not.

When the control unit 100 determines that the dirt on the transport path 190 has not been cleared by the dirt removal determination unit 108, the control unit 100 controls the operations of the paper feed unit 14 and the paper transport unit 19 again, and the paper feed unit 14 controls the operation of the paper feed unit 14 and the paper transport unit 19. Control is performed so that the paper P, which is fed and conveyed in the transport path 190, is ejected to the discharge tray 151 without recording an image.

According to the fifth embodiment, when dirt on the same portion is continuously detected, the fed paper P is conveyed by being conveyed in the transport path 190 without recording an image and being discharged to the discharge tray 151. The cause of the stain can be scraped off with the paper P, and the cause of the stain can be removed from the transport path 190. As a result, from the next time onward, it is possible to prevent the paper P from becoming dirty and to provide the user with a print result with high user satisfaction.

Further, if the stains are not removed, the paper P for which the image is not recorded is repeatedly ejected, so that the stains on the transport path 190 can be removed more reliably.

In another embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 22 when the paper P not to be image-recorded is continuously ejected a predetermined number of times, and the image recording unit 12 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 22. The inkjet head may be cleaned.

Further, as yet another embodiment, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the display unit 473 when the paper P not to be image-recorded is continuously ejected a predetermined number of times, and the cleaning is performed. A message prompting the user to perform the cleaning is displayed on the display unit 473, and then when the operation receiving unit 101 receives the user instruction to perform the cleaning, the control unit 100 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 22 to perform the cleaning. May be done.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Further, in the above embodiment, the multifunction device is described as one embodiment of the inkjet recording device according to the present invention, but this is only an example, and for example, another inkjet recording device having a printer function may be used. good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and processing shown by the above-described embodiment using FIGS. 1 to 13 are merely one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the configuration and processing.

1 Inkjet recording device 12 Image recording unit 14 Feeding unit 18 Result reading unit 19 Paper transport unit 21 Marking unit 22 Cleaning unit 100 Control unit 101 Operation reception unit 102 Difference detection unit 103 Reprint judgment unit 104 Minor judgment unit 105 Character string detection Unit 106 Important character judgment unit 107 Location detection unit 108 Dirt removal judgment unit 151 Discharge tray 190 Transport path 473 Display unit

Claims (5)

A paper feed section that feeds paper and
A paper transport unit having a transport path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit to the discharge tray, and a paper transport unit.
An image recording unit that records images on paper using an inkjet method,
By controlling the paper feed unit, the paper transport unit, and the image recording unit, an image based on the original image data is fed to the image recording unit from the paper feed unit and conveyed to the transport path. The control unit that records
Obtained by having an image reading sensor provided at a position facing the transport path between the image recording position by the image recording unit and the discharge tray, and the image recording unit recording an image on paper. A result reader that reads the result image from the printed result,
A difference detection unit that detects a difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data based on the image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit and the original image data.
Based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit, a location detection unit for detecting the location of stains on the print result indicated by the difference is provided.
The paper transport unit has an offset mechanism that shifts the discharged paper in the paper width direction.
By controlling the offset mechanism, the control unit shifts the print result product in the paper width direction by removing the spots of stains on the print result product detected by the location detection unit, and shifts the print result tray in the paper width direction. Inkjet recording device to discharge to. The paper transport unit is a mechanism for ejecting the paper transported in the transport path to the discharge tray face-up.
When the location of the stain on the print result detected by the location detection unit is other than the central portion in the paper width direction, the control unit controls the offset mechanism to shift the stain in the paper width direction. The print result is discharged to the discharge tray, and the print result is discharged to the discharge tray.
On the other hand, when the spot of the stain on the print result detected by the place detection unit is the central portion in the paper width direction, the print result is discharged to the discharge tray, and then the paper feed unit and the paper are discharged. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein by controlling the transport unit, the paper fed from the paper feed unit and transported through the transport path is discharged to the discharge tray without recording an image. A paper feed section that feeds paper and
A paper transport unit having a transport path for transporting paper from the paper feed unit to the discharge tray, and a paper transport unit.
An image recording unit that records images on paper using an inkjet method,
By controlling the paper feed unit, the paper transport unit, and the image recording unit, an image based on the original image data is fed to the image recording unit from the paper feed unit and conveyed to the transport path. The control unit that records
Obtained by having an image reading sensor provided at a position facing the transport path between the image recording position by the image recording unit and the discharge tray, and the image recording unit recording an image on paper. A result reader that reads the result image from the printed result,
A difference detection unit that detects a difference between the result image and the original image indicated by the original image data based on the image data of the result image obtained by reading by the result reading unit and the original image data.
Based on the difference detected by the difference detection unit, a location detection unit for detecting the location of stains on the print result indicated by the difference is provided.
The control unit controls the paper feed unit and the paper transport unit when dirt is detected at the same location continuously for a predetermined number of times by the location detection unit. An inkjet recording device that ejects paper that is fed from the paper and conveyed through the transport path to the discharge tray without recording an image. The result reading unit reads the paper conveyed in the transport path without recording an image.
Further provided with a stain removal determination unit for determining whether or not the stain on the transport path has been removed based on the degree of stain on the paper indicated by the image data read by the result reading unit.
When the control unit determines that the dirt on the transport path has not been cleared by the dirt removal determination unit, the control unit controls the paper feed unit and the paper transport unit to feed the paper from the paper feed unit. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the paper conveyed in the transport path is further ejected to the discharge tray without recording an image. A cleaning unit for cleaning the inkjet head of the image recording unit is further provided.
When the control unit continuously controls to eject the paper fed from the paper feed unit to the discharge tray without recording an image, the cleaning unit performs the cleaning. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inkjet head is cleaned by controlling the unit, or a process for instructing the user to perform the cleaning is executed.

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