JPH09238260A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent erroneous setting of a test sheet before and behind, upside down or obliquely with respect to a setting position without staining, damaging the test sheet or impairing a picture by transporting the test sheet outputted from a printer to an image scanner at the time of setting a color balance mode. SOLUTION: At the time of supplying the test sheet on the image scanner 2, the test sheet 5 outputted from the printer 1 at the time of setting the color balance mode by the mode setting/switching means of the picture processing part 3 is automatically transported to the image scanner 2 by a test sheet transportation means 6. Thus, the test sheet 5 is prevented from being stained at the time of supplying the test sheet 5 on the image scanner 2. Then, the erroneous setting of the test sheet 5 before and behind, upside down or obliquely with respect to a setting position can be prevented. Then, a picture signal for automatically printing/outputting can automatically and precisely be corrected in an inexpensive device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus. More specifically, a color patch with toner unique to the printer is output as a density pattern for designating a predetermined gradation from the printer, and the test sheet of the color patch is read by an image scanner to obtain characteristics specific to the toner used. And a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image by measuring output characteristics peculiar to the printer and setting color balance and density characteristics optimized for the printer to be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional color image forming apparatus is, for example,
As one of the methods of setting the color balance according to the characteristics peculiar to the toner of the color copying machine and the characteristics peculiar to the printer which change over time, a reference gradation signal is generated, and an image forming means is generated according to the reference color signal. It is known that a reference color image is formed on a recording medium by means of the above method, the reference color image formed on the recording medium is read by the conversion means, converted into an electrical signal, and the tone signal is corrected by processing the electrical signal. (For example, JP-A-59-163967). However, since the gradation correction is performed by the output obtained by reading the reference color image before fixing by the conversion means, it is inaccurate,
Further, there is a problem that the cost becomes high because a new conversion means is required.

Next, a grayscale image is output from the printer using the built-in grayscale signal, the image scanner of the image input unit reads it, the deviation from the initial value of the characteristic of the printer is detected, and the color image signal is detected. It is known to correct the table of the characteristics of the output tone conversion circuit that provides the correction (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-76760). However, the above method is a method that uses only a grayscale image, and has a problem that it is difficult to detect and correct variations in the characteristics peculiar to each color toner and the monochromatic image forming characteristics.

Further, the pattern of white and black ink of the medium itself is scanned to correct the dynamic range and non-linearity of the scanning system, and the pattern of used ink is scanned,
Obtain the gray balance condition from the color component ratio of each ink,
It is also known to set a correction parameter (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4 (1998) -54104).
See the publication of -277974). However, in the above method, the balance condition is set by paying attention only to the characteristic peculiar to the ink, so that there is a problem that the characteristic peculiar to the output device, that is, the output characteristic for each color or the output characteristic of the composite color is not reflected. .

Therefore, by using the toner of each color to be used,
A color patch for testing consisting of multiple density levels
A test sheet is output from the printer as a dither pattern based on the built-in color patch output data, and the color patch is read by an image scanner as signals (R, G, B) separated into three colors, and the characteristics peculiar to toner and the color patch output The same applicant has also proposed to detect the output characteristics of the printer, calculate the color balance condition, and set the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal to correct the image signal for print output.
However, since the color patch on the test sheet is read by the image scanner as the three-color separated signals (R, G, B), no new conversion means is required. ， It often says that the test sheet is dirty or damaged, the image formed on the test sheet is damaged, and the test sheet is often set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the setting position. There was a problem.

[0006]

The above-described conventional color image forming apparatus described above uses the toner of each color to be used to generate a color patch for testing having a plurality of density levels by using dither based on the built-in color patch output data. The test sheet is output as a pattern from the printer, and the color patch of the test sheet is read by the image scanner as three-color separated signals (R, G, B), and the characteristics peculiar to the toner and the output characteristics of the printer at the time of color patch output are read. In the case of detecting and calculating the color balance condition, setting the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal, and correcting the image signal for print output,
When applying the test sheet to the image scanner, the test sheet is dirty, damaged, the image formed on the test sheet is damaged, and the test sheet is set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the setting position. There was a problem that set mistakes frequently occurred.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve such a problem. That is, using the toner of each color to be used, a test color patch having a plurality of density levels is output from the printer as a dither pattern based on the built-in color patch output data from the printer,
The color patch of the test sheet is read by an image scanner as three-color separated signals (R, G, B), the characteristics peculiar to the toner and the output characteristics of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected, and the color balance condition is calculated. When setting the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal and correcting the image signal for print output, when applying the test sheet to the image scanner,
Specializes in preventing the occurrence of set mistakes such as setting the test sheet back and forth, front and back, and diagonally with respect to the setting position without soiling or damaging the test sheet or damaging the image formed on the test sheet. An object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus in which accurate correction of an image signal for print output can be easily and automatically performed without any knowledge or experience.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 outputs a test sheet from a printer using a color patch of toner peculiar to the printer as a density pattern for designating a predetermined gradation. By reading the test sheet of the color patch with an image scanner, the characteristics peculiar to the toner used and the output characteristics peculiar to the printer are measured, and the color balance and density characteristics optimized for the printer used are set. In a color image forming apparatus that forms a color image, a printer that forms a read image on a transfer material based on image recording information and outputs the image, an image scanner that reads the read image, and a digital output signal sent from the image scanner. Image processing unit to be processed and copy mode or color balun of the image processing unit Provided is a color image forming apparatus having mode setting switching means for switching to a mode and test sheet transporting means for transporting a test sheet output from the printer to the image scanner when the color balance mode of the mode setting switching means is set. It is a thing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the test sheet conveying means is arranged downstream of a fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer material. , A color image forming apparatus having a carry-out switching lever for switching the test sheet in a carrying-out direction to the image scanner.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the test sheet conveying means is switched by the carry-out switching lever in the carrying-out direction to the image scanner. The color image forming apparatus includes a lift conveyance unit that conveys a sheet to the image scanner arranged above.

The present invention according to claim 4 is based on claim 1, 2, or 3.
In the color image forming apparatus described above, the lift conveying means is a color image forming apparatus that conveys the test sheet in contact with a non-image forming portion.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the lift conveyance means is sandwiched by a plurality of conveyance belts that contact the non-image forming portion of the test sheet. The color image forming apparatus conveys the test sheet.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the image scanner is changed to the image scanner after setting the color balance mode of the mode setting switching means. Is a color image forming apparatus having a document regulating member that prevents the document from being inserted.

The present invention according to claim 7 is based on claims 1, 2, 3,
In the color image forming apparatus described in 4 or 5, the image scanner includes a separation roller guide below the separation roller arranged on the insertion side of the test sheet inserted from the lift conveyance means and corresponding to the separation roller. Is provided to decurl the test sheet.

The present invention according to claim 8 relates to claims 1, 2, 3,
In the color image forming apparatus described in 4, 5, 6 or 7,
The image scanner is a color image forming apparatus in which, between the separation roller and the driven roller, the test sheet conveyed from the opposite direction and a conveyance guide for inserting the document are inserted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the color image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the conveying guide is a color image forming apparatus in which at least one end is in a flexible free state.

The present invention according to claim 10 relates to claims 1, 2 and
In the color image forming apparatus described in 3, 4, 5 or 6,
The image scanner is a color image forming apparatus that discharges a document on a document table or a conveyance path to a document discharge tray when the color balance mode of the mode setting switching unit is set.

[0018]

In the color image forming apparatus constructed as described above, the color balance condition is calculated by detecting the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output, and the image reading signal is obtained. When a test sheet is applied to the image scanner in the case of correcting the image signal for print output by setting the parameters of the correction curve for the, the printer is output by the mode setting switching means when the color balance mode is set. The test sheet is automatically conveyed to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means, and when the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet is front and rear, front and back, and oblique with respect to the set position without being contaminated. Specializes in preventing the occurrence of set mistakes such as It is possible to provide a less costly color image forming apparatus that accurate correction is performed of the image signals for the knowledge and experience also easily automatically printed out without.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set for print output. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner in the case of correcting the image signal of the above, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device. The test sheet is automatically conveyed to the image scanner by the sheet conveying means, and when the test sheet is applied to the image scanner, the toner on the test sheet is in a melted state, and the test sheet is not polluted. It is set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position Thereby preventing the occurrence of setting error can provide less costly color image forming apparatus that accurate correction is performed of the image signals for professional knowledge and experience without easily automatically printout.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the characteristics peculiar to the toner and the output characteristics of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set for print output. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner in the case of correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is moved upward by the lift conveying unit of the test sheet conveying unit. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet is set to the front and back, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position without being contaminated. Prevent the occurrence of set mistakes, It is possible to provide a compact color image forming apparatus in cost depreciation accurate correction is performed of the image signals for the easy and automatically print output without experience.

According to the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameter of the correction curve for the image reading signal is set to print out. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner in the case of correcting the image signal of the test sheet, the test sheet conveyed to the non-image forming portion of the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means By automatically conveying the test sheet to the image scanner by means, when the test sheet is applied to the image scanner, the test sheet can be moved back and forth, front and back, obliquely with respect to the set position without contaminating the image forming portion of the test sheet. Prevents the occurrence of set mistakes and provides specialized knowledge It is possible to provide an accurate correction is less costly color image forming apparatus performed experience easily automatically image signals for print output without.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set for print output. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner in the case of correcting the image signal of (1), a plurality of test sheets output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit are brought into contact with the non-image forming portion. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the image forming portion of the test sheet is soiled or one of the formed images on the test sheet is automatically conveyed to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means sandwiched by the conveyance belt. Set the test sheet without peeling off or damaging it Prevents the occurrence of set mistakes such as front / back, front / back, and diagonal setting, and automatically and accurately corrects image signals for print output without requiring specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set for print output. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is automatically sent to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the batting jam between the test sheet and the document is prevented from occurring when the document is inserted into the image scanner by the document regulating member after being conveyed to the image forming apparatus and the color balance mode is set. Surely prevented and tested The test sheet can be set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the setting position without making it dirty, and it can be automatically printed out easily without specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide a low-cost color image forming apparatus in which an accurate correction of an image signal is performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set for print output. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is automatically sent to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner so that it passes between the separating roller and the separating roller guide provided below the separating roller, the test sheet is decurled and the test sheet is Place the test sheet in front of the set position without A color image with low cost that prevents the occurrence of setting mistakes that are set on the front and back, diagonally, etc. and easily and automatically corrects the image signal for print output automatically without specialized knowledge or experience. A forming device can be provided.

According to the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print out. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is automatically sent to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet and the original are guided and inserted between the separating roller and the driven roller by the conveyance guide. Stains or damage the test sheet and the leading edge of the original Accurate conveyance without setting, preventing the occurrence of set mistakes such as setting the test sheet back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position, and automatically printing out easily without specialized knowledge or experience It is possible to provide a low-cost color image forming apparatus in which an accurate correction of an image signal is performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of outputting the color patch are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameter of the correction curve for the image reading signal is set to print out. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is automatically sent to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means. Image of the test sheet by guiding and inserting the test sheet and the original sheet conveyed from opposite directions between the separation roller and the driven roller by the conveyance guide in which at least one end is flexible and has a flexible free state. When you put the test sheet on the scanner And the test sheet and the original are not damaged by softening the impact on the leading edge of the original, and are conveyed accurately without any effort, and the test sheet is set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position. It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus that prevents the occurrence of mistakes and easily and automatically corrects an image signal for print output easily without requiring specialized knowledge or experience.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameter of the correction curve for the image reading signal is set to print out. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal of, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means is automatically sent to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means. When the test sheet is fed to the image scanner, the originals on the original table or on the conveyance path are ejected to the original output tray when the color balance mode is set and the originals are damaged due to tears or skews. There is no fear of damage and the mechanism is simple It prevents the occurrence of batting jam between the original and other originals, prevents the test sheet from becoming dirty, prevents the test sheet from being set back and forth, front and back, and diagonally with respect to the set position, and is specialized in It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus in which accurate correction of an image signal for print output can be easily and automatically performed without any knowledge or experience.

[0028]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, an electrophotographic digital color copying machine, which is an example of a color image forming apparatus, includes a printer 1 that forms a read image on a transfer material (P) based on image recording information, and outputs the read image. The image scanner 2 includes an image processing unit 3 for processing a digital output signal sent from the image scanner 2.

The printer 1 has a photosensitive drum (Bk).
13, photoconductor drum (M) 14, photoconductor drum (Y) 1
5, four photosensitive drums of the photosensitive drum (C) 16 are arranged in this order from the paper feed cassette 17 side. First, in order to create the test sheet 5, the image processing unit 3
The mode setting switching means 4 (not shown) is switched from the copy mode to the color balance mode to output the reference signal of the built-in color patch 18 (not shown), and each laser beam (Bk) 19, laser beam (M) 20, laser By the four laser beams of the beam (Y) 21 and the laser beam (C) 22, the photosensitive drum (Bk) 13,
The photoconductor drum (M) 14, the photoconductor drum (Y)
15. The four photosensitive drums of the photosensitive drum (C) 16 are sequentially written in this order.

The polygon mirror 23 has a two-tiered structure. The laser beam (M) 20 and the laser beam (Y) 21 are on the upper side, and the laser beam (Bk) 19 and the laser beam are on the lower side. The laser beam (C) 22 is scanned. The laser beam (Bk) 19 is scanned by the polygon mirror 23, and is sent to the photoconductor drum (Bk) 13 as it is through the first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, and the third mirror 26, and subsequently, , The laser beam (M) 20, the laser beam (Y) 2
1. Similarly to the above, the laser beam (C) 22 passes through the other first mirror 24, the second mirror 25, and the third mirror 26, respectively, which are respectively arranged on the photosensitive drum (Bk). ) 13 by delaying each distance from the photosensitive drum (M) 14,
The photoconductor drum (Y) 15, the photoconductor drum (C)
It is supposed to be sent to 16.

The transfer material (P) fed from the paper feed cassette 17 is conveyed by the transfer belt 27,
Toner images (T) of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drums (Bk) 13, the photoconductor drums (M) 14, the photoconductor drums (Y) 15, and the photoconductor drums (C) 16. ), Each transfer device 28 (Bk), transfer device 2
9 (M), the transfer device 30 (Y), and the transfer device 31 (C), and the image is fixed by passing through the fixing device 7, and the color patch 18 is fixed by the toner (not shown) unique to the printer 1. The test sheet 5 is created as a density pattern that specifies the gradation of.

The test sheet 5 is passed through the fixing device 7 for fixing the toner image (T) transferred to the transfer material (P) of the printer 1, and then output by the test sheet conveying means 6. The image scanner 2 is automatically conveyed. The test sheet conveying means 6 is arranged downstream of the fixing device 7 for fixing the toner image (T) transferred onto the transfer material (P),
The test sheet 5 is switched to the image scanner 2 in the carry-out direction in the direction of arrow A shown in the figure by rotating the test sheet 5 in the direction of arrow B shown in the figure by operating a mode setting switch button on a control panel (not shown). By the carry-out switching lever 8 and the carry-out switching lever 8,
The test sheet 5 that has been switched in the direction of unloading to the image scanner 2 has the insertion port 32 of the ADF 32 provided above the image scanner 2 arranged above.
a lift transfer means 9 for transferring to a,

The lift transfer means 9 is the printer 1
Guide plates (inner side) 6a and guide plates (outer side) provided on the side surface of the sheet ejection tray 33 side for guiding the test sheet 5
6b, the test sheet 5 is provided above the image scanner 2, and the insertion port 3 of the ADF 32 is provided.
The apparatus is compact because it has a pair of conveying rollers 6c, a pair of conveying rollers 6d, a pair of conveying rollers 6e and a roller 6f which are rotatably driven by a driving means (not shown) for conveying to 2a. It is compact and compact.

The carrying-out switching lever 8 of the lift carrying means 9 comes into contact with the lower side of the test sheet 5 to switch the carrying-out direction to the image scanner 2 in the direction of arrow A shown in the figure. The guide plate (inside) 6a
Means to contact and guide the non-image forming portion at the front and rear ends of the inside of the test sheet 5 shown in the drawing, and the guide plate (outside) 6b makes contact to and guide the outside non-image forming portion of the test sheet 5. It has become. The conveyance roller pair 6c, the conveyance roller pair 6d, the conveyance roller pair 6e, the roller 6f, etc., which are conveyed to the insertion opening 32a of the ADF 32 provided above the image scanner 2, are also shown in the test sheet 5 in the drawing. It is arranged so as to contact the non-image forming portions at the front and rear ends.

Therefore, the lift conveying means 9 is adapted to come into contact with the non-image forming portion of the test sheet 5, but does not come into contact with the image forming portion of the test sheet 5, so that the test It is possible to prevent the read image when the sheet 5 is placed on the image scanner 2 from becoming dirty. The A provided above the image scanner 2
The test sheet 5 conveyed and inserted into the insertion opening 32a of the DF 32 passes between the separating roller 2a and the driven roller 34, and the resist detection 35, the pulse generator 36,
The document length detector 37 detects the size.

When the trailing edge of the test sheet 5 passes the resist detection 35, the resist detection 35 is OF
At F, the driving means (not shown) is turned off when a predetermined pulse is given, the rotation drive is stopped, and the conveyor belt 11a of the conveyor path 11 is stopped. When the conveyance belt 11a of the conveyance path 11 stops, the test sheet 5 stops at a predetermined position on the contact glass 38. The test sheet 5 stopped at a predetermined position on the contact glass 38
Is illuminated by a fluorescent lamp 39, and the reflected light is transmitted through a SELFOC lens 40, a color unit magnification CCD 41,
The three primary colors (R, G, B) are separated and detected, read, and compared with a reference color patch signal, so that the color balance is automatically set according to the characteristic of the printer 1 which changes with time. There is.

In FIG. 2, the color patch 18 is
n + 1 stage C, M, Y, K toner monochrome patches,
It is composed of three-color (3K) patches of C, M, and Y. Appropriate density indication values are given to the density levels 0 to n, and the patches in the horizontal direction are unified by the same density indication value.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the above electrophotographic digital color copying machine which is an example of a color image forming apparatus, and the arrows in the drawing show the flow of data. The printer 1, the image scanner 2, the image processing unit 3, the arithmetic processing unit 42, and the color patch generator 43 are included. The image processing unit 3 includes a scanner γ setting unit 3a, a color system conversion unit 3b, a gray γ setting unit 3c, a tone γ setting unit 3d, a changeover switch 3e of the mode setting changeover means 4 and a dither processing unit 3f. It is configured. In the normal copy mode, the changeover switch 3e is set to the illustrated state.

The test sheet 5 set on the image scanner 2 is read as an image signal separated into three primary colors (R, G, B), and the scanner γ setting unit 3a guarantees and outputs a gray balance. Γ correction is performed so that the characteristics become appropriate. In the color system conversion unit 3b, the complementary color densities (C) of the three primary colors (R, G, B) are used.
P, MP, YP), and the dynamic range set by the arithmetic processing unit 42 in advance is adjusted according to the state of the printer 1.

The gray .gamma. Setting unit 3c performs .gamma. Correction that guarantees the gray balance according to the state of the printer 1 in advance by the parameter set by the arithmetic processing unit 42, and also changes the toner color to the toner density instruction value. Is being converted. The tone γ setting unit 3d uses γ for adjusting the tone of gradation.
The main purpose is to make corrections, but in some cases γ correction for changing the color tone is also made here.

In the dither processing unit 3f, as the final stage of the image data processing, the dither processing result according to the designated dither table, that is, each of the laser beams (B
k) 19, the laser beam (M) 20, the laser beam (Y) 21, and the modulation level of the laser beam (C) 22 are input to the printer 1. However, depending on the specification, it is possible to output without performing dither processing.

In the color balance mode, the changeover switch 3e is connected to the color patch generator 43 side under the figure by the mode setting changeover means 4 by operating a mode setting changeover button on a control panel (not shown). It has become so. The start of this process is dithered by the dither processing unit 3f in accordance with the color patch output data and program built in the color patch generator 43, and output from the printer 1 as the test sheet 5. It Note that the above program does not necessarily have to be held inside the image processing unit 3, and may be integrated into the system control program. The next step is to read the test sheet 5 from the image scanner 2.

The read data of the color patch 18 is fetched into the arithmetic processing unit 42 as signals of the three primary colors (R, G, B) prepared by the scanner γ setting unit 3a under the same conditions as in the copy mode. It is supposed to be. In the arithmetic processing unit 42, each toner density instruction value C when the color patch 18 is output,
M and Y are fetched from the color patch generator 43, the toner characteristic value and the output characteristic of the printer 1 are obtained from the relationship with the R, G and B values of the corresponding patch, and the color system conversion unit 3b and The parameters of the correction characteristics of the gray γ setting unit 3c and the tone γ setting unit 3d are set.

In FIG. 4, the document regulating member 10 is the ADF 32 arranged above the image scanner 2.
When a solenoid (not shown) provided at the leading end of the original table 32b is pulled by turning on or off a solenoid (not shown), the guide plate 4 is rotated by using the rotary shaft 10a as a fulcrum.
It is located above or below 4 to enable or prevent the insertion of the document (O).

The mode setting switching means 4 (not shown)
Thus, when the normal copy mode is set, the original document regulating member 10 is rotated so that its bottom portion 10b is located below the guide plate 44, and the original document (O) to the image scanner 2 is printed. It is ready for insertion. By the mode setting switching means 4 not shown,
When the color balance mode is set, the document regulating member 10 is rotated so that its high portion 10c is moved to the guide plate 4
The upper side of the image scanner 4 is arranged so as to prevent the document (O) from being inserted into the image scanner 2.

Therefore, when the color balance mode is set, even if the original (O) is mistakenly set on the original table 32b of the ADF 32, the conveyance path 11 is
In the above, the occurrence of a batting jam with the test sheet 5 is surely prevented. When the test sheet 5 is discharged to the document discharge tray 12 after being read, the blocking state of the document (O) insertion into the image scanner 2 is released. The test sheet 5 is inserted from the lift conveying means 9, and the separation roller 2a is provided from above the driven roller 34 and the separation roller guide 2 provided corresponding to the lower side of the separation roller 2a.
The image is curled outward by passing between b, and the curl generated on the inside is decurled before being conveyed. Therefore, the adhesion to the contact glass 38 is improved. It is secured so that reliable reading can be performed.

In FIG. 5, when the color balance mode of the mode setting switching means 4 (not shown) is set,
When the original (O) is set on the original table 32b, the calling lever 45 is pressed against the calling roller 46 by a solenoid (not shown), and then the calling roller 46, the separating roller 2a, and the carrying roller The belt 11a is rotatably driven by a driving means (not shown) to pass from the lower original (O) stacked on the original table 32b onto the contact glass 38 to the original discharge tray 12 to After the originals (O) on all of the originals table 32b or on the conveying path 11 are continuously discharged, the test sheet 5 creation mode step when the color balance mode is set is activated. Therefore, since the overlapping originals (O) are not reversed and returned, there is no fear that the originals (O) will be damaged due to original breakage, skew, etc.
It is possible to provide a color image forming apparatus which has a simple mechanism and is inexpensive, and which can prevent the occurrence of a batting jam between the test sheet 5 and the other document (O).

In FIG. 6, the test sheet 105 is
Is output after passing through the fixing device 107 for fixing the toner image (T) transferred to the transfer material (P) of the printer 101, and then automatically transmitted to the image scanner 102 by the test sheet conveying means 106. It is supposed to be transported to.

The test sheet conveying means 106 is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device 107 for fixing the toner image (T) transferred to the transfer material (P), and the test sheet 105 is transferred to the image scanner 102. In the carrying-out direction of the arrow A shown in the figure, by operating the mode setting switching button on the control panel (not shown), the arrow B shown in the figure
The image scanner arranged above the carrying-out switching lever 108 which is rotated in the direction to lower the leading end to switch, and the test sheet 105 which is switched to the carrying-out direction to the image scanner 102 by the carrying-out switching lever 108. ADF installed above 102
Lift transport means 10 for transporting to the insertion port 132a of 132
Have nine,

The lift conveying means 109 is provided on the side surface of the printer 101 on the side of the sheet discharge tray 133, holds the test sheet 105 between the conveying belts 106a and 106b, and the test sheet 105 is held by the image scanner. A provided above 102
The conveyor belt 10 that is conveyed to the insertion opening 32a of the DF 132 and is rotationally driven by a driving unit (not shown).
6a, a plurality of transport rollers 106c, a driving roller 106d, which stretches the transport belt 106b, and a transport roller 10.
6e and the conveying rollers 106f are provided, so that the entire apparatus is compact and compact.

In FIG. 7, the test sheet 105 described above is used.
Since the output characteristics of the printer differ depending on the dither pattern used when outputting a color patch, it is necessary to switch the setting condition for each dither pattern in order to set the strict color balance. Depending on the type, for example, as shown in the figure, 2 of Type1 and Type2
The image of the color patch of the set is output.

In FIG. 8, the lift transfer means 109 is used.
Of the carrying belt 106a and the carrying belt 10
6b is Type 1 and Type of the test sheet 105.
The output images of the two sets of color patches e2 are arranged so as to come into contact with the both end portions where the output images of the color patches are not formed or the non-image forming portion between Type 1 and Type 2 and to convey them.

Therefore, in the case where the output image cannot be completely cooled by the lift conveying means 109 immediately after the toner image (T) transferred onto the transfer material (P) is fixed by the fixing device 107 (not shown). Also, the above test sheet 105
It is possible to prevent the read image from being stained or the output image from being peeled and damaged when the image is applied to the image scanner 102.

In FIG. 9, the conveyance guide 102c is in a free state in which at least one end is made of a thin flexible material such as polyester film, and is conveyed from opposite directions. The original (O) conveyed from the separation roller 102a and the driven roller 134 are also buckled at their leading ends without buckling.
It is arranged in an intermediate position for guiding and inserting between.

Therefore, the document (O) conveyed from the direction of arrow C of the ADF 132 and the test sheet 105 conveyed from the direction of arrow D of the lift conveyance means 109 by the conveyance guide 102c.
Prevents the occurrence of breakage at each tip and ensures the separation roller 1
02a and the driven roller 134 are guided and inserted, and set at a predetermined position on the contact glass 138.

[0056]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the color balance condition is detected by detecting the characteristic peculiar to toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output. Is calculated and the correction curve parameters for the image reading signal are set to correct the image signal for print output, the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching means when the test sheet is placed on the image scanner. Since the test sheet output from the printer at the time is automatically conveyed to the image scanner by the test sheet conveying means, when the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet is set at the set position without being contaminated. Against the front, back, front, back, diagonal, etc. It is possible to provide a less costly color image forming apparatus that accurate correction is performed of the image signals for professional knowledge and experience without easily automatically printout while stopped.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal for output, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device. Since the test sheet conveying means is automatically conveyed to the image scanner, when the test sheet is applied to the image scanner, the toner on the test sheet is in a melted state and the test sheet is not stained. ， Test sheet before and after the set position,
Cost-effective color image formation that prevents the occurrence of set mistakes that are set on the front and back, diagonally, etc. and easily and automatically corrects the image signal for print output automatically without specialized knowledge or experience. A device can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is lifted by the test sheet transporting unit. Since the test sheet is automatically conveyed to the image scanner arranged above by the means, when the test sheet is applied to the image scanner, the test sheet can be front and back, front and back, oblique with respect to the set position without being contaminated. Specializes in preventing the occurrence of set mistakes such as It is possible to provide a compact color image forming apparatus in cost depreciation accurate correction is performed of the image signals for the knowledge and experience also easily automatically printed out without.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal for output, the non-image forming portion of the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set is contacted by the mode setting switching unit. Since the test sheet conveying means automatically conveys the test sheet to the image scanner, when the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet can be front and back, front and back with respect to the set position without contaminating the image forming portion of the test sheet. , It prevents the occurrence of setting mistakes that are set at an angle, etc. It is possible to provide a color image forming apparatus of knowledge and experience less costly that is easily automatically accurate correction of the image signal for the print output is performed without a.

According to the invention of claim 5, the color balance condition is calculated by detecting the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output, and the parameter of the correction curve for the image reading signal is set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when correcting the image signal for output, the non-image forming portion of the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set is contacted by the mode setting switching unit. Since the test sheet conveying means sandwiched by a plurality of conveying belts automatically conveys the image to the image scanner, when the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the image forming portion of the test sheet is dirty or the image on the test sheet is stained. Test sheet without peeling off or damaging part of the formed image It prevents the occurrence of set mistakes that are set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position, and automatically and accurately corrects the image signal for print output without requiring specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide an inexpensive color image forming apparatus.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is scanned by the test sheet conveying unit. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the batting between the test sheet and the original is performed because the original is prevented from being inserted into the image scanner by the original regulating member after the automatic conveyance and the setting of the color balance mode. The occurrence of jams is reliably prevented It does not stain the test sheet, prevents the test sheet from being set back and forth, front and back, diagonally with respect to the setting position, and automatically prints out easily without specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide a low-cost color image forming apparatus in which an accurate correction of an image signal is performed.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is scanned by the test sheet conveying unit. Since the test sheet is automatically conveyed and passed between the separating roller and the separating roller guide provided under the separating roller, the test sheet is decaled when it is applied to the image scanner. At the same time, put the test sheet in the set position without making it dirty. This prevents the occurrence of set mistakes such as front, back, front and back, and skew, and easily and accurately corrects the image signal for print output automatically without requiring specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide the color image forming apparatus.

According to the present invention, the characteristics peculiar to the toner and the output characteristics of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is scanned by the test sheet conveying unit. When the test sheet is placed on the image scanner, the test sheet and the original that are conveyed from opposite directions are guided and inserted between the separation roller and the driven roller by the conveyance guide. In addition, stain the test sheet, Accurately conveys the test sheet without damaging it and prevents the occurrence of set mistakes when the test sheet is set back and forth, front and back, or diagonally with respect to the set position, and automatically without any specialized knowledge or experience. It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus in which an image signal for printout is accurately corrected.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is scanned by the test sheet conveying unit. In addition, the test sheet and the document conveyed from the opposite direction are guided and inserted between the separating roller and the driven roller by the conveyance guide which is automatically conveyed and at least one end is flexible. Test when applying test sheet to image scanner Set the test sheet forward and backward, front and back, diagonally with respect to the set position without soiling the test sheet or damaging the impact of the tip of the test sheet and damaging the tip of the original, without any effort. It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of set mistakes and easily and automatically performing accurate correction of an image signal for print output without requiring specialized knowledge or experience. it can.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the characteristic peculiar to the toner and the output characteristic of the printer at the time of color patch output are detected to calculate the color balance condition, and the parameters of the correction curve for the image reading signal are set to print. When the test sheet is applied to the image scanner when the image signal for output is corrected, the test sheet output from the printer when the color balance mode is set by the mode setting switching unit is scanned by the test sheet conveying unit. When the color balance mode is set, the documents on the document table or in the transport path are ejected to the document ejection tray. There is no fear of damaging the original due to such things as the mechanism is simple It prevents the occurrence of batting jam between the stack sheet and other documents, prevents the test sheet from being soiled, and prevents the occurrence of set mistakes such that the test sheet is set back and forth, front and back, and diagonally with respect to the set position. It is possible to provide a cost-effective color image forming apparatus in which accurate correction of an image signal for print output can be easily and automatically performed without any knowledge or experience.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operation of another main part of the color image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of the color image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of the color image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of a color image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of a color image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another main part of the color image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Printer 2 Image Scanner 2a Separation Roller 2b Separation Roller Guide 3 Image Processing Section 3a Scanner γ Setting Unit 3b Color System Conversion Unit 3c Gray γ Setting Unit 3d Tone γ Setting Unit 3e Changeover Switch 3f Dither Processing Unit 4 Mode Setting Changeover Means 4a Changeover switch 5 Test sheet 6 Test sheet conveying means 6a Guide plate (inner side) 6b Guide plate (outer side) 6c Conveying roller pair 6d Conveying roller pair 6e Conveying roller pair 6f Conveying roller pair 7 Fixing device 8 Discharge changeover lever 9 Lift conveying means 10 Document control member 10a Rotation shaft 10b Bottom part 10c High part 11 Conveyance path 11a Conveyor belt 12 Document discharge tray 13 Photoconductor drum (Bk) 14 Photoconductor drum (M) 15 Photoconductor drum (Y) 16 Photoconductor drum (C) 17 Paper feed cassette 18 color patches 19 laser beam (BK) 20 laser beam (M) 21 laser beam (Y) 22 laser beam (C) 23 the polygon mirror 24 first mirror 25 second mirror 26 third
Mirror 27 Transfer belt 28 Transfer device (BK) 29
Transfer device (M) 30 Transfer device (Y) 31 Transfer device (C) 32
ADF 32a Insertion port 32b Document table 33 Paper ejection tray 34 Driven roller 35 Register detection 36 Pulse generator 37 Document length detector 38 Contact glass
39 Fluorescent lamp 40 Selfoc lens 41 Color equal magnification CCD 42 Arithmetic processing unit 43 Color patch generator 44 Guide plate 45 Calling lever 46 Calling roller 101 Printer 102 Image scanner 102a Separation roller 102b Separation roller guide 102c Conveying guide 105 Test sheet 106 Test Sheet conveying means 106a Conveying belt 106b Conveying belt 106c Conveying roller 10
6d Drive roller 106e Transport roller 106f Transport roller 107
Fixing device 108 Unloading switching lever 109 Lift transport means 132 ADF 132a Insertion port 132b Document table 133 Paper ejection tray 134 Driven roller 138 Contact glass

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A test sheet is output from a printer by using a color patch with toner unique to the printer as a density pattern for designating a predetermined gradation, and the test sheet of the color patch is read by an image scanner to determine the toner specific to the toner to be used. In a color image forming apparatus that forms a color image by measuring the characteristics and the output characteristics peculiar to the printer and setting the color balance and density characteristics optimized for the printer to be used, the read image is formed based on the image recording information. A printer that forms and outputs a transfer material, an image scanner that reads a read image, an image processing unit that processes a digital output signal sent from the image scanner, and a copy mode or a color balance mode of the image processing unit Mode setting switching means and the mode setting off A color image forming apparatus comprising: a test sheet conveying unit that conveys a test sheet output from the printer to the image scanner when the color balance mode of the changing unit is set. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test sheet conveying means is arranged downstream of a fixing device for fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer material, and the test sheet is transferred to the test sheet. A color image forming apparatus having a carry-out switching lever for switching a carrying-out direction to an image scanner. 3. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test sheet conveying means arranges the test sheet, which has been switched in the carrying-out direction to the image scanner by the carrying-out switching lever, above the test sheet. A color image forming apparatus, comprising a lift conveyance unit that conveys the image to the image scanner. 4. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lift conveying means conveys the test sheet in contact with a non-image forming portion of the test sheet. 5. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lift conveyance means conveys the test sheet by being sandwiched by a plurality of conveyance belts that contact the non-image forming portion of the test sheet. A color image forming apparatus characterized by the above. 6. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the image scanner inserts a document into the image scanner after setting the color balance mode of the mode setting switching means. A color image forming apparatus having a document restricting member for preventing the above-mentioned problem. 7. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the image scanner is arranged on the insertion side of the test sheet inserted from the lift conveyance means. A color image forming apparatus, characterized in that a separating roller guide is provided on the lower side of the roller corresponding to the separating roller to decal the test sheet. 8. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the image scanner is conveyed between the separating roller and the driven roller from opposite directions. A color image forming apparatus characterized in that a conveyance guide is arranged at an intermediate position for guiding and inserting the test sheet and the document. 9. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one end of the conveyance guide is in a flexible free state. 10. The method according to claim 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
In the color image forming apparatus described in 8 or 9, when the color balance mode of the mode setting switching unit is set, the image scanner discharges a document on a document table or a conveyance path to a document discharge tray. And a color image forming apparatus.