JP4855847B2 - Image forming apparatus and method of adjusting image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus adjustment method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus such as a digital multi-function peripheral that reads and prints a document with a reading unit, and an image forming apparatus adjustment method.

  An image forming apparatus such as a digital multifunction peripheral, a scanner, or a facsimile machine includes a reading unit such as a scanner that reads a document. The reading unit receives reflected light from the original with a CCD line sensor, and performs photoelectric conversion to read an image. For this reason, a mounting position error of the CCD line sensor in the main scanning direction, a magnification error, a mounting error of the position sensor for determining the reading start timing in the sub scanning direction of the document reading system, and a scanning speed error occur.

  Due to this error, when an original image is read, the position of the read image may be shifted relative to the original, the read image may be enlarged or reduced, and color deviation due to a magnification error may occur. In order to solve such a problem, adjustment of the mechanical part of the reading unit and electrical adjustment are performed. That is, the length from the end of the adjustment sheet to the reference line for reading is stored as a fixed value, and adjustment is performed using the fixed value in position adjustment.

On the other hand, JP-A-8-97976 (Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2004-255646 (Patent Document 2) describe performing position adjustment using an adjustment sheet.
JP-A-8-97976 (paragraph numbers 0028 to 0031, FIG. 5) JP 2004-255646 A (summary, FIG. 1)

  The length between the end of the adjustment sheet and the reference line for reading differs depending on the adjustment sheet, and the adjustment using a fixed value cannot be performed correctly.

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, adjustment is performed using the reference line of the adjustment sheet, but the length between the end of the adjustment sheet and the reference line is, for example, 10 mm. Depending on the sheet for use, there is a possibility that the length may vary by about ± 0.5 mm. Due to this variation, the values of the tip timing adjustment, center position adjustment, and equal magnification adjustment cannot be set correctly. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the above-described variation is ignored and adjustment is performed assuming that there is no variation.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus adjusting method capable of adjusting an image forming position more accurately.

The present invention is an image forming apparatus that uses an adjustment sheet to adjust the reading position of an original when an image is formed by an image forming unit, and the adjustment sheets are at least in the first direction in which they cross each other. A first end extending in the second direction and a second end extending in the second direction, and further extending in the first direction from the first end with a predetermined interval in the second direction. A third end, and a fourth end extending in the second direction with a predetermined distance from the second end in the first direction , along the first end and the predetermined A first reference line extending from the second end to the fourth end with a length of the second end and along the second end and having a predetermined length from the first end to It extends to the third end portion and a second reference line, the shortest between the second central portion of the length from the end to the fourth end portion and the first reference line of the adjustment sheet No. Length, between the second end of the fourth to the end length of the central portion from the second and fourth position in the first respectively on the end side a prescribed interval of reference line The shortest second and third lengths, the shortest fourth length between the second reference line and the central portion of the length from the first end to the third end , and the first The shortest fifth and fifth points between the second reference line and a position spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance from the central portion of the length from the end portion to the third end portion to the first and third end portions respectively . Input means for inputting a length of 6; calculation means for calculating an average value of the input first to third lengths and an average value of the fourth to sixth lengths; and the calculated average Adjusting means for adjusting the relationship between the first and second end portions of the adjustment sheet and the reading position based on the value is provided.

Another aspect of the present invention is an image forming method for adjusting a reading position of a document when an image is formed by an image forming unit using an adjustment sheet, and the adjustment sheets are at least crossed with each other. The first end portion extending in the first direction and the second end portion extending in the second direction, and further having a predetermined interval from the first end portion in the second direction. A third end portion extending in the direction of the second end portion, and a fourth end portion extending in the second direction at a predetermined interval from the second end portion in the first direction. in along and from the second end has a predetermined length of the fourth and the first reference line extending to the end, of the second along the end and the first to have a predetermined length and a second reference line extending from the end to the third end, between the second central portion of the length from the end to the fourth end portion and the first reference line of the adjustment seat First length of the shortest position and the first reference line, respectively from the center of the length from the second end to the fourth end portion on the end side of the second and 4 at a prescribed interval The shortest second and third lengths between the first end and the third end, and the shortest fourth length between the second reference line and the central portion of the length from the first end to the third end , And a fifth distance between the second reference line and a second reference line spaced from the central portion of the length from the first end portion to the third end portion by a predetermined distance from the first and third end portions . A step of inputting a sixth length; a step of calculating an average value of the input first to third lengths and an average value of the fourth to sixth lengths; and And adjusting the relationship between the first and second end portions of the adjustment sheet and the reading position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust more accurately by adjusting the image forming position by inputting information on the actual adjustment sheet.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital multifunction machine 1 as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 2 that operates as an adjustment unit, and further includes a reading unit 3 that is connected to and controlled by the control unit 2, an operation unit 4 that operates as an input unit, and a display unit 5. A printing unit 6 that operates as an image forming unit, a communication unit 7, and an HDD (Hard Disk) 8.

  The control unit 2 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM) 21 that stores adjustment values for adjusting positional deviations such as the tip timing position and the center position. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, the EEPROM 21 has an area for storing the adjusted tip timing adjustment value D, center position adjustment value E, and equal magnification adjustment value F.

  The reading unit 3 includes a CCD line sensor and reads an image of a document. The operation unit 4 includes a switch for instructing reading of a document, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, and the like. The display unit 5 displays the number of copies to be printed. The printing unit 6 prints the read image or an image given from the outside. The communication unit 7 is an interface with an external communication line when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is used as a facsimile apparatus. The HDD 8 stores image data to be printed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the adjustment sheet 10. As the adjustment sheet 10, for example, A4 size paper is used. The adjustment sheet 10 includes a first end portion 12 extending in at least a first direction and a second end portion 13 extending in a second direction, which intersect each other. Black belts 14 and 15 are formed on the adjustment sheet 10. That is, the adjustment sheet 10 has a black belt 14 along the first end 12 and having a predetermined length and extending from one end to the other end of the first end 12 , and the black belt 14. A black belt 15 having a predetermined length and extending substantially in parallel is formed.

A black belt 16 extending from one end to the other end of the second end portion 13 along the second end portion 13 of the adjustment sheet 10 and having a predetermined length, and a predetermined length with respect to the black belt 16. A black belt 17 having a length and extending substantially in parallel is formed. The reason why the two black bands 14, 15, and 16, 17 are provided is to adjust the normal magnification by measuring the distance between the black bands and observing the difference from the reference value stored in advance. is there.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the position adjustment operation by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the adjustment sheet position calculation subroutine shown in FIG.

A control unit 2 displays on the display unit 5 to enter the measurement. The serviceman looks at the display, and adjusts the adjustment sheet 10 to three shortest lengths G, H, 3 from a predetermined position where each of the first end portions 12 differs depending on the measure to the black belt 14. I is measured sequentially from the left. As for the three points, the central portion of the entire length of the first end portion 12 and both end sides are selected. Then, a measurement value is input from the operation unit 4.

  Further, the serviceman determines the minimum lengths J, K, and L from the three predetermined points to the black belt 16 in order from the top in the order of the adjustment sheet 10 that is different for each of the second end portions 13 of the adjustment sheet 10 depending on the measure. taking measurement. As for these three points, the central portion of the entire length of the second end portion 13 and both end sides are selected. Then, a measurement value is input from the operation unit 4.

The control unit 2 performs adjustment sheet position calculation in the step shown in FIG. 3 (abbreviated as SP in the drawing) SP1. The adjustment sheet position calculation is performed according to a subroutine shown in FIG. That is, in step SP21, it is determined whether or not a measurement value has been input. If it is determined that it has been input, in step SP22, the input three shortest lengths G, H, and I are averaged and adjusted. A reference value M, which is an average value of the length from the first end portion 12 of the sheet 10 to the black belt 14, is calculated based on the following equation.

M = ((G + I) / 2 + H) / 2
The above equation calculates the average value of the shortest lengths G and I on both ends of the central length H out of the three shortest lengths, adds the average value and the central length H to 1 / 2 indicates that the reference value M is obtained.

  In step SP23, it is determined whether or not the shortest lengths J, K, and L have been input. If it is input, the average of the lengths from the second end 13 of the adjustment sheet 10 to the black belt 16 is obtained by averaging the obtained shortest lengths J, K, and L in step SP24. Is calculated based on the following equation.

N = ((J + L) / 2 + K) / 2
The above equation calculates the average value of the shortest lengths J and L on both ends of the central length K among the three shortest lengths, adds the average value and the central length K, and 1 / 2 indicates that the second reference value N is obtained. The first reference value is a value obtained by adding M, N, and K and divided into three equal parts, and the second reference value is also divided into three equal parts by adding J, K, and L, regardless of the above formula. You may make it use the value which carried out.

  The reference value M is set to 9 mm or 11 mm depending on the adjustment sheet 10 even if the length from the first end 12 of the adjustment sheet 10 to the black belt 14 is determined to be, for example, 10 mm. Since variations may occur, it is used as an adjustment value in consideration of variations. The reference value M is used for adjusting the leading edge timing when the adjustment sheet 10 is read in the second direction from the first end 12 side.

  The reference value N is output as the actual length from the second end 13 of the adjustment sheet 10 to the black belt 16. The reference value N is also used for adjusting the shift of the center position in the first direction. That is, when the center position is adjusted, if there is a difference between the read length from the end 13 of the adjustment sheet 10 to the black belt 16 and the second reference value N, the center position in the first direction according to the difference. The deviation can be adjusted.

  As described above, even if there is variation among the adjustment sheets 10, it is possible to perform automatic adjustment for image formation more accurately by adjusting the reading position using the reference values M and N.

  The reference values M and N are previously obtained by manual input and entered on the adjustment sheet 10 with the characters 18 as shown in FIG. 2, and are entered when the adjustment sheet 10 is read during the position adjustment operation. Alternatively, the reference values M and N may be set.

  Next, the misalignment adjustment operation of the digital multifunction device 1 will be described using the adjustment sheet 10 described above. Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, in step SP2, the control unit 2 starts automatic adjustment. In step SP3, first, the tip timing adjustment value A, the center position adjustment value B, and the equal magnification adjustment value C that are set in advance are held in a memory (not shown) built in the control unit 2, for example. The adjustment values A, B, and C are set in the memory at the time of shipment from the factory, but may be input from the operation unit 4.

  In step SP4, an adjustment value storage area for storing a new adjustment value of the EEPROM 21 in the control unit 2 is initialized. In step SP5, reading of the adjustment sheet 10 is started by the reading unit 3, and an image of the adjustment sheet 10 is acquired. In step SP6, it is determined whether or not the tip timing adjustment value is normal. The adjustment range is determined in advance. If the adjustment value is within the adjustment range, it is determined to be normal. For example, when the adjustment sheet 10 is dirty or not properly placed on the reading unit 3, the adjustment value does not fall within the preparation range.

  The adjustment of the leading edge timing is performed by reading the adjustment sheet 10 from the first end 12 side in the second direction, and the length from the first end 12 to the black belt 14 is adjusted. This is performed so as to coincide with the first reference value M. If the tip timing is adjusted normally, the tip timing adjustment value D obtained by this adjustment is held as a new adjustment value in step SP7.

  Next, in step SP8, center position adjustment is performed to determine whether or not it is normal. The center position adjustment is performed using the second reference value N. If there is a difference between the read value when the adjustment sheet 10 is read in the first direction and the second reference value N, The center position is adjusted by the difference. If the adjustment value of the center position adjustment is within the adjustment range, it is determined to be normal, and the center position adjustment value E obtained by the current adjustment is held as a new adjustment value in step SP9. In step SP10, the same magnification adjustment is performed. If the adjustment value of the same magnification adjustment is within the adjustment range, it is determined to be normal. In step SP11, the same magnification adjustment value F obtained by the current adjustment is determined. Hold as a new adjustment value.

  In step SP12, the held leading edge timing adjustment value D, center position adjustment value E, and equal magnification adjustment value F are stored in the adjustment value storage area of the EEPROM 21. In step SP13, the display unit 5 displays that the set adjustment result is normal. If it is determined in step SP6 that the leading edge timing adjustment is out of the adjustment range and is defective, in step SP14, the leading edge timing adjustment value A set in the memory is read and the adjustment value storage area of the EEPROM 21 is read. In step SP15, a result error number indicating that the leading edge timing adjustment value is defective is displayed on the display unit 5.

  If it is determined in step SP8 that the center position adjustment is outside the adjustment range and is defective, in step SP14, the center position adjustment value B set in the memory is read and stored in the adjustment value of the EEPROM 21. Store in the area. In step SP15, a result error number indicating that the center position adjustment is defective is displayed on the display unit 5. Further, when it is determined in step SP10 that the unity magnification adjustment is outside the adjustment range and is defective, in step SP14, the unity magnification adjustment value C set in the memory is read and the adjustment value of the EEPROM 21 is read. Store in the storage area. In step SP15, a result error number indicating that the unity magnification adjustment is bad is displayed on the display unit 5.

  In this way, the adjusted leading edge timing adjustment value D, center position adjustment value E, and equal magnification adjustment value F can be stored in the adjustment value storage area of the EEPROM 21.

  In the above description, the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a scanner, a facsimile machine, or the like.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, this invention is not limited to the thing of embodiment shown in figure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sheet | seat for adjustment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a position adjustment operation by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for adjusting sheet position calculation shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital multifunction device, 2 Control part, 3 Reading part, 4 Operation part, 5 Display part, 6 Printing part, 7 Communication part, 8 HDD, 10 Adjustment sheet, 12 1st edge part, 13 2nd edge part , 14-17 Black belt, 18 characters, 21 EEPROM.

Claims (2)

An image forming apparatus for adjusting a reading position of an original when an image is formed by an image forming unit using an adjustment sheet,
The adjustment sheet, each having a first end extending at least a first direction intersect each other, and a second end extending in a second direction, further from said first end portion A third end extending in the first direction with a predetermined spacing in a second direction, and the second end with a predetermined spacing in the first direction from the second end. A first reference line extending from the second end to the fourth end along the first end and having a predetermined length. And a second reference line extending from the first end to the third end along the second end and having a predetermined length,
The shortest first length between the first reference line and the central portion of the length from the second end portion to the fourth end portion of the adjustment sheet, the second end portion To the fourth end , the shortest second distance between the first reference line and a position spaced a predetermined distance from the central portion of the second and fourth ends . A third length, a shortest fourth length between a central portion of the length from the first end to the third end and the second reference line, and the first The shortest first distance between the second reference line and a position spaced a predetermined distance from the central portion of the length from the end portion to the third end portion toward the first and third end portions . 5, input means for inputting a sixth length;
Calculating means for calculating an average value of the first to third lengths and an average value of the fourth to sixth lengths inputted by the input means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit that adjusts a relationship between the first and second end portions of the adjustment sheet and the reading position based on an average value calculated by the calculating unit. An adjustment method of an image forming apparatus for adjusting a reading position of an original when an image is formed by an image forming unit using an adjustment sheet,
The adjustment sheet, each having a first end extending at least a first direction intersect each other, and a second end extending in a second direction, further from said first end portion A third end extending in the first direction with a predetermined spacing in a second direction, and the second end with a predetermined spacing in the first direction from the second end. A first reference line extending from the second end to the fourth end along the first end and having a predetermined length. And a second reference line extending from the first end to the third end along the second end and having a predetermined length,
The shortest first length between the first reference line and the central portion of the length from the second end portion to the fourth end portion of the adjustment sheet, the second end portion To the fourth end , the shortest second distance between the first reference line and a position spaced a predetermined distance from the central portion of the second and fourth ends . A third length, a shortest fourth length between a central portion of the length from the first end to the third end and the second reference line, and the first The shortest first distance between the second reference line and a position spaced a predetermined distance from the central portion of the length from the end portion to the third end portion toward the first and third end portions . 5, inputting a sixth length;
Calculating the input first to third length average values and fourth to sixth length average values;
An adjustment method for an image forming apparatus, wherein a relationship between the first and second end portions of the adjustment sheet and the reading position is adjusted based on the calculated average value.

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