JP6973463B2 - Image forming device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for detecting an abnormality in an image formed on a recording medium and a program for controlling such an image forming apparatus.

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

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-331669 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image forming apparatus that stops output of an image and displays an instruction requesting maintenance when an abnormality is detected by a sensor as described above. ing.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-42521 (Patent Document 2), when an abnormality is detected by the sensor as described above, the pages after the page where the abnormality is detected are discharged to a different discharge destination. It discloses an image forming apparatus that pauses. When restarting, the image forming apparatus reprints from the page where the abnormality is detected.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-331669 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-42521

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

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

According to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, an abnormality is detected in an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, a reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium by the image forming unit, and an image read by the reading unit. In this case, a control unit for controlling the operation of reprinting is provided, and the control unit includes a case where the first abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit and a first in the image read by the reading unit. An image forming apparatus is provided that makes the reprinting method different depending on the case where a second abnormality different from the abnormality is detected. The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more, and the predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input.

Preferably, the first anomaly is image noise .

Good Mashiku the control unit controls continuously over a predetermined number of pages may occur, re-printing from the beginning of the page of the print job.

Preferably, the reprint method is to reprint from the page where the anomaly is detected, to reprint the page where the anomaly is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and to start the print job. Either reprint from the page.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an abnormality is detected in an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, a reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium by the image forming unit, and an image read by the reading unit. When It is an image forming apparatus that makes the reprinting method different depending on the case where a second abnormality different from the abnormality of is detected. The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more. Yes, the control unit is provided with an image forming apparatus that reprints from the first page of the print job when an abnormality occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more.
Preferably, the first anomaly is image noise.
Preferably, the predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input.
Preferably, the reprint method is to reprint from the page where the anomaly is detected, to reprint the page where the anomaly is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and to start the print job. Either reprint from the page.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, if a program is executed by a computer and the computer detects a step of reading an image formed on a medium by an image forming unit and an abnormality is detected in the read image. The step of controlling the reprinting operation by the image forming unit and the step of executing the reprinting operation and controlling the reprinting operation are different from the case where the first abnormality is detected in the read image and the first abnormality. A program is provided that includes different reprinting methods depending on when a second anomaly is detected. The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more, and the predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input.

Preferably, the first anomaly is image noise .

Good Mashiku, the step of controlling the operation of the re-printing, when an abnormality occurs continuously over a predetermined number of pages, includes re-printing from the beginning of the page of the print job.

Preferably, the reprint method is to reprint from the page where the anomaly is detected, to reprint the page where the anomaly is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and to start the print job. Either reprint from the page.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a program executed by a computer, in which the computer reads an image formed on a medium by an image forming unit and an abnormality is detected in the read image. , The step of controlling the reprinting operation by the image forming unit, and the step of executing the step of controlling the reprinting operation are the case where the first abnormality is detected in the read image and the first abnormality. The reprinting method is different depending on whether a different second abnormality is detected. The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more, and controls the reprinting operation. A program is provided that includes reprinting from the first page of a print job when an abnormality occurs consecutively for a predetermined number of pages or more.
Preferably, the first anomaly is image noise.
Preferably, the predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input.
Preferably, the reprint method is to reprint from the page where the anomaly is detected, to reprint the page where the anomaly is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and to start the print job. Either reprint from the page.

According to the present disclosure, the image forming unit reads the image formed on the medium. If an abnormality is detected in the scanned image, reprinting is performed. The reprinting method differs depending on whether the first abnormality is detected in the read image or the second abnormality different from the first abnormality is detected in the read image.

As a result, in the image forming apparatus, the detection result of the abnormality in the formed image is effectively utilized, and the decrease in the work efficiency of the image forming operation when the abnormality is detected is suppressed.

It is a figure explaining the schematic structure of the image formation system which is one Embodiment of an image formation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of an image formation system. It is a flowchart of an example of a process executed by a central control part when a print job is executed. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which informs that an abnormality has occurred in the output page. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the recovery method. It is a flowchart of the subroutine of the recovery operation of FIG. It is a flowchart of an example of the process executed in the image formation system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which the central control part displays on the display part in order to receive the input of the setting in the 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the information processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, these explanations will not be repeated.

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

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

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

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

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

The operation panel 160 includes a display unit 161 including a liquid crystal display device and the like, and an input unit 162 that accepts input of information. The input unit 162 includes a hardware button and / or a software button displayed on the display unit 161. In the first embodiment, the operation panel 160 is fixed to the image forming unit 150, but may be detachable from the image forming unit 150. Further, the operation panel 160 may be a terminal such as a smartphone capable of communicating with the image forming system 40.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 2, in the image forming system 40, the central control unit 900 includes a processor 901, a program storage unit 902 for storing a program executed by the processor 901, and various types used for executing the program. A data storage unit 903 for storing data is provided. The program executed by the processor 901 may be stored in a storage device other than the central control unit 900. Further, the program executed by the processor 901 may be stored non-temporarily in a storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the main unit 10.

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

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

<3. Processing flow>
The image forming system 40 of the first embodiment uses two lists (“user confirmation waiting image list” and “JOB completion reprint page list”) when executing a print job.

The "user confirmation waiting image list" is a page on continuous paper on which an image is formed by a print job, and it is judged that there is an abnormality, and the user has completed the confirmation of the abnormality of the page. A list of pages that have not been entered.

The "page list for reprinting after completion of JOB" is a list of pages to be printed again among the pages determined to be abnormal.

Both the "user confirmation waiting image list" and the "reprint page list after JOB completion" are stored in, for example, the data storage unit 903.

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

With reference to FIG. 3, in step S100, the central control unit 900 determines whether or not a new print job (“new JOB”) has been input to the image forming system 40. The central control unit 900 inputs a print job, for example, by transmitting via a network, reading an original image by an image reader 180, or inputting a print instruction of a file stored in the data storage unit 903. .. The central control unit 900 keeps control in step S100 until it is determined that a new print job has been input, and proceeds to step S110 when it is determined that a new print job has been input.

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

In step S120, the central control unit 900 determines whether or not the value of pageCount exceeds the "total number of printed pages" specified in the print job. When the central control unit 900 determines that the value of pageCount does not yet exceed the total number of printed pages, the central control unit 900 proceeds to control to step S130. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the value of pageCount exceeds the total number of printed pages, the central control unit 900 proceeds to control to step S200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, the central control unit 900 outputs a screen notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the output page to the display unit 161 and determines whether or not the user has executed an input indicating that the screen has been confirmed. to decide.

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

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

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

The button 504 specifies, as a recovery method, that the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 is stopped, and after the work for recovery for the image forming system 40, the image forming is restarted from the page where the abnormality is detected.

As a recovery method, the button 505 specifies that the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 is continued until the end of the printing job being executed, and then the image is formed again from the page where the abnormality is detected.

The button 506 specifies that, as a recovery method, the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 is terminated at that time, and the image forming is performed again from the first page of the print job.

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

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

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

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

In step S170, the central control unit 900 adds 1 to the value of pageCount and proceeds to control to step S180.

In step S180, the central control unit 900 determines whether or not the user has selected a recovery method. The user selects, for example, a recovery method corresponding to the touched button by touching any of the buttons 503 to 506 in FIG. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that the user has selected the recovery method, the central control unit 900 proceeds to control to step S190. On the other hand, when the central control unit 900 determines that the user has not yet selected the recovery method, the central control unit 900 returns the control to step S120.

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

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S900, the central control unit 900 identifies a recovery method selected by the user, and proceeds with control according to the specified method.

More specifically, if the recovery method is "continue printing as it is without printing the page in which the abnormality is detected again" (corresponding to the button 503 in FIG. 5), the central control unit 900 may be used. Control proceeds to step S940.

The recovery method is "stop the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150, and after the work for recovery for the image forming system 40, restart the image forming from the page where the abnormality is detected" (button 504 in FIG. 5). The central control unit 900 advances the control to step S910.

The recovery method is "continue the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 until the end of the printing job being executed, and then perform image forming again from the page where the abnormality is detected" (corresponding to the button 505 in FIG. 5). If so, the central control unit 900 advances control to step S920.

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

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

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

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

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

Steps S920 to S922 are controls corresponding to the recovery method "continue the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 to the end of the printing job being executed, and then perform image forming again from the page where the abnormality is detected". ..

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

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

Step S930 is a control corresponding to the recovery method "finishing the image forming operation by the image forming unit 150 at that time and performing image forming again from the first page of the print job".

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

In step S940, the central control unit 900 deletes the number of the page for which the user is currently confirming an abnormality from the reprint page list after the completion of JOB, and proceeds to control to step S950.

In step S950, the central control unit 900 determines whether or not there is a page waiting for confirmation (selection of a recovery method) by the user. For example, if one or more pages are still registered in the user confirmation waiting image list, the central control unit 900 determines that there is a page waiting for confirmation by the user, and registers the page in the user confirmation waiting image list. If there is no page, it is determined that there is no page waiting for confirmation by the user. Then, when the central control unit 900 determines that there is a page waiting for confirmation by the user, the control proceeds to step S970. On the other hand, if the central control unit 900 determines that there is no page waiting for confirmation by the user, the control proceeds to step S960.

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

In step S970, the central control unit 900 attaches the continuous paper 18 to the shaft 26 of the paper ejection unit 16 until the portion of the continuous paper 18 on which the next page to be confirmed is formed is conveyed to the image confirmation unit 80. After winding the paper, the winding by the shaft 26 is stopped. Then, the central control unit 900 prompts the user to select a recovery method by displaying the screen 500 of FIG. 5 on the display unit 161 for example. Then, the central control unit 900 returns the control to step S120 (FIG. 3).

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

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

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

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

In step S230, the central control unit 900 deletes the page forming the image in step S210 from the reprint page list after the completion of JOB. Then, control is returned to step S200.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S190, when the central control unit 900 executes the recovery operation, the control returns to step S120.

In step S170, the central control unit 900 returns control to step S120 when the value of pageCount is added by 1.

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

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

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the central control unit 900 accepts the setting of a standard for determining whether or not the formed image (the image read by the image reading unit 84) is abnormal. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 161 in order for the central control unit 900 to receive the input of the setting.

In the screen 600 of FIG. 8, the central control unit 900 accepts setting designations for eight items starting with "no detection". The screen 600 of FIG. 8 highlights the selected options when displaying two or more options for each item.

More specifically, the item "without detection" includes two options, "with detection" and "without detection". "With detection" specifies that an abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit 84 is detected. "No detection" specifies that an abnormality in the image read by the image reading unit 84 is not detected. When it is specified to detect the above abnormality, the image forming system 40 executes the control shown in FIG. 3 and the like. When it is specified that the above abnormality is not detected, the image forming system 40 continues the print job regardless of the presence or absence of the abnormality of the image formed on the continuous paper 18.

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

The item "image offset detection level" includes three options of "high level", "medium level", and "low level" for the misalignment of the formed images on the continuous paper 18. Each option is displayed as a software button. The user can select an option by touching it. The data storage unit 903 stores information for specifying three types of levels corresponding to "high level", "medium level", and "low level" for the arrangement deviation. The central control unit 900 detects the presence or absence of an abnormality in the image based on the information corresponding to the designated level among "high level", "medium level", and "low level". That is, it is not determined that the higher the designated level, the greater the deviation of the position of the formed image on the continuous paper 18 until the abnormality has occurred.

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

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

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

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

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

In the third embodiment, the central control unit 900 sets a threshold value (items "image noise detection level", "image offset detection level", and "image density" for the abnormality of the image on the continuous paper 18 on the screen 600 of FIG. Accepts user settings for "abnormality detection level", "continuous abnormal output number", etc.) and recovery method. In the image forming system 40, different recovery methods may be set for each of the different threshold setting.

That is, when the central control unit 900 detects noise having a size equal to or larger than the level (threshold) set for the item "image noise detection level", the central control unit 900 performs a recovery operation according to the recovery method "reprint after the abnormal image page". On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of consecutive pages of images that exceeds the set value for the item "Continuous abnormal output number" is abnormal, follow the recovery method "Reprint from the beginning of JOB". You may also perform a recovery operation.

It should be considered that each embodiment disclosed this time is exemplary in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims. Further, the inventions described in the embodiments and the modifications thereof are intended to be carried out alone or in combination as much as possible.

10 main unit, 14 paper feed unit, 16 paper output unit, 18 continuous paper, 20, 26 axes, 40 image forming system, 80 image confirmation unit, 81 paper feed adjustment unit, 90 paper output adjustment unit, 150 image forming unit, 160 operation panel, 161 display unit, 162 input unit, 170 document transfer device, 180 document reader.

Claims (16)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
When an abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit, a control unit for controlling the reprinting operation is provided.
The control unit detects a first abnormality in the image read by the reading unit and a second abnormality different from the first abnormality in the image read by the reading unit. In some cases,
An image forming apparatus that makes the reprinting method different.
The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more.
The predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input , an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first abnormality is image noise. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control unit reprints from the first page of the print job when an abnormality occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more. The reprinting method is to reprint from the page where the abnormality is detected, to reprint the page where the abnormality is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and from the first page of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , which is one of reprinting. An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium,
A reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium by the image forming unit, and a reading unit.
When an abnormality is detected in the image read by the reading unit, a control unit for controlling the reprinting operation is provided.
The control unit has detected a first abnormality in the image read by the reading unit and a second abnormality different from the first abnormality in the image read by the reading unit. It is an image forming apparatus that makes the reprinting method different depending on the case.
The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more.
The control unit is an image forming apparatus that reprints from the first page of a print job when an abnormality occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first abnormality is image noise. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the predetermined number of pages can be specified by input by a user. The reprinting method is to reprint from the page where the abnormality is detected, to reprint the page where the abnormality is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and from the first page of the print job. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , which is one of reprinting. A program executed by a computer, to the computer
The step of reading the image formed on the medium by the image forming unit,
When an abnormality is detected in the read image, a step of controlling the reprinting operation by the image forming unit is executed.
The step of controlling the reprinting operation is the case where the first abnormality is detected in the read image and the case where the second abnormality different from the first abnormality is detected, and the reprinting is performed. only contains a varying the way,
The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more.
The predetermined number of pages can be specified by user input, a program. The program according to claim 9 , wherein the first abnormality is image noise. The program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the step of controlling the reprint operation includes reprinting from the first page of the print job when an abnormality occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more. .. The reprinting method is to reprint from the page where the abnormality is detected, to reprint the page where the abnormality is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and from the first page of the print job. The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is one of reprinting. A program executed by a computer, to the computer
The step of reading the image formed on the medium by the image forming unit,
When an abnormality is detected in the read image, a step of controlling the reprinting operation by the image forming unit is executed.
The step of controlling the reprinting operation is the case where the first abnormality is detected in the read image and the case where the second abnormality different from the first abnormality is detected, and the reprinting is performed. Including different methods of
The second abnormality is an abnormality that occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more.
The step of controlling the operation of reprinting is a program including reprinting from the first page of a print job when an abnormality occurs continuously for a predetermined number of pages or more. The program according to claim 13, wherein the first abnormality is image noise. The program according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined number of pages can be specified by input by a user. The reprinting method is to reprint from the page where the abnormality is detected, to reprint the page where the abnormality is detected after printing the running print job to the end, and from the first page of the print job. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 15, which is one of reprinting.

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