JP6988150B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

At the end of the output area of the acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of objects individually arranged in an output area larger than the print medium area corresponding to the print medium used for printing, and the plurality of objects acquired by the acquisition means. The selection means for selecting the objects to be placed and the method for arranging the selection objects for causing the selection objects selected by the selection means to protrude outside the print medium area in the output area are set to the selection objects according to the attributes of the selection objects. When the first selection object and the second selection object are selected from a plurality of objects by the determination means for individually determining the selection means and the selection means, for each of the first selection object and the second selection object. An arrangement means and an arrangement means for individually arranging a plurality of objects in the output area so that the first selection object and the second object each protrude outside the print medium area according to the arrangement method individually determined by the determination means. There is known a print control device having a print control means for causing a printing device to print an image corresponding to an output area in which a plurality of objects are arranged (Patent Document 1).

In borderless printing in which the edges of paper are printed without margins, as print images, a print image generation means for generating a print image smaller than the size of the print paper and a print image generation means for generating a print image around the print image generated by the print image generation means. A print image modification means and a print image that generate a print image outside the print image based on the periphery of the print image and extrapolate it around the print image to generate a print image larger than the size of the print paper. Based on the print image generated by the correction means, the print control data generation means for generating the print control data used for the print control of the printer is provided, and the print image correction means has a print image at the edge of the print image. Determine if a pattern that extends towards the edge is included, and if so, print outside the print image to extend the pattern that extends towards the edge. A print control data generator that generates an image and extrapolates it around the print image and performs blurring processing on the print image extrapolated around the print image is also known (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 5393104 Japanese Patent No. 4765529

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of printing without margins without losing a specific target image included in an image of an edge portion.

In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is used.
An image forming means for forming an image without a margin with respect to an edge of a recording medium based on image data, and an image forming means.
A position calculation means for calculating the positional relationship between a specific target image included in the image data and the end portion of the recording medium, and a position calculation means.
When the positional relationship is Ru der below the threshold, and correcting means for correcting by moving the position of the specific object image relative to the recording medium,
When the image in a certain region of the end portion is a constant uniform image, when correcting the position of the specific target image, with respect to each end portion on the side opposite to the moving direction of the specific target image. When the image data is enlarged so as to be stretched to complement the image at each end and the image in a certain region of the end is a non-uniform image, the above-mentioned when correcting the position of the specific target image. A complementing means for complementing an image at each end by increasing the enlargement ratio of the image data for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the specific target image is provided.
It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When the positional relationship is equal to or less than a threshold value, the correction means enlarges the image in a certain region of each end of the image data so as to stretch it.
It is characterized by that.

The invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The correction means, when the positional relationship is below a threshold, the image data which the image is arranged on the base layer that does not contain the specific target image among the plurality of layers representing a virtual sheet to be drawn Enlarge to stretch the image in a certain area at each end,
It is characterized by that.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a specific object included in the image is included in the image, as compared with a configuration having no correction means for moving the center of the image data so that the specific target image moves away from the end of the recording medium. A configuration that can prevent image loss and does not have a complementary means for enlarging the image data so as to stretch each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data when moving the center of the image data. Compared to It is possible to print without margins so that white edges do not occur on the peripheral edge of the paper, as compared with the configuration without.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image is included in the image when printing without margins, as compared with a configuration having no correction means for enlarging the image in a certain area at each end of the image data. It is possible to print without margins without missing a specific target image.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the peripheral portion of the paper is compared with a configuration having no correction means for enlarging the image in a certain region of each end of the image data arranged on the base layer. It is possible to print without margins so that white edges do not occur.

It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between the object image of the image data enlarged at the time of printing without margin, and the edge of a paper. (A) is a diagram for explaining toner image formation in printing with margins, (b) in printing without full margins, and (c) in printing without partial margins. It is a figure explaining the toner image formation at the time of printing without margin, (a) is the toner image size formed on an intermediate transfer belt, (b) is a paper size, (c) is the relationship between a paper size and a toner image size. Is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of printing without margin. (A) is a schematic diagram showing correction of image data when the image in a certain area of an edge is a constant uniform image, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a non-uniform image when the image in a certain area of an edge is a non-uniform image. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correction of an image data. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the printing without margin in the modification 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correction of the image data when the positional relationship between the object image and the paper edge in the modification 1 is not more than a certain threshold value. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the printing without margin in the modification 2. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correction of the image data when the positional relationship between the object image and the paper edge in the modification 2 is not more than a certain threshold value.

Next, with reference to the drawings, embodiments and specific examples will be given below to explain the present invention in more detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and specific examples.
In addition, in the explanation using the following drawings, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension is different from the actual one, which is necessary for the explanation for easy understanding. Illustrations other than the members are omitted as appropriate.

(1) Overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram and a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the object image OG of the image data enlarged at the time of printing without margins and the edge of the paper P, FIG. 4A is printing with margins, and FIG. 4B is printing without margins on the entire surface, (c). ) Is a diagram illustrating the formation of a toner image during printing without a partial margin, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the formation of a toner image during printing without a margin, and FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 151. The size, (b) shows the paper size, and (c) shows the relationship between the paper size and the toner image size.
Hereinafter, the overall configuration, functional configuration, and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1.1) Overall Configuration of Image Forming Device The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10, a paper feeding device 20 mounted on the bottom of the image forming unit 10, an operation display unit 30, and an image processing unit 40. , And has a blankless printing function for printing an image up to the edge of the paper P without providing a margin at the edge of the paper P.

The image forming unit 10 includes a system control device 11, an exposure device 12, a photoconductor unit 13, a developing device 14, a transfer device 15, and a fixing device 16, and feeds image information received from the image processing unit 40. It is formed as a toner image on the paper P fed from the apparatus 20.

A paper feeding device 20 having paper trays 21 and 22 is provided at the bottom of the image forming unit 10, and is further arranged in multiple stages (two stages in this embodiment) in the vertical direction below the paper feeding device 20. , A tray module TM including paper trays T1 and T2 for accommodating the paper P is connected to supply paper to the image forming unit 10.

The operation display unit 30 corresponds to a so-called user interface, and is configured by combining a liquid crystal display panel, various operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and is used for inputting various settings and instructions and displaying information.

The image processing unit 40 generates image data from print information transmitted from an external device 82 (illustrated in FIG. 2: for example, a personal computer or the like).

(1.2) Configuration and Operation of Image Forming Unit 10 In the image forming apparatus 1 having such a configuration, each sheet of the paper feeding device 20 or the tray module TM to be printed by the print job is set according to the timing of image formation. The paper P unwound from the tray designated in 1 is fed to the image forming unit 10.

The photoconductor unit 13 is provided above the paper feeding device 20 in parallel, and includes a photoconductor drum 131 that is rotationally driven. Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed by the respective developing devices 14 on the respective photoconductor drums 131 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed by the exposure device 12. Is formed.

Each color toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 131 of each photoconductor unit 13 is sequentially electrostatically transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 151 of the transfer device 15, to form a superposed toner image on which each color toner is superimposed. Will be done. The superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 151 is sent out from the resist roller pair 24 and collectively transferred to the paper P guided by the transfer guide by the secondary transfer roller 152.

In the fixing device 16, the fixing nip portion NP (fixing region) is formed by the pressure contact region of the pair of heating modules 161 and the pressure module 162.
The paper P on which the toner image is collectively transferred in the transfer device 15 is conveyed to the fixing nip portion NP of the fixing device 16 via the transfer guide 153 in a state where the toner image is not fixed, and the pair of heating modules 161 and the pressurizing module By 162, the toner image is fixed by the action of crimping and heating.
The paper P on which the fixing toner image is formed is guided by a transport guide, and is discharged and stored in the paper ejection tray portion TR1 on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1 from the ejection roller pair 163.

(1.3) Functional configuration and operation of the system control device The image forming device 1 includes an image output control unit 111, an image data correction unit 112, an image determination unit 113, a position calculation unit 114, a margin determination unit 115, and a power supply control unit 116. A system control device 11 including an exposure control unit 117 and a fixing temperature control unit 118 is provided, and a control program stored in the memory is executed to control the operation of the entire image forming device 1.

The image output control unit 111, in addition to controlling information transfer to and from the paper feed device 20, also includes an exposure device 12, a photoconductor unit 13, a developing device 14, a transfer device 15, and a fixing device 16 included in the image forming unit 10. The operation control instruction is given to the above.
Further, the image output control unit 111 gives operation control instructions to the power supply control unit 116, the exposure control unit 117, and the fixing temperature control unit 118 included in the system control device 11, respectively. That is, it is determined whether or not to supply power to and drive the exposure device 12, the photoconductor unit 13, the developing device 14, the transfer device 15, the fixing device 16, and the like constituting the image forming unit 10, and the determination results are determined respectively. Instruct the control unit.

Further, the image output control unit 111 exchanges information between the image data correction unit 112, the image determination unit 113, the position calculation unit 114, and the margin determination unit 115, and is predetermined when printing without margins is selected. Performs the operation control.

The image data correction unit 112 as an example of the correction means lacks the object image OG due to the positional relationship between the object image OG as an example of the specific target image to be output via the image forming unit 10 and the edge of the paper P. In this case, the position of the object image OG with respect to the paper P is corrected. The specific target image is a picture, a figure, a character, etc., and the image itself has a specific meaning, and if a part of the image itself is missing, the specific meaning may be lost and it may be difficult to recognize the image. Refers to an image.

Specifically, when the positional relationship is equal to or less than the threshold value, the object image OG moves away from the edge of the paper P at the center of the image data. Further, when the image in a certain area of the edge of the paper P is a constant uniform image, when the center of the image data is moved, the image data is obtained for each edge on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data. Make a correction to enlarge the image so that it is stretched. When the image in a certain area of the paper P edge is a non-uniform image, when moving the center of the image data, the enlargement ratio of the image data is increased for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data. Correct to increase.

The image determination unit 113 determines the uniformity of the image in a certain region at the end of the image data, and outputs the determination result to the image output control unit 111. Specifically, a certain area at the end is divided into a plurality of areas, the area (image density) of the image pattern of the image data included in each area is calculated for each color, and the image pattern in each area is calculated. If the difference in image density is within the threshold value, it is judged to be a uniform image, and if it exceeds the threshold value, it is judged to be non-uniform.

The position calculation unit 114 calculates the positional relationship between the object image OG and the edge of the paper P. Specifically, the distance between the end of each object image OG and each end of the paper P is calculated from the position coordinates of the object image data with respect to the paper P.
As schematically shown in FIG. 3, when the distance D between the end of the object image OG and each end of the paper P is equal to or less than the threshold value (the distance is short), the image data is printed at a predetermined magnification for printing without margins. When enlarged with, a part of the object image OG protrudes from the edge of the paper P, and if printing without margins is performed as it is, the object image OG is missing (see the broken line area in FIG. 3).
The position calculation unit 114 outputs the positional relationship calculated based on the distance D between the end of each object image OG and each end of the paper P to the image output control unit 111.

The margin determination unit 115 detects the presence or absence of peripheral margins on the paper P of the received image data, and determines whether printing is performed without margins or printing with margins.
As schematically shown in FIG. 4A, at the time of printing with a margin, the toner image is completely contained in the paper P, and the upper margin (mh), the lower margin (mb), and the left margin (ml) are around the paper P. -There is a margin around the right margin (mr).
On the other hand, in printing without margins, as shown in FIG. 4B, the toner image reaches the edge of the paper P, and there is no peripheral margin. Although FIG. 4B shows a state in which the top margin, bottom margin, left margin, and right margin are all absent, there is a margin at a part of the end as shown in FIG. 4C as an example. If not, it is judged to be printing without margins.

FIG. 5A shows the toner image size formed on the intermediate transfer belt 151, with Iv in the vertical direction and Ih in the horizontal direction. Further, FIG. 5B shows the size of the paper P, in which the vertical direction is Pv and the horizontal direction is Ph.
In printing without margins, the size relationship between the toner image and the paper P is set so that Pv <Iv and Ph <Ih are schematically shown in FIG. 5 (c). That is, even if the paper P is fed with a slight shift in the front-back and left-right directions, the size of the toner image is slightly larger than the selected paper size so that the paper P does not have a margin. It is enlarged and formed by R.

(2) Printing without margins FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of printing without margins, and FIG. 7A is a schematic showing correction of image data when an image in a certain area at an end is a constant uniform image. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing correction of image data when the image in a certain region at the end is a non-uniform image. Hereinafter, the image correction at the time of printing without margins performed by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

The image forming apparatus 1 acquires object image data for each layer representing a virtual sheet on which one or more images are drawn from image data as print source data for printing without margins (S101).

The position calculation unit 114 calculates the distance D from the edge of the paper P for each of the acquired object image data (S102), and determines whether or not the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (S102). S103). The threshold value is set in advance based on the enlargement ratio R set for performing blankless printing on the image data.

When it is determined that the distance D is equal to or less than the threshold value (S103: Yes), the image data correction unit 112 moves the center C of the image data so that the object image OG moves away from the edge of the paper P (S104: in FIG. 7). See arrow). When it is determined that the distance D exceeds the threshold value (S103: No), the image data is enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio R and printed without margins (S109).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a margin W is generated for each end portion on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data (S105). As a result, when a margin W is generated at each end portion with the movement of the center C of the image data (S105: Yes), the image determination unit 113 has a constant uniform image in a certain region of the end portion of the image data. It is determined whether or not it is an image (S106). If no margin W is generated at each end even if the center C of the image data is moved (S105: No), the image data is enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio R and printed without a margin (S109).

When the image in a certain area of the end is uniform or more uniform (S106: Yes), the image data correction unit 112 enlarges the image data so as to stretch the image data for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data. (S107) The image L1 is complemented at each end (see L1 in FIG. 7A).
In this way, when the image in a certain area of the end is uniform more than a certain amount, the image is enlarged so as to stretch the image data for each end opposite to the moving direction of the image data, and the image is displayed at each end. By complementing L1, it is possible to print without margins so that a white edge does not occur on the peripheral edge of the paper P while suppressing image misalignment at the edge of the paper.

When the image in a certain area of the end exceeds the threshold value and is non-uniform (S106: No), the image data correction unit 112 enlarges the image data for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data. The rate is increased (S108) to complement the image L2 at each end (see L2 in FIG. 7B).
In this way, when the image in a certain area of the end exceeds the threshold and is non-uniform, the enlargement ratio of the image data is increased for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the image data to each end. By complementing the image L2 on the portion, it is possible to print without a margin so that a white edge does not occur on the peripheral edge of the paper P while suppressing the deviation of the image at the edge of the paper.

In this way, when it is determined that the distance D between the object image OG of each layer and the edge of the paper P is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold during printing without margins, the object image OG is the paper P. If the image data is moved away from the end and a margin is generated for each end opposite to the moving direction of the image data, the margin is generated for each end opposite to the moving direction of the image data. By correcting the image data, the object image OG included in the image is not lost and printing without margins can be performed.

"Modification example 1"
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation at the time of printing without margins in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modification 1, and FIG. 9 is an image data when the positional relationship between the object image and the paper edge is equal to or less than a certain threshold value. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correction.

The image forming apparatus 1 acquires object image data for each layer from image data as print source data for printing without margins (S201).

The position calculation unit 114 calculates the distance D from the edge of the paper P for each of the acquired object image data (S202), and determines whether or not the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (S202). S203).

When it is determined that the distance D is equal to or less than the threshold value (S203: Yes), the image data correction unit 112 enlarges the end region of the image data (S204) and complements the image L3 at each end (L3 in FIG. 9). (See), printing without margins (S205). When it is determined that the distance D exceeds the threshold value (S203: No), the image data is enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio R and printed without margins (S205).

In this way, when it is determined that the distance D between the object image OG of each layer and the edge of the paper P is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value during printing without margins, the image data correction unit 112 determines that the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. By correcting the image data so as to enlarge the edge region of the image data, the object image OG included in the image is not lost and printing without margins can be performed.

"Modification 2"
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation at the time of printing without margins in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the modification 2, and FIG. 11 is an image data when the positional relationship between the object image and the paper edge is equal to or less than a certain threshold value. It is a schematic diagram which shows the correction.

The image forming apparatus 1 acquires object image data for each layer from image data as print source data for printing without margins (S301).

The position calculation unit 114 calculates the distance D from the edge of the paper P for each of the acquired object image data (S302), and determines whether or not the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (S302). S303).

When it is determined that the distance D is equal to or less than the threshold value (S303: Yes), the image data correction unit 112 enlarges the end region of the image data of the base layer BL (S304) and complements the image L4 at each end (S304). (See L4 in FIG. 11) No margins are printed (S305). When it is determined that the distance D exceeds the threshold value (S303: No), the image data is enlarged at a predetermined enlargement ratio R and printed without margins (S305).

In this way, when it is determined that the distance D between the object image OG of each layer and the edge of the paper P is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value during printing without margins, the image data correction unit 112 determines that the distance D is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. By correcting the image data so as to enlarge the edge region of the image data of the base layer, the object image OG included in the image is not lost and printing without margins can be performed.

1 ... Image forming device 10 ... Image forming unit 11 ... System control device 111 ... Image output control unit 112 ... Image data correction unit 113 ... Image determination unit 114 ... Position calculation Part 115 ... Margin discrimination unit 20 ... Paper feed device 30 ... Operation display unit 40 ... Image processing unit BL ... Base layer D ... Distance P ... Paper R ... Enlarged Rate OG ・ ・ ・ Object image

Claims (3)

An image forming means for forming an image without a margin with respect to an edge of a recording medium based on image data, and an image forming means.
A position calculation means for calculating the positional relationship between a specific target image included in the image data and the end portion of the recording medium, and a position calculation means.
When the positional relationship is Ru der below the threshold, and correcting means for correcting by moving the position of the specific object image relative to the recording medium,
When the image in a certain region of the end portion is a constant uniform image, when correcting the position of the specific target image, with respect to each end portion on the side opposite to the moving direction of the specific target image. When the image data is enlarged so as to be stretched to complement the image at each end and the image in a certain region of the end is a non-uniform image, the above-mentioned when correcting the position of the specific target image. A complementing means for complementing an image at each end by increasing the enlargement ratio of the image data for each end on the side opposite to the moving direction of the specific target image is provided.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. When the positional relationship is equal to or less than a threshold value, the correction means enlarges the image in a certain region of each end of the image data so as to stretch it.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The correction means, when the positional relationship is below a threshold, the image data which the image is arranged on the base layer that does not contain the specific target image among the plurality of layers representing a virtual sheet to be drawn Enlarge to stretch the image in a certain area at each end,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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