JP7367442B2 - Image reading device and image forming system using the image reading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image forming system using the image reading device.

Conventionally, in order to perform image adjustment processing such as image color correction, image formation position adjustment, and image size (magnification) adjustment, image forming apparatuses that form images on paper, such as printers and copiers, and There is an image forming system that includes an image reading device that reads an image formed by an image forming device (for example, see Patent Document 1). Here, image color correction refers to correction of toner of each color so that each color of the image formed on paper with toner of each color of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) in an image forming apparatus becomes an optimal color. The goal is to optimize the amount of adhesion to paper. Further, image formation position adjustment means adjusting the image formation position so that positional deviation does not occur in the image. Further, image size (magnification) adjustment means adjusting the image formation size so that the image formed on the paper has an appropriate size. The image forming system uses an image forming device to form an image on paper on a trial basis, while an image reading device reads the image, and based on the read image, adjusts the image to be formed on paper the next time (for example, the color of the image). automatically perform corrections, image formation position adjustments, image size (magnification) adjustments, etc.).

In such a configuration, the image reading device includes a scanner unit that reads the entire image formed on the paper, and a colorimeter (spectrophotometer) that measures the color of the image formed on the paper. The role of the scanner section is to stably read the color of the image formed on the entire surface of the paper, and to accurately read the position where the image is formed on the paper. The role of the colorimeter is to measure the maximum density value of each color of an image formed on paper using toner of each color of CMYK in an image forming apparatus.

The image reading device performs color correction of the image (optimizing the amount of toner of each color attached to the paper in the image forming device) by measuring the maximum density value (measured value) of each color in the image with a colorimeter. be able to. In addition, the image reading device measures the maximum density value (measured value) of each color of the image using a colorimeter, and then uses the optical sensor (such as a CCD sensor) used in the scanner section based on the measured value. Sensitivity can be adjusted to the optimum sensitivity. Thereby, the image reading device can use the scanner section as a color inspection section that reads the color of an image formed object (printed material) over a wider range and at a higher speed than a colorimeter.

In addition, the image reading device stores in advance a correct image (correct image information) for inspection processing (process for determining the quality of images formed on paper) in the storage unit, and by using the correct image, the image forming device It is possible to judge (inspect) whether the image formed on the paper is good or bad. Specifically, the image reading device uses a scanner section to read an image formed on a sheet by an image forming apparatus, and stores the read image (read image information) in a storage section. The image reading device then compares the read image information and the correct image information, obtains the difference between the read image information and the correct image information, and determines (inspects) the quality of the image formed on the paper based on the difference. . Thereafter, the image reading device conveys the paper to the exit if the image formed on the paper is determined to be good (OK), and on the other hand, if the image formed on the paper is determined to be defective (NG). If it is determined that this is the case, the paper conveyance direction is switched and the paper is ejected to the purge tray.

Such image reading devices require time to determine (inspect) whether the image formed on the paper is good or not, and to determine whether or not to eject the paper to the purge tray and switch the paper conveyance direction. time is required. Therefore, conventional image reading apparatuses have been configured to have a detour route downstream of the scanner section and the colorimeter to secure the time required for these steps. The detour route is provided branching off from the paper transport path that connects the entrance and exit of the apparatus. The scanner unit and the colorimeter are arranged on the paper transport path upstream of the detour route.

JP2019-54408A

However, conventional image reading devices have a detour route that branches off from the paper transport path on the downstream side of the colorimeter, and after passing the paper through the colorimeter, the paper is transferred to the paper transport path. Or, it has a structure that allows it to selectively pass through a detour route. Since such a conventional image reading device has a detour path downstream of the colorimeter, the machine size in the paper transport direction (length in the transport direction) is large. Therefore, it has been desired to reduce the mechanical size (length in the conveyance direction) of the conventional image reading apparatus in the paper conveyance direction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device with a reduced machine size in the paper transport direction (length in the transport direction), An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system using a reading device.

The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

(1) An image reading device, which includes a transport section that transports paper, and a first reading section that reads an image formed on the paper, and the transport section runs along the paper transport path at the entrance of the device. a first conveyance section that conveys the paper to an exit from the paper conveyance path, and a second conveyance section that conveys the paper along a detour route that detours a part of the paper conveyance path, and the paper conveyance path includes , the first reading section is disposed, a second reading section different from the first reading section is disposed on the detour route , and the first reading section is configured to read the image formed on the paper. The second reading section has a function of reading the entire surface of the image, and the second reading section has a colorimetric function of the image formed on the paper, and passes the paper through the second conveyance section to read the second reading section. An image reading device that adjusts the image based on information acquired by the first reading unit by passing a sheet through the first conveyance unit while the reading unit measures the color of the image.

(2) The image reading device according to (1) above, wherein the second conveyance section is used when determining the quality of the image formed on the paper.

( 3 ) The image reading device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the reading surface of the second reading section is arranged at a linear portion formed on the detour route.

( 4 ) The image reading device according to any one of (1) to ( 3 ) above, wherein the conveyance speed of the second conveyance section is slower than the conveyance speed of the first conveyance section.

( 5 ) A transport unit that transports paper; and a first reading unit that reads an image formed on the paper; the transport unit transports the paper from an entrance to an exit of the apparatus along a paper transport path. and a second conveyance section that conveys the paper along a detour route that detours a part of the paper conveyance path, and the paper conveyance path includes a first reading section. A second reading section different from the first reading section is arranged on the detour route, and the second reading section is arranged downstream of the first reading section. At the same time, the image formed on the paper can be colorimetrically measured, and the distance from the first reading section to the second reading section is longer than the length of the paper used during the colorimetry. While the paper is passed through the second conveyance section and the image is measured by the second reading section, the paper is passed through the first conveyance section and the image is measured by the second reading section. An image reading device that adjusts images based on information acquired by a reading section .

( 6 ) a quality determination unit that determines the quality of the image formed on the paper based on the difference between the read image read by the first reading unit and a correct image prepared in advance; The image reading device according to any one of (1) to ( 5 ) above, further comprising: a distinguishing means for distinguishing sheets on which images are formed.

( 7 ) The image reading device according to ( 6 ) above, wherein the quality determining section determines the quality of the image formed on the paper while the paper passes through the detour route.

( 8 ) A purge tray is provided at a location different from the outlet, and the transport unit discharges the paper on which an image determined to be defective by the quality determining unit is formed to the purge tray. The image reading device described.

( 9 ) The above ( 1 ) or ( 5 ), wherein a purge tray is provided at a location different from the exit, and the transport unit discharges the paper used when colorimetrically measuring the image in the second reading unit to the purge tray. The image reading device described in .

( 10 ) An image forming system comprising: the image reading device according to any one of (1) to ( 9 ) above; and an image forming system provided upstream of the image reading device to form an image on the paper. An image forming system comprising a forming device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the machine size in the paper transport direction (the length in the transport direction).

1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system including an image reading device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the entire image forming system including an image reading device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of an image reading device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the image reading device. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image reading device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image reading device of a comparative example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure is merely shown schematically to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example. Further, in each figure, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Configuration of image forming system>
The configuration of an image forming system 100 including an image reading device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the entire image forming system 100. Here, the description will be made assuming that the image forming apparatus 20 is a printer that forms images by an electrophotographic process.

In the following description, "upstream side" and "downstream side" are based on the paper conveyance direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a paper feeding device 10 that supplies paper to an image forming device 20, an image forming device 20 that forms an image on the paper, and an image reading device that reads the image formed on the paper. It is equipped with 30. The paper feeding device 10, the image forming device 20, and the image reading device 30 are each arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The image forming apparatus 20 includes a control section 21 , a conveying section 24 , an image forming section 25 , and a fixing section 26 . The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 20 . The conveying unit 24 conveys the paper supplied from the paper feeding device 10 toward the image reading device 30 . The image forming unit 25 forms an image on the paper by attaching toner (developer) to the paper. The fixing unit 26 applies heat and pressure to the image formed on the paper to fix the image on the paper.

Inside the image reading device 30, a path (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "transport path") for transporting paper is formed by a guide or the like. This conveyance path includes a paper conveyance path 43, a detour path 44, and a purge path 45.

The paper conveyance path 43 is formed to connect the entrance 30a and the exit 30b of the image reading device 30. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1, the paper conveyance path 43 is formed in a substantially straight line. However, the shape of the paper conveyance path 43 is not necessarily linear. For example, the paper conveyance path 43 may be formed obliquely. Alternatively, the paper conveyance path 43 may be formed in a curved manner. Alternatively, the paper conveyance path 43 may be formed in a plurality of steps.

The detour path 44 is formed so as to detour around a portion of the paper conveyance path 43 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the portion from the branch point P43a to the joint point P43b). Specifically, the detour path 44 is formed to branch from the paper transport path 43 at a branch point P43a, pass below the paper transport path 43, and join the paper transport path 43 at a joint point P43b. . The detour path 44 is formed longer than the detoured portion of the paper conveyance path 43 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the portion from the branch point P43a to the joint point P43b). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the detour route 44 has an inclined portion 44a and a horizontal portion 44b. The inclined portion 44a is a linear portion provided in the detour route 44 between the branch point P43a and the horizontal portion 44b, and formed to be obliquely inclined. The horizontal portion 44b is a linear portion provided in the lower end portion of the detour route 44 and formed in the horizontal direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a colorimeter 52 (second reading unit), which will be described later, is arranged in the horizontal portion 44b of the detour route 44.

The purge path 45 is formed to connect the joint P43b and the purge tray 49. The purge tray 49 is a place where sheets to be discarded are discharged. Purge tray 49 is provided at a location different from outlet 30b. Note that "sheets to be discarded" include, for example, sheets on which defective images have been formed (defective products), and sheets with optical sensors (for example, CCD sensors, etc.) used in the scanner section 51 (first reading section). These include paper used for sensitivity adjustment (paper used for sensitivity adjustment of the scanner unit 51), paper used for color correction of an image formed on the paper, and the like.

The image reading device 30 includes a control section 31, a transport section 40, transport path switching sections 46, 47a, 47b, a scanner section 51 as a first reading section, a colorimeter 52 as a second reading section, It is equipped with

The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the image reading device 30 .
The conveyance unit 40 includes a roller (not shown), a motor that drives the roller, and the like, and conveys the paper along a conveyance path. For example, the transport unit 40 takes in paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 20 from the entrance 30a, and transports it toward the exit 30b. The transport unit 40 includes a first transport unit 41 that transports the paper from the entrance 30a to the exit 30b of the image reading device 30 along the paper transport path 43, and a second transport unit 42 that transports the paper along the detour path 44. ,have. The present embodiment will be described assuming that the output section 48 for stacking sheets is disposed at the exit 30b. However, at the exit 30b of the image reading device 30, instead of the output section 48, for example, a post-processing device (not shown) for cutting paper into a predetermined size may be disposed.

The conveyance path switching units 46, 47a, and 47b are constituted by a blade member (not shown), a motor that drives the blade member, or the like, and switch the conveyance direction of the paper. The conveyance path switching unit 46 is provided at a position near the upstream side of the branch point P43a on the paper conveyance path 43, and switches the conveyance direction of the paper to the direction of the exit 30b or the direction of the detour path 44. The conveyance path switching unit 47a is provided at a position near the upstream side of the joining point P43b on the paper conveyance path 43, and switches the conveyance direction of the paper to the direction of the outlet 30b or the direction of the purge tray 49. The conveyance path switching unit 47b is provided at a position near the upstream side of the joining point P43b on the detour path 44, and switches the conveyance direction of the paper to the direction of the purge tray 49 or the direction of the exit 30b.

The scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) reads the entire image formed on the paper. In this embodiment, the scanner section 51 includes a first scanner 51a that reads an image formed on the back side of a sheet of paper, and a second scanner 51b that reads an image formed on the front side of the sheet. The second scanner 51b is arranged downstream of the first scanner 51a. In this embodiment, the first scanner 51a and the second scanner 51b will be described as having reflective optical sensors. This optical sensor is composed of, for example, a CCD sensor.

The colorimeter 52 (second reading unit) reads (measures) the color of the image formed on the paper. The colorimeter 52 (second reading section) is arranged on the detour path 44 downstream of the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section).

Here, the structural features of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment will be explained by comparing the image reading device 130 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6 and the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. do. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image reading device 130 as a comparative example.

The image reading device 130 (see FIG. 6) of the comparative example corresponds to a conventional image reading device. In the image reading device 130 of the comparative example, a colorimeter 52 (second reading section) is arranged between the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) on the paper conveyance path 43 and the branch point P43a. It has a similar structure. The image reading device 130 of the comparative example has a detour path 44 that branches off from the paper conveyance path 43 and is provided on the downstream side of the colorimeter 52 (second reading section). The image reading device 130 of the comparative example passes the paper through the paper transport path 43 and the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit), and then measures the paper regardless of whether or not colorimetric processing is performed. The structure is such that the conveyance direction can be selected between a direction in which the paper conveyance path 43 is maintained or a direction in which the detour path 44 is switched. The image reading device 130 of the comparative example uses a colorimeter 52 (second reading section) to measure while conveying the paper on the paper conveyance path 43 when adjusting the sensitivity of the scanner section 51 or correcting the color of the image. color. At this time, the image reading device 130 of the comparative example uses the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) so that the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) can perform good color measurement. A relatively long distance is ensured between and the branch point P43a, and the conveyance speed of the first conveyance section 41 is made relatively low. Since the image reading device 130 of such a comparative example has the detour path 44 downstream of the colorimeter 52 (second reading section), the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) Since a relatively long distance is secured between the branch point P43a and the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section), the horizontal distance L130a from the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) to the exit 30b is relatively large. Therefore, the image reading device 130 of the comparative example has a structure in which the machine size L130 (length in the conveyance direction) of the paper in the conveyance direction is relatively large. Further, in the image reading device 130 of the comparative example, the transport speed of the first transport unit 41 is set at a relatively low speed during color measurement such as adjusting the sensitivity of the scanner unit 51 and correcting the color of an image. Therefore, the image reading device 130 of the comparative example has a structure that requires a relatively long processing time during color measurement.

In contrast, the image reading device 30 (see FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment has a colorimeter 52 ( It has a structure in which a second reading section) is arranged. The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment passes the paper through the paper transport path 43 when performing colorimetric processing, and then switches the transport direction of the paper to the direction of the detour route 44; on the other hand, when not performing colorimetric processing, The structure is such that the paper is passed through the paper transport path 43 and then the transport direction of the paper is maintained in the direction of the paper transport path 43. Note that the case where the colorimetric process is performed is, for example, the case where the sensitivity adjustment of the scanner section 51, the color correction of the image, etc. are performed. When performing colorimetric processing, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment measures color using the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit) while conveying the paper on the detour path 44 . The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a detour route 44 near the downstream side of the second scanner 51b of the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit), and a colorimeter 52 ( A second reading section) is arranged. Therefore, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment does not need to ensure a relatively long distance between the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) and the branch point P43a. Further, in the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, the transport speed of the first transport section 41 does not have to be relatively low. The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a horizontal distance L30a from the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) to the exit 30b compared to the distance L130a of the image reading device 130 of the comparative example. can also be made shorter. Therefore, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a mechanical size L30 (length in the conveying direction) of the sheet in a smaller size than the mechanical size L130 (length in the conveying direction) of the image reading device 130 of the comparative example. be able to. Furthermore, in the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, the conveying speed of the first conveying section 41 is not related to the accuracy of color measurement performed by the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) during color measurement. The conveyance speed of the first conveyance unit 41 can be made higher than the speed of the image reading device 130 of the comparative example. Therefore, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment can shorten the processing time during color measurement.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 20 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned control section 21, transport section 24, image forming section 25, and fixing section 26, a storage section 22, a communication section 23, have. The storage unit 22 stores control programs that define the operation of the image forming apparatus 20, various setting information regarding image formation (for example, information such as paper conveyance speed and toner supply amount), and image formation instructions from external devices. job data etc. are stored. The communication unit 23 communicates with other devices (external devices, paper feeding device 10, image reading device 30, etc.).

The image reading device 30 includes the control section 31 described above, the transport section 40, the transport path switching sections 46, 47a, 47b, the scanner section 51 (first reading section), and the colorimeter 52 (second reading section). In addition to this, it further includes a storage section 32 and a communication section 35. The storage unit 32 stores a control program that defines the operation of the image reading device 30, various setting information related to image reading (for example, information such as paper conveyance speed and conveyance path switching timing, etc.), information related to read images (read image information), discrimination result information for the read image, etc. are stored. The communication unit 35 communicates with another device (in this embodiment, the image forming device 20).

The control section 31 includes a conveyance control section 31a, a reading control section 31b, a quality judgment section 31c, and an adjustment section 31d.
The conveyance control section 31a controls the operations of parts related to sheet conveyance, such as the conveyance section 40, conveyance path switching sections 46, 47a, and 47b.
The reading control unit 31b controls the operation of parts related to reading images formed on paper, such as the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) and the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit).
The quality determining unit 31c determines the quality of the image formed on the paper.
The adjustment unit 31d adjusts the image formed on the paper. For example, the adjustment unit 31d adjusts the image formation position, the image size (magnification), etc. based on the read image information acquired by the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit). Further, the adjustment unit 31d performs color correction of the image based on colorimetric value information acquired by the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit).

As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 30 is configured such that the distance Lr from the second scanner 51b of the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) to the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit) is the paper used for colorimetry. It has a structure that is longer than the length Lm in the transport direction of m (Lr>Lm). Further, the image reading device 30 has a structure in which the transport speed SP42 of the second transport section 42 is slower than the transport speed SP41 of the first transport section 41 during color measurement.

During paper inspection processing (determination of the quality of the image formed on the paper), which will be described later, the image reading device 30 uses the quality determination unit 31c to check the quality of the image formed on the paper m while the paper m is passing through the detour path 44. judge the quality of the image.
The image reading device 30 conveys the paper (good quality) on which a proper image has been formed to the exit 30b and accumulates it in the output section 48.
The image reading device 30 also conveys sheets on which defective images are formed (defective products) and sheets used for colorimetry (sheets used for colorimetry) to a purge tray 49 and accumulates them on the purge tray 49. .

As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading device 30 passes the first sheet m1 through the second conveyance section 42, and measures the color of the image on the sheet m1 with the colorimeter 52 (second reading section). During this time, the second sheet m2 is passed through the first conveyance section 41, and the image on the sheet m1 is read by the scanner section 51 (first reading section). The image reading device 30 then adjusts the image based on the information acquired by the scanner section 51 (first reading section). For example, the image reading device 30 performs image formation position adjustment, image size (magnification) adjustment, etc. based on the read image information acquired by the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit).

<Operation of image forming system>
The operation of the image forming system 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

The image forming system 100 starts its operation, for example, by acquiring job data instructing image formation from an external device. In this embodiment, the image forming system 100 will be described on the assumption that, before forming an image based on job data, the image forming system 100 may perform color measurement processing to perform color correction of an image formed by the image forming apparatus 20. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 of the image forming system 100 determines whether or not there is color measurement processing (step S105).

If it is determined in step S105 that colorimetric processing is to be performed (in the case of "Yes"), the image forming apparatus 20 experimentally forms (test prints) a colorimetric image on paper (step S105). S106), the paper is sent to the image reading device 30. Then, the control unit 21 of the image forming device 20 notifies the image reading device 30 that color measurement processing is to be performed. In response, the image reading device 30 passes the paper sent from the image forming device 20 to the second transport unit 42 via the first transport unit 41 (step S110). Then, the image reading device 30 measures the color of the image formed on the paper using the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) (step S115). At this time, the image reading device 30 uses a colorimeter 52 (second reading section) to measure the maximum density value of the image formed on the paper using toner of each color of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). , acquire the colorimetric value (colorimetric value information) of each color. Then, the image reading device 30 conveys the color-measured paper to the purge tray 49 and discharges it to the purge tray 49 (step S120).

Note that the colorimetric value information acquired in step S115 is used to adjust the sensitivity of the optical sensor (for example, a CCD sensor, etc.) used in the scanner unit, and to adjust the image formed by the image forming unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 20. Used for color correction. Here, a case will be described assuming that the colorimetric value information acquired in step S115 is used for color correction of an image formed by the image forming unit 25 of the image forming apparatus 20.

After step S120, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 determines whether color correction of the image formed on the paper is necessary based on the colorimetric value information acquired in step S115 (step S125). .

If it is determined in step S125 that color correction of the image is necessary (in the case of "Yes"), the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 performs color correction based on the colorimetric value information acquired in step S115. Then, the adjustment section 31d performs color correction on the image. Specifically, the control unit 31 calculates the color correction value of the image using the adjustment unit 31d, and feeds back the image color correction value (color correction value information) to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S130). Thereby, the control unit 31 instructs the image forming apparatus 20 to perform color correction of the image. In response to this, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 changes the setting of the color of the image formed on the paper based on the color correction value information of the image. Note that the processing in steps S125 and S130 can be performed by the control unit 21 of the image forming device 20 by the image reading device 30 outputting the colorimetric value information acquired in step S115 to the image forming device 20. can.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S125 that color correction of the image is not necessary (in the case of "No"), the image forming apparatus 20 forms the image based on the job data acquired from the external device. is started (step S135), and the paper is sent to the image reading device 30.

After step S135, the control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 determines whether there is an inspection process for the paper on which the image was formed in step S135 (process for determining the quality of the image formed on the paper) (step S140). ).

If it is determined in step S140 that there is an inspection process (“Yes”), the control unit 21 of the image forming device 20 notifies the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 that there is an inspection process. do. In response to this, the image reading device 30 passes the paper sent from the image forming device 20 to the first conveyance section 41 (step S145). At this time, the image reading device 30 reads the image formed on the paper using the scanner section 51 (first reading section) and obtains a read image (read image information) (step S150).

After step S150, the image reading device 30 passes the paper to the second transport section 42 (step S152). After step S152, the image reading device 30 performs processes from step S155 to step S165, which will be described later, while the paper is passing through the detour path 44. Note that the correct image (correct image information) is stored in the storage unit 32 of the image reading device 30 at an arbitrary timing.

First, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 compares the read image (read image information) acquired in step S150 with the correct image (correct image information) stored in the storage unit 32, and compares the read image with the correct image. The difference with the image (difference information) is acquired (step S155). Then, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 performs an inspection process for the paper on which the image was formed in step S135, that is, a process for determining (inspecting) the quality of the image formed on the paper based on the difference (step S160).

After step S160, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 determines whether there is a defective product (paper with a defective image formed) in the inspection process (step S165). If it is determined in step S165 that there is a defective product (“Yes”), the image reading device 30 conveys the defective product to the purge tray 49 and discharges it onto the purge tray 49 (step S170). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S165 that there are no defective products (in the case of "No"), the image reading device 30 transports the non-defective products (sheets with good images formed) to the exit 30b. and is accumulated in the output section 48 (step S175).

After step S170 or step S175, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 determines whether image formation for all jobs has been completed (step S180). If it is determined in step S180 that image formation for all jobs has not been completed (“No”), the process returns to step S145. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S180 that image formation for all jobs has been completed (in the case of "Yes"), the series of routine processing ends.

If it is determined in step S140 that there is no inspection process (“No”), the image reading device 30 passes the paper to the first conveyance unit 41 (step S185). Then, the image reading device 30 conveys the sheets to the exit 30b and stacks them in the output unit 48 without performing inspection processing on the sheets (step S190).

After step S190, the control unit 31 of the image reading device 30 determines whether image formation for all jobs has been completed (step S195). If it is determined in step S195 that image formation for all jobs has not been completed (“No”), the process returns to step S185. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S195 that image formation for all jobs has been completed (in the case of "Yes"), the series of routine processing ends.

<Main features of the image reading device>
The main features of the image reading device 30 will be explained below.

(1) As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment includes a transport section 40 that transports paper, and a scanner section 51 as a first reading section that reads images formed on the paper. We are prepared. The conveyance unit 40 includes a first conveyance unit 41 that conveys the paper along the paper conveyance path 43 from the entrance 30a to the exit 30b of the image reading device 30, and a part of the paper conveyance path 43 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, a branch). A second transport section 42 that transports the paper along a detour route 44 that detours the section from point P43a to joint point P43b. A scanner section 51 (first reading section) is arranged in the paper conveyance path 43 on the upstream side of the detour path 44 . A colorimeter 52 as a second reading section separate from the scanner section 51 (first reading section) is arranged on the detour route 44 .

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a detour path 44 downstream of the scanner section 51 (first reading section), and a colorimeter 52 (second reading section) is disposed on the detour path 44. . Therefore, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment does not need to ensure a relatively long distance between the second scanner 51b of the scanner section 51 (first reading section) and the branch point P43a. The image reading device 30 according to this embodiment can reduce the machine size L30 (shown in FIG. 1) in the paper conveyance direction.

(2) As shown in step S145 in FIG. 5, the second conveyance unit 42 of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment is used when determining the quality of the image formed on the paper.

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment passes the paper through the paper transport path 43 when determining the quality of the image formed on the paper (“Yes” in step S140 in FIG. 5). The conveyance direction is switched to the direction of the detour route 44. On the other hand, if the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment does not judge whether the image is good or bad (if the determination in step S140 in FIG. Keep it in the direction of. In the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, the conveying speed of the first conveying section 41 is not related to the accuracy of color measurement performed by the colorimeter 52 (second reading section). It is possible to make the transport speed relatively high.

(3) The scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a function of reading the entire image formed on the paper, and the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit) It is preferable that the image forming apparatus is configured to have a color measurement function for an image formed on paper.

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment adjusts the image forming position, the image size (magnification), etc. based on the read image information acquired by the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit). It can be carried out. Further, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment can perform color correction of an image based on colorimetric value information acquired by the colorimeter 52 (second reading section).

(4) As shown in FIG. 1, the reading surface of the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment has a linear portion (for example, an inclined portion) formed in the detour path 44. 44a or horizontal portion 44b).

The image reading device 30 according to this embodiment can stably measure the maximum density value (measured value) of each color of an image.

(5) As shown in FIG. 3, the transport speed SP42 of the second transport unit 42 of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment is slower than the transport speed SP41 of the first transport unit 41 (SP42<SP41 ) and good.

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment uses the conveyance speed SP42 (see FIG. 3) of the second conveyance unit 42, which is related to the accuracy of colorimetry performed by the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit), as the colorimeter. The transport speed SP41 (see FIG. 3) of the first transport unit 41, which is not related to accuracy, is made slower. Since the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment is capable of performing good colorimetry, it is possible to suppress failures in colorimetric processing, and to reduce the size of patch data due to failures in colorimetric processing. In addition, it is possible to reduce wasted use of paper due to failures in colorimetric processing.

(6) As shown in FIG. 3, the distance Lr from the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) to the colorimeter 52 (second reading unit) of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment is the distance Lr used during colorimetry. It is preferable that the length is longer than the length Lm of the paper to be printed.

In the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, since the distance Lr (see FIG. 3) is longer than the length Lm (see FIG. 3), when the leading edge of the paper reaches the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) It is possible to prevent the trailing edge of the paper from remaining in the paper transport path 43. Furthermore, during colorimetry, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment performs arbitrary processing based on the colorimetric value information while the second transport unit 42 transports the paper along the detour path 44. For example, sufficient time can be secured for determining whether or not color correction of an image formed on paper is necessary.

(7) As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment forms an image on a sheet based on the difference between a read image read by the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) and a correct image prepared in advance. It is preferable that the configuration includes a quality determining section 31c that determines whether the image is acceptable or not, and a distinguishing means for distinguishing between sheets (defective products) on which images that are determined to be defective by the quality determining section 31c are formed. . In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance path switching parts 47a and 47b function as a distinguishing means.

In the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment, defective sheets are distinguished from other sheets, so that it is possible to suppress the coexistence of good sheets and defective sheets.

(8) As shown in FIG. 3, the quality determination unit 31c of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment determines the quality of the image formed on the paper while the paper passes through the detour path 44. It is good to have a structure.

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment judges the quality of the image while the paper passes through the detour path 44, so the image reading device 30 determines the quality of the image while the paper passes through the detour path 44. In the meantime, the output section 48 or the purge tray 49 can be selected as the paper transport destination.

(9) As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance unit 40 of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to transport paper (defective product) on which an image determined to be defective by the quality determination unit 31c (see FIG. 2) is formed. It is preferable to have a configuration in which the liquid is discharged to a purge tray 49.

The image reading device 30 according to this embodiment can reliably distinguish between non-defective products and defective products. Further, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment can accumulate defective products in the purge tray 49 and discard them at once.

(10) As shown in FIG. 1, the transport section 40 of the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment transfers the paper used when the colorimeter 52 (second reading section) measures the image to the purge tray 40. It is better to have a configuration that discharges the

The image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment can prevent the paper used for color measurement from being mixed with printed matter (image-formed material) even when color measurement is performed during printing.

(11) As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading device 30 according to the present embodiment passes the paper m1 through the second transport section 42 and measures the color of the image using the colorimeter 52 (second reading section). It is preferable that the paper m2 is passed through the first conveying section 41 while the image is being adjusted, and the image is adjusted based on the information acquired by the scanner section 51 (first reading section). Note that image adjustment based on the information acquired by the scanner unit 51 (first reading unit) includes, for example, image formation position adjustment, image size (magnification) adjustment, and the like.

The image reading device 30 according to this embodiment can perform other adjustments while measuring the color of the paper m1.

As described above, according to the image reading device 30 according to the embodiment, the colorimeter 52 is arranged on the detour path 44, so the machine size in the paper transport direction (length in the transport direction) is reduced (compact). ) can be done.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the embodiments described above have been described in detail in order to explain the gist of the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the components described. Further, in the present invention, other components can be added to certain components, or some components can be changed to other components. Further, in the present invention, some components can also be deleted.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the control section 31 of the image reading device 30 is provided with the adjustment section 31d that adjusts the image formed on the paper. However, the adjustment section 31d may be provided in the control section 21 of the image forming apparatus 20.

Further, for example, in the embodiment described above, the conveyance path switching sections 47a and 47b are configured as discriminating means for distinguishing between sheets on which an image determined to be defective by the pass/fail determining section 31c has been formed. However, the distinguishing means can be configured in other forms. For example, the distinguishing means can be configured as an identification mark forming section (not shown) that forms an identifiable mark on the paper on which the image determined to be defective has been formed. Alternatively, the distinguishing means may be configured as a notch forming section (not shown) that forms a notch (partially cut portion) in the sheet on which an image determined to be defective is formed. Alternatively, the distinguishing means can be configured as a sticky note pasting section (not shown) that sticks a sticky note on the paper on which the image determined to be defective has been formed.

10 Paper feeding device 20 Image forming device 21 Control section 22 Storage section 23 Communication section 24 Conveyance section 25 Image forming section 26 Fixing section 30 Image reading device 30a Entrance 30b Exit 31 Control section 31a Conveyance control section 31b Reading control section 31c Acceptability judgment section 31d Adjustment section 32 Storage section 33 Communication section 40 Conveyance section 41 First conveyance section 42 Second conveyance section 43 Paper conveyance path 44 Detour path 44a Inclined section (linear section)
44b Horizontal part (straight part)
45 Purge path 46 Conveyance path switching section 47a, 47b Conveyance path switching section (discrimination means)
48 Output section 49 Purge tray 51 Scanner section (first reading section)
51a First scanner 51b Second scanner 52 Colorimeter (second reading section)
100 Image forming system SP41 Conveyance speed SP42 Conveyance speed L30 Machine size L30a Distance Lm Length Lr Distance m, m1, m2 Paper P43a Branch point P43b Joint point

Claims (10)

a transport unit that transports paper;
a first reading unit that reads an image formed on the paper;
The conveyance unit includes a first conveyance unit that conveys the paper from an entrance to an exit of the apparatus along a paper conveyance path, and a second conveyance unit that conveys the paper along a detour route that bypasses a part of the paper conveyance path. It has a conveyance section;
The first reading section is arranged in the paper transport path,
A second reading section different from the first reading section is arranged on the detour route,
The first reading unit has a function of reading the entire image formed on the paper,
The second reading unit has a color measurement function of the image formed on the paper,
While the paper is passed through the second transport section and the image is measured by the second reading section, the paper is passed through the first transport section and the image is acquired by the first reading section. Make informed image adjustments
Image reading device. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second conveyance section is used to determine the quality of the image formed on the paper. 3. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein a reading surface of the second reading section is arranged at a linear portion formed on the detour route. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a conveying speed of the second conveying section is slower than a conveying speed of the first conveying section. a transport unit that transports paper;
a first reading unit that reads an image formed on the paper;
The conveyance unit includes a first conveyance unit that conveys the paper from an entrance to an exit of the apparatus along a paper conveyance path, and a second conveyance unit that conveys the paper along a detour route that bypasses a part of the paper conveyance path. It has a conveying section;
The first reading section is arranged in the paper transport path,
A second reading section different from the first reading section is arranged on the detour route,
The second reading unit is disposed downstream of the first reading unit and is capable of colorimetrically measuring the image formed on the paper,
The distance from the first reading section to the second reading section is set to be longer than the length of the paper used during the color measurement,
While the paper is passed through the second transport section and the image is measured by the second reading section, the paper is passed through the first transport section and the image is acquired by the first reading section. Make informed image adjustments
Image reading device. a quality determining unit that determines the quality of the image formed on the paper based on the difference between the read image read by the first reading unit and a correct image prepared in advance;
6. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a distinguishing unit for distinguishing between sheets on which an image determined to be defective by the quality determining unit is formed. 7. The image reading device according to claim 6 , wherein the quality determining unit determines whether the image formed on the paper is quality while the paper is passing through the detour route. A purge tray is provided at a location different from the outlet,
8. The image reading device according to claim 6 , wherein the conveying section discharges the paper on which the image determined to be defective by the quality determining section is formed onto the purge tray. A purge tray is provided at a location different from the outlet,
6. The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the transport section discharges the paper used when the second reading section measures the color of the image to the purge tray. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that is provided upstream of the image reading apparatus and forms an image on the sheet of paper.

Images