JP4973578B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having a function of performing quality improvement processing such as color misregistration correction.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus, there is known an image forming apparatus that performs color misregistration correction when a predetermined condition is satisfied when a print instruction is input, and then executes the instructed printing. However, in such an image forming apparatus, in order to perform color misregistration correction, the start of printing may be delayed, and waiting time may be a burden on the user. On the other hand, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260, the user's waiting time is started by starting the color misregistration correction when it is detected that a document is set on the document reading unit (that is, before the printing instruction is given). Some have been known to reduce the burden on the user.
JP 2007-219174 A

However, there has been a demand for further means for reducing the burden on the user's waiting time.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the burden of waiting time of a user.

  As means for achieving the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the first invention includes an instruction receiving means for receiving a print instruction, a printing means for printing an image on a recording medium, and a specific event that occurs before printing. A detection means for detecting the occurrence of printing, and when the occurrence of the specific event is detected by the detection means, a print preparation time required to start printing is predicted, and printing is performed based on the length of the print preparation time. Determining means for determining whether or not to perform quality improvement processing relating to a printing operation before starting the printing, controlling execution of printing by the printing means based on the printing instruction, and based on the determination by the determining means Control means for controlling execution of the quality improvement processing.

  According to the first invention, when the occurrence of a specific event that occurs before printing is detected, the print preparation time required until the start of printing is predicted, and quality improvement processing is performed before the start of printing based on the length thereof. It is determined whether or not to execute. Thereby, the burden of a user's waiting time can be reduced.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the determination means compares the print preparation time with the time required for the quality improvement processing, and makes the determination based on the result.
According to the second aspect, since the print preparation time and the time required for the quality improvement process are compared, it is determined whether or not the quality improvement process is to be executed. As a result, accurate judgment can be made.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the determining means executes the quality improvement processing when the print preparation time is longer than the time required for the quality improvement processing, and the print preparation time is the quality improvement. If the time required for the processing is less than the time required for the processing, it is determined not to execute the quality improvement processing.

  According to the third invention, when the print preparation time is shorter than the time required for the quality improvement process, the start of printing can be prevented from being delayed due to the execution of the quality improvement process by not executing the quality improvement process.

In a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the determination unit performs the determination when the detection unit detects that the instruction reception unit has received a print instruction.
According to the fourth aspect, when it is detected that the print instruction has been received, it is determined whether or not to execute the quality improvement process.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the instruction receiving unit includes an operation unit that allows a user to perform a print instruction input operation and a print condition input operation. The determination is performed when an operation related to the input of the printing condition in the operation unit is detected by the detection unit.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when an operation (such as designation of a print mode) related to the input of print conditions performed before a print instruction is detected, the print preparation time is predicted and the execution of the quality improvement process is determined. . Accordingly, since it is possible to make a determination earlier than when the determination is made for the first time when a print instruction is input, it is possible to perform a quality improvement process for a long time until the start of printing.

  In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the determination means is predetermined as a time from when an operation related to the input of the print condition is input to the input of the print instruction in the operation unit. The specified time is included in the print preparation time.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the time from when the operation related to the input of the printing condition is generally detected until the printing instruction is input is not constant, but includes a predetermined specified time in the printing preparation time. Thus, predictions can be made with a certain degree of accuracy.

  In a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the determination unit performs the determination again when the detection unit detects an input operation of a print instruction in the operation unit.

  According to the seventh aspect, the determination is performed when an operation related to the input of the printing condition is detected, and then the determination is performed again when the printing instruction is input. Generally, the time from when an operation related to the input of printing conditions is detected to when a printing instruction is input is not constant. Therefore, for example, if a quality improvement process is executed by the first determination, and if the quality improvement process is completed at the next determination, or if the process has advanced, it is determined that there is a time margin. Flexible processing can be performed according to the situation, such as executing improvement processing.

  According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, there is provided condition accepting means for accepting an input of print conditions, wherein the judging means is configured to print the print based on the print conditions accepted by the condition accepting means. Predict preparation time.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, for example, since the time required for generating print data varies depending on various printing conditions such as image quality setting conditions and aggregate printing settings, by performing prediction based on the printing conditions, The print preparation time can be predicted with higher accuracy.

  According to a ninth invention, in the eighth invention, the print condition can be set to aggregate printing in which images for a plurality of pages are aggregated and printed on a single recording medium, and the determination means includes the print condition When the aggregate printing is set, the print preparation time is predicted according to the number of pages to be aggregated.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, generally, the larger the number of pages to be aggregated, the longer it takes to generate print data. Therefore, the print preparation time can be accurately predicted by performing prediction according to the number of pages to be aggregated. .

  According to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, a document table on which documents can be placed one by one, a document supply means for feeding a set of documents that can be set with a plurality of documents one by one, and the document table A reading unit that selectively reads one of a document placed on the document and a document supplied from the document supply unit and acquires image data, and the determination unit is acquired by the reading unit When performing collective printing based on image data, the print preparation time when the reading unit reads the document supplied from the document supply unit is the print preparation time when the document placed on the document table is read. Is predicted to be smaller than

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when reading a plurality of documents and performing aggregate printing, it is considered that it takes more time to read a document on the document table than to read a document supplied from a document supply unit. Therefore, by predicting the print preparation time in the former case to be smaller than the print preparation time in the latter case, accurate prediction can be performed.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a light source that irradiates a document with light, a reading unit that reads the document and acquires image data, and a measuring unit that measures the temperature of the light source The determination unit predicts the print preparation time based on the temperature of the light source measured by the measurement unit when performing printing based on the image data acquired by the reading unit.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in general, when reading a document, after the light source is turned on, reading starts after the temperature rises to some extent and the light quantity stabilizes, so reading starts when the temperature of the light source is low. It takes time. Therefore, the print preparation time can be accurately predicted by measuring the temperature of the light source and changing the print preparation time according to the measured temperature.

  In a twelfth aspect based on any one of the first to eleventh aspects, an acquisition unit that acquires image data and print data to be supplied to the printing unit are generated based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit. And a data generation unit configured to predict the data generation time for the data generation unit to generate print data based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit, and determine the data generation time. Included in the print preparation time.

  According to the twelfth aspect, the data generation time is predicted based on the image data (data size, data format, etc.), and the data generation time is included in the print preparation time, so the print preparation time is predicted with higher accuracy. Can do.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the control means is capable of executing a plurality of types of quality improvement processing, and the determination means is responsive to a length of the print preparation time. Switch the type of quality improvement processing to be performed.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, for example, a simple process that requires a short time is performed when the print preparation time is short, and a high-precision process that takes a long time is performed when the print preparation time is long. It is possible to perform processing with as high accuracy as possible while suppressing the burden.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the control means can execute a plurality of types of quality improvement processing, and the determination means has a priority among the quality improvement processes. Higher order is executed first, and order setting means for setting the priority order of the quality improvement processing by the user is provided.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, since the user can set the priority order when executing the quality improvement process, the convenience is high.

  According to the present invention, when the occurrence of a specific event that occurs before printing is detected, the print preparation time required until the start of printing is predicted, and the quality improvement process is executed before the start of printing based on the length. Judge whether to do. Thereby, the burden of a user's waiting time can be reduced.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Configuration of MFP)
In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a multifunction device 1 (an example of an image reading apparatus) having a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the document reading unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device 1 includes a main body 2 that houses a printing unit 26 (see FIG. 3) that prints an image on a recording medium (not shown) such as paper, and above that. A document reading unit 3 for reading a document is provided. An operation unit 4, a display unit 5, and a USB interface 6 are provided on the front side of the document reading unit 3. The operation unit 4 (an example of an instruction receiving unit and a condition receiving unit) includes a plurality of buttons, and various operations such as setting printing conditions and inputting a printing instruction are possible by the user. The display unit 5 includes a liquid crystal display, a lamp, and the like, and can display various setting screens, operation states, and the like. A USB device such as a USB memory 7 (see FIG. 3) or a digital camera can be connected to the USB interface 6.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the document reading unit 3 includes a flat bed unit 8 and a document cover unit 9 that covers the upper part of the document bed unit 9 so as to be openable and closable. A transparent first platen glass 10 (an example of a document table) and a second platen glass 11 are provided side by side on the upper surface of the flat bed portion 8. The document cover unit 9 includes an ADF 12 (an example of a document supply unit), a document tray 13 on which a plurality of documents can be set, and a discharge tray 14 from which the document after reading is discharged. The ADF 12 conveys the originals placed on the original tray 13 one by one, conveys the originals to a position facing the second platen glass 11, and then discharges them onto the discharge tray 14.

  An image sensor 14 is provided below the first platen glass 10. The image sensor 14 is, for example, of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type, and includes a CCD imaging device 15 (an example of a reading unit), an optical element 16 including a lens, and a light source 17 such as a fluorescent lamp. The CCD image pickup device 15 has a plurality of pixel portions arranged in a line in the main scanning direction (a direction orthogonal to the paper surface), and reflects the reflected light when light is applied to the document from the light source 17 to the optical device 16. Then, light is received by a photodiode provided in each pixel portion, and an electric signal corresponding to the amount of received light, that is, image data is output for each pixel portion. In addition, a temperature sensor 18 (an example of a measuring unit) is provided next to the light source 17, and the temperature sensor 18 can measure the temperature of the light source 17 (more precisely, the temperature in the vicinity of the light source 17). ing.

  The document reading unit 3 can selectively perform one of reading of a document placed on the first platen glass 10 and reading of a document supplied by the ADF 12. In the former case, the image sensor 14 is moved in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), and the original is read line by line. In the latter case, when the image sensor 14 is fixed at a position facing the second platen glass 11 and the document is conveyed to a position facing the second platen glass 11 by driving the ADF 12, the reading of the document is performed. Is performed line by line.

(Electrical configuration)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction device 1 and the computer 30 connected to the multifunction device 1.

  The multifunction device 1 includes a CPU 21 (an example of a detection unit, a determination unit, a control unit, and a data generation unit), a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 24, and a network interface 25 (an example of an instruction reception unit and a condition reception unit). The printing unit 26 (an example of a printing unit), the document reading unit 3, the operation unit 4, the display unit 5, the USB interface 6 and the like described above are connected to these.

  The ROM 22 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the multifunction device 1 such as printing / correction control processing described later. The CPU 20 stores the processing results in the RAM 23 and the NVRAM 24 according to the programs read from the ROM 21. The operation of the multi-function device 1 is controlled. The network interface 25 is connected to an external computer 30 or the like via a communication line 28, and mutual data communication is possible.

  The computer 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk drive 34, an operation unit 35, a display unit 36, a network interface 37, and the like. The hard disk drive 34 stores various programs such as application software and a printer driver for creating printing data. The operation unit 35 includes a keyboard and a pointing device, and the display unit 36 includes a liquid crystal display. The network interface 37 is connected to the communication line 28.

  When the CPU 31 receives a print request command from the operation unit 35 by a user input operation, the CPU 31 delivers the image data created by the application software to the printer driver, and performs processing for converting it to, for example, PDL data. Then, data in which a print command (command), a print condition setting value, and the like are added to the PDL data is transmitted via the network interface 37. The image data transmitted from the computer 30 to the multifunction device 1 includes not only PDL data (PS, PDF, etc.) that requires page data creation processing (development processing to bitmap data) on the multifunction device 1 side, but also the multifunction device. There are various formats such as bitmap data (such as GDI) that does not require page data creation processing on one side.

(Printing / correction control processing)
Next, the operation of the printing / correction control process executed in the multifunction machine 1 will be described. 4 to 7 are flowcharts showing the flow of the printing / correction control process, and FIG. 8 is a table showing examples of conditions and specified values used when calculating the print preparation time.

  When the MFP 1 is turned on and the printing / correction control process is started, the CPU 21 waits for the occurrence of a predetermined pre-printing event as shown in FIG. 4 (S101). In this embodiment, the occurrence of a pre-print event refers to a case where image data including a print instruction transmitted from the computer 30 is received and a case where the copy mode or direct print mode is selected by the operation unit 8. It is the case when it is broken. The copy mode is a mode for printing an image of a document read by the document reading unit 3, and the direct print mode is for printing an image based on image data stored in a USB memory 7 or the like connected to the USB interface 6. It is a mode to do. When detecting the occurrence of the pre-printing event (S101: Yes), the CPU 21 performs initialization to set the value of the set prediction time Ts (an example of the print preparation time) to 0 (S102).

  The estimated setting time Ts is a time estimated after the user selects a mode on the operation unit 8 to set printing conditions and then input a print command (copy start or direct print start). And is set to a predetermined value (therefore, the set prediction time Ts may be different from the time required for actual setting). That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when the copy mode is selected in the operation unit 8 (S103: Yes), the CPU 21 sets, for example, 30s as the copy setting time in Ts (S104), and the direct print mode is set. If it is selected (S103: No, S105: Yes), 40s is set as the direct print setting time in Ts (S106). Here, the printing conditions are, for example, image quality, presence / absence of aggregate printing or the number of pages to be aggregated, presence / absence of double-sided printing, number of prints, etc. In the direct print mode, the print target file in the USB memory 7 Includes specifications.

  Here, the multifunction device 1 can execute two types of correction processing (both examples of quality improvement processing) of density correction and color misregistration correction under the control of the CPU 21. In the density correction, for example, when the multifunction machine 1 is an electrophotographic system, a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of a belt or the like, and the development bias is corrected based on the result of measuring the optical density, thereby forming an image. Adjust the density. In the color misregistration correction, for example, a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of a belt or the like, and the image forming position is adjusted based on the result of measuring the position of the pattern.

  Further, in the multifunction device 1, the user can set the priority order of the above-described density correction and color misregistration correction in advance. That is, when the priority of each correction process is input from the operation unit 8 by the setting program executed by the control of the CPU 21, the set value is stored in the NVRAM 24, and in this print / correction control process as shown below. The correction process with the higher priority is executed preferentially. In the following processing, the higher priority is referred to as correction 1, and the lower priority is referred to as correction 2.

  The density correction and the color misregistration correction have two execution modes, high-precision execution and high-speed execution, respectively. The high-precision correction is a process with higher accuracy than the high-speed correction by performing more measurements than the high-speed correction, and takes more time than the high-speed correction. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a prescribed value of (predicted) execution time is determined for the correction processing in each mode.

  When the CPU 21 sets the predicted set time Ts in S104 or S106, or receives image data via the network interface 25 (S105: No, referred to as PC print mode), the previous correction 1 It is determined whether one hour or more has elapsed since the execution of (S107). If 1 hour has passed since the previous execution of correction 1 (S107: Yes), it is further determined whether 2 hours have passed since the previous execution of correction 1 (S108).

  Note that S107 is a determination based on the execution preliminary condition for correction 1, and if this condition is satisfied, it is desirable to execute correction 1, but it may not be executed depending on the situation. Further, S108 is a determination based on the execution condition of the correction 1, and when this condition is satisfied, the correction 1 is always executed.

  When two hours have passed since the previous execution of correction 1 (S108: Yes), the CPU 21 executes high-precision correction of correction 1 (S109). When two hours have not elapsed since the previous execution of correction 1 (S108: No), it is determined whether the set predicted time Ts is longer than the high-precision execution time of correction 1 (S110). That is, for example, if correction 1 is density correction, it is determined whether Ts> 60 [s] is satisfied. If the set prediction time Ts is longer than the high-precision execution time of the correction 1 (S110: Yes), that is, if it is predicted that the high-precision correction will be completed within the set prediction time, the process proceeds to S109, and the correction 1 Run in high precision mode.

  If the set predicted time Ts is not longer than the high-precision execution time of correction 1 (S110: No), it is determined whether the set predicted time Ts is longer than the high-speed execution time of correction 1 (S111). That is, for example, if correction 1 is density correction, it is determined whether Ts> 30 [s] is satisfied. Then, when the set prediction time Ts is longer than the high-speed execution time of the correction 1 (S111: Yes), that is, when it is predicted that the high-speed correction is completed within the set prediction time, the correction 1 is executed in the high-speed mode. (S112).

  When it is determined in S107 that one hour has not elapsed since the previous execution of correction 1 (S107: No, that is, when the execution preliminary condition for correction 1 is not satisfied), or in S111, the set predicted time Ts Is determined not to be longer than the high-speed execution time of correction 1 (S111: No), that is, when correction 1 is not executed, subsequently, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether 20 hours have passed (execution preliminary condition for correction 2) (S113). If 20 hours have elapsed since the previous correction 2 was executed (S113: Yes), it is determined whether 24 hours have elapsed since the execution of correction 2 (execution conditions for correction 2) (S114). .

  When 24 hours have passed since the previous execution of correction 2 (S114: Yes), the CPU 21 executes high-precision correction of correction 2 (S115). If 24 hours have not elapsed since the previous execution of correction 2 (S114: No), it is determined whether the set predicted time Ts is longer than the high-precision execution time of correction 2 (S116). That is, for example, if correction 2 is color misregistration correction, it is determined whether Ts> 40 [s] is satisfied. Then, when the set prediction time Ts is longer than the high-precision execution time of the correction 2 (S116: Yes), that is, when it is predicted that the high-precision correction will be completed within the set prediction time, the process proceeds to S115, and the correction 2 Run in high precision mode.

  If the set predicted time Ts is not longer than the high-precision execution time of correction 2 (S116: No), it is determined whether the set predicted time Ts is longer than the high-speed execution time of correction 2 (S117). That is, for example, if correction 1 is color misregistration correction, it is determined whether Ts> 20 [s] is satisfied. When the set prediction time Ts is longer than the high-speed execution time of the correction 2 (S117: Yes), that is, when it is predicted that the high-speed correction will be completed within the set prediction time, the correction 2 is executed in the high-speed mode. (S118).

  When it is determined in S113 that 20 hours have not elapsed since the execution of the previous correction 2 (S113: No), it is determined in S117 that Ts is not greater than the high-speed execution time of correction 2 (S117: No), or when correction 2 is executed in S115 and S118, it is determined whether a print instruction has been received as shown in FIG. 6 (S120). If a print instruction has already been input from the operation unit 8 or image data including a print instruction has been received via the network interface 25 (S120: Yes), the next process (S121) is immediately performed. ) When the copy mode or the direct print mode is selected from the operation unit 8 and the print instruction is not input from the operation unit 8 (S120: No), the CPU 21 waits for the input of the print instruction, When it is detected that a print instruction has been input (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to the next process (S121).

  Subsequently, the CPU 21 performs initialization to set the value of the estimated print preparation time Tp to 0 (S121). The estimated print preparation time Tp is for predicting the time required from the receipt of a print instruction to the start of printing (thus, it may differ from the time required to start actual printing). The value of Tp is calculated according to various conditions. When the copy mode is selected (S122: Yes), the CPU 21 calculates the copy mode preparation time as follows, for example, and sets the value as the print preparation estimated time Tp (S123).

  When calculating the copy mode preparation time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, first, a value corresponding to the temperature of the light source 17 measured by the temperature sensor 18 in the document reading unit 3 is added to the basic time 5 s. This value is a value for including the time required for warming up the light source 17 in Tp. If the temperature of the light source 17 is in the range of A, +10 s, +20 s in the range of B, +30 s in the range of C (A> B> C). For example, the longer the time to be added, the lower the temperature.

  Subsequently, when consolidated printing is set as the printing condition, the time to be added to the above value is determined based on the number of pages to be consolidated and the original reading method. For example, when reading an original document supplied from the ADF 12, when images for two pages are consolidated and printed on the same page of paper (2 in 1), images for four seconds are collectively printed on the same page of paper. In some cases, the time to be added is increased according to the number of pages to be aggregated, such as 15 s. Further, when performing the same 2-in-1 collective printing, the flat bed portion is 10 s when reading a document of the ADF 12, and 30 s when reading a document placed on the first platen glass 10 of the flat bed portion 8. The time for reading the original 8 is longer than that for reading the original of the ADF 12. Further, when the high image quality mode is set as the printing condition, the value obtained as described above is multiplied by 1.5. If double-sided recording is set, data for both the front and back sides is required, so the obtained value is doubled. The CPU 21 sets the value thus obtained in Tp as the copy mode preparation time.

  When the direct print mode is designated (S122: No, S124: Yes), the CPU 21 calculates the direct print preparation time and sets it to the print preparation estimated time Tp (S125). When calculating the direct print preparation time, for example, a value corresponding to the format of the file designated as the print target is added to 5s which is the basic time. That is, here, the data generation time necessary for generating the print data to be supplied to the printing unit 26 based on the image data is predicted. For example, if the file takes 10 s if the file is in PS (PostScript) format, and 30 s if the file is in PDF format, the time required for the data expansion / analysis processing is increased. Here, the time to be added may be changed according to the size of the file to be printed. Further, based on the value obtained as described above, a value corresponding to the setting of printing conditions such as the presence / absence of double-sided recording setting is calculated as described above, and set to Tp as the direct print preparation time.

  In the case of the PC print mode (S124: No), the CPU 21 calculates the PC print preparation time and sets the value to the print preparation prediction time Tp (S126). When calculating the PC print preparation time, for example, a value corresponding to the image data format (PS, PDF, GDI format, etc.) or the data size is calculated. Further, based on the obtained value, a value corresponding to the setting of printing conditions such as the presence / absence of double-sided recording setting is calculated as described above, and set to Tp as the PC print preparation time.

  After setting the print preparation predicted time Tp value in S123, S125, or S126, the CPU 21 uses the print preparation predicted time Tp instead of the print setting predicted time Ts in the subsequent processing of S127 to S138. Substantially the same processing as S107 to S118 described above is performed.

  That is, if the execution preliminary condition for correction 1 is satisfied (S127: Yes), if the execution condition for correction 1 is satisfied (S128: Yes), correction 1 is executed in the high accuracy mode (S129). When the execution condition for correction 1 is not satisfied (S128: No), high-precision correction for correction 1 is performed when high-precision correction is predicted to be completed within the print preparation prediction time Tp (S130: Yes). Execute (S129). If it is predicted that the high-precision correction will not end (S130: No), if the high-speed correction is predicted to end within the print preparation prediction time Tp (S131: Yes), the correction 1 high-speed correction is executed. (S132).

  If the correction 1 is not executed in S129 or S132 (S127: No or S131: No), it is subsequently determined whether the execution preliminary condition for the correction 2 is satisfied (S133). If the execution preconditions for correction 2 are satisfied (S133: Yes), if the execution conditions for correction 2 are satisfied (S134: Yes), correction 2 is executed in the high accuracy mode (S135). When the execution condition of the correction 2 is not satisfied (S134: No), the high-precision correction of the correction 2 is performed when the high-precision correction is predicted to be completed within the print preparation prediction time Tp (S136: Yes). Execute (S135). If it is predicted that the high-precision correction will not end (S136: No), if it is predicted that the high-speed correction will be completed within the print preparation prediction time Tp (S137: Yes), the high-speed correction of correction 1 is executed. (S138).

(Effect of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the occurrence of a specific event that occurs before printing is detected, the print preparation time (Ts or Tp) required to start printing is predicted and based on the length thereof. It is determined whether or not correction is executed before printing is started. Thereby, the burden of a user's waiting time can be reduced.

Further, since the print preparation time (Ts or Tp) is compared with the time required for the correction process, it is determined whether or not the correction process is executed (S110, S111, etc.). It is possible to make an accurate judgment so as not to become.
In particular, when the print preparation time is shorter than the time required for the correction process, the correction process is not executed (S110: No, S111: No, etc.), thereby preventing the start of printing from being delayed due to the execution of the correction process.

  Further, when an operation related to the input of printing conditions performed before the print instruction (such as designation of a print mode) is detected (S101: Yes), the print preparation time Ts is predicted (S104, etc.), and correction is made based on the predicted time. The execution of the process is determined (S110, etc.). As a result, since it is possible to make a determination earlier than when the determination is made for the first time when a print instruction is input, it is possible to perform a correction process for a long time until the start of printing.

  In general, the time from when the operation related to the input of the printing condition is detected until the printing instruction is input is not constant, but by including a predetermined specified time in the printing preparation time Ts, a certain degree of accuracy is achieved. Predictions can be made.

  Further, after a determination is made when an operation related to the input of printing conditions is detected (S110, etc.), a determination is made again when a printing instruction is input (S130, etc.). Generally, the time from when an operation related to the input of printing conditions is detected to when a printing instruction is input is not constant. Therefore, for example, if a quality improvement process is executed by the first determination, and if the quality improvement process is completed at the next determination, or if the process has advanced, it is determined that there is a time margin. Flexible processing can be performed according to the situation, such as executing improvement processing. For example, in the above embodiment, correction 1 is executed when the user first selects a copy mode (S109, etc.), and then when a print instruction is input from the operation unit 8 (S120: Yes). If it is determined that the correction 2 can be executed within the estimated print preparation time Tp (S136: Yes, etc.), the correction 2 is executed (S135, etc.).

Also, for example, the print data generation time varies depending on various print conditions such as image quality setting conditions and aggregate print settings. Therefore, the print preparation time can be improved more accurately by making a prediction based on the print conditions. Can be predicted.
In general, the larger the number of pages to be aggregated, the longer it takes to generate print data and the like. Therefore, the print preparation time can be accurately predicted by performing prediction according to the number of pages to be aggregated.

  In the case of performing the collective printing by reading a plurality of documents, it is considered that it takes more time to read the document on the flatbed unit 8 than to read the document supplied from the ADF 12. The printing preparation time is predicted to be smaller than the printing preparation time in the latter case, so that accurate prediction can be performed.

  In general, when reading a document, reading is started after the light source is turned on and the temperature rises to some extent and the light quantity is stabilized. Therefore, it takes time to start reading when the temperature of the light source is low. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the light source 17 and changing the print preparation time according to the measured temperature, the print preparation time can be accurately predicted.

  Further, since the data generation time is predicted based on the image data (data size, data format, etc.) and the data generation time is included in the print preparation time, the print preparation time can be predicted with higher accuracy.

In addition, for example, simple processing that can be done in a short time when the print preparation time is short, and high-precision processing that takes a long time when the print preparation time is long can be performed as much as possible while suppressing the burden on the user's waiting time. High-precision processing can be performed.
Further, since the user can set the priority order when executing the quality improvement process, the convenience is high.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) The occurrence of a specific event before printing is not limited to a user operation or reception of image data. For example, when an opening or closing operation of a document cover is detected by an open / close sensor or the like, or a document is placed on a document tray Alternatively, it may be detected by a document sensor or the like. Further, when any event occurs, even if it is uncertain whether or not the user actually instructs execution of printing, it may be determined whether or not to perform the quality improvement process.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, as the quality improvement process, the correction of positional deviation and the density correction is shown. However, according to the present invention, other correction processes may be performed as the quality improvement process. Further, for example, in the case of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, cleaning processing of a photosensitive drum or a belt may be performed, and in the case of an ink jet type image forming apparatus, head nozzle cleaning processing may be performed.

(3) Execution preliminary conditions and execution conditions of each correction process in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate, or may be determined not by time but by the number of printed sheets, temperature in the apparatus, and the like.
(4) The values and conditions for predicting the print preparation time in the above embodiment are examples, and can be changed as appropriate. These set values and conditions may be arbitrarily set by the user and stored in NVRAM or the like, and used when predicting the print preparation time.

(5) In the above embodiment, the determination is made by comparing the print preparation time and the time required for the quality improvement processing, but the determination may be made based on other conditions. Further, even when the quality improvement process takes longer than the print preparation time, it may be determined to perform the quality improvement process.
(6) In the above embodiment, a file in a USB memory is printed in the direct print mode. However, the present invention prints a file stored in a storage medium in a digital camera or other external storage medium, for example. It can also be applied to.

1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Main section enlarged view of the document reading section Block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a multifunction machine and a computer Flow chart showing the flow of printing / correction control processing Flow chart showing the flow of printing / correction control processing Flow chart showing the flow of printing / correction control processing Flow chart showing the flow of printing / correction control processing Table showing examples of conditions and specified values used when calculating print preparation time

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Multifunction machine (image forming device)
4. Operation unit (instruction receiving means, condition receiving means)
10 ... 1st platen glass (original platen)
12 ... ADF (original supply means)
15. CCD image sensor 15 (reading means)
18 ... Temperature sensor (measuring means)
21 ... CPU (detection means, determination means, control means, data generation means)
25 ... Network interface 25 (instruction receiving means, condition receiving means)
26. Printing section (printing means)

Claims (5)

An instruction receiving means for receiving a print instruction;
Condition accepting means for accepting input of printing conditions;
Printing means for printing an image on a recording medium;
Detection means for detecting the occurrence of a specific event that occurs before printing;
When the occurrence of the specific event is detected by the detection unit, a print preparation time required to start printing is predicted based on the print condition received by the condition reception unit, and based on the length of the print preparation time Determining means for determining whether or not to execute quality improvement processing relating to the printing operation before starting printing;
Control means for controlling the execution of printing by the printing means based on the printing instruction, and for controlling the execution of the quality improvement processing based on the judgment by the judgment means;
A document table on which documents can be placed one by one;
A document supply means for feeding a set of documents, each of which can set a plurality of documents,
Reading means for selectively reading one of a document placed on the document table and a document supplied from the document supply means, and acquiring image data;
Equipped with a,
As the printing condition, it is possible to set aggregate printing that aggregates and prints images of a plurality of pages on one recording medium,
The determination means includes
When the detection unit detects that the instruction reception unit has received a print instruction, the print preparation time is compared with the time required for the quality improvement process, and the print preparation time is required for the quality improvement process. Performing the quality improvement process when larger than the time, and determining not to perform the quality improvement process when the print preparation time is smaller than the time required for the quality improvement process,
When aggregate printing is set as the print condition, the print preparation time is predicted according to the number of pages to be aggregated,
When performing aggregate printing based on image data acquired by the reading means, the print preparation time when the reading means reads the original supplied from the original supply means is the original placed on the original table An image forming apparatus that predicts to be shorter than the print preparation time for reading . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
A light source for illuminating the document ;
Comprising measuring means for measuring the temperature of the pre-Symbol light source, the,
The judgment unit may, imaging, characterized in that when performing printing based on image data acquired by the reading unit, for predicting the printing preparation time on the basis of the temperature of the light source which is measured by said measuring means Equipment . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Data generating means for generating print data to be supplied to the printing means based on the image data acquired by the acquiring means,
The judgment unit may, characterized in that on the basis of image data acquired by the acquisition unit, said data generating means predicts such data generation time for generating the print data, including the data generation time to the print preparation time An image forming apparatus . The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The control means can execute a plurality of types of quality improvement processing,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit switches a type of quality improvement processing to be executed according to a length of the print preparation time. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The control means can execute a plurality of types of quality improvement processing,
The determination means first executes a higher priority among the quality improvement processes,
An image forming apparatus comprising: order setting means for setting a priority of the quality improvement processing by a user.

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