Image formation device and medium kind notification method

Abstract

To provide an image formation device and a medium kind notification method enabling selection of medium kind in which convenience of a user is improved.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 for forming an image on a rolled sheet comprises: a measurement part 2100 for measuring an external form of the rolled sheet; a storage part 2600 for storing a data list constituted by medium information including the external form of the rolled sheet measured in advance and medium kind; a selection part 2200 for selecting the medium kind on the basis of the external form of the rolled sheet measured by the measurement part 2100 and the data list of the storage part 2600; and a notification part 2300 for notifying the medium kind on the basis of a selection result of the selection part 2200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a medium type notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional image forming apparatuses, the user is required to set the medium information on the operation panel in order to perform appropriate control based on the medium information to be printed (see paragraph 0082 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-181065 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is cumbersome for users to set the medium information for each print job, and there is a need for improved user convenience. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a medium type notification method that enable users to select a medium type with improved user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the image forming device for forming an image on roll paper according to this embodiment is characterized by having a measurement unit that measures the outer shape of the roll paper, a memory unit that stores a data list consisting of media information including the outer shape of the roll paper measured in advance and the media type, a selection unit that selects the media type based on the outer shape of the roll paper measured by the measurement unit and the data list in the memory unit, and a notification unit that notifies the media type based on the selection result of the selection unit.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the media type notification method of this embodiment is characterized by measuring the outer shape of roll paper, storing a data list consisting of media information including the measured outer shape of the roll paper and the media type, selecting the media type based on the outer shape of the set roll paper and the data list pre-stored in the memory unit, and notifying the media type based on the selection result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the image forming device measures the outer shape of the roll paper, selects and notifies the medium type based on the measured outer shape of the roll paper and the outer shape of the roll paper pre-stored in the memory unit, thereby reducing the hassle for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process from power-on to power-off of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process from when the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is powered on until print data is received. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data list according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing roll paper application conditions according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a structural diagram showing a first rotation detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a timing chart showing an output waveform of a detection result of a first rotation detection sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second rotation detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]6 is a timing chart showing an output waveform of the detection result of the second rotation detection sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a screen for notifying a user about an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a view showing a roll paper information input screen according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of printing to the end of printing in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Embodiment> 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is mainly divided into two sections: a feeder section 1000 and a printing section 1100.

[0010] The feeder section 1000 includes a roll paper holder 1001 that supports the roll paper P, a first rotation detection sensor 1002 that detects the rotation of the roll paper holder 1001, a roll paper presence sensor 1003 that detects whether the roll paper P is set in the image forming device 100, a first pair of transport rollers 1004 that transport the roll paper P, a passage sensor 1005 that detects the passage of the roll paper P transported by the first pair of transport rollers 1004, a cutter unit 1006 that cuts the roll paper P, a second pair of transport rollers 1007 that transports the roll paper P to the printing section 1100, a cutter-out sensor 1008 that detects the passage of the rear end of the cut roll paper P, and a feeder control section 2710.

[0011] The transport path X is a transport path along which the roll paper P is transported by a first transport roller pair 1004 and a second transport roller pair 1007.

[0012] The printing unit 1100 includes an IN sensor 1101 that detects whether or not roll paper P is being supplied, a third pair of transport rollers 1102 that transports the roll paper P to an image forming unit 1104 described later, a WR sensor 1103 that detects the timing of image formation in the image forming unit 1104 described later, the image forming unit 1104 that forms an image on the roll paper P, a fixing unit 1105 that fixes the toner image to the image-formed roll paper P, a fourth pair of transport rollers 1106 that discharges the roll paper P outside the image forming device, an operation panel 1107, a main control unit 2000, and a print control unit 2720.

[0013] In the image forming unit 1104, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum 11041 exposed by an exposure unit (not shown), and a toner image is developed onto the roll paper P.

[0014] The fixing unit 1105 fixes the developed toner image onto the roll paper P by pressing and heating the toner image developed on the roll paper P by the image forming unit 1104 .

[0015] The transport path Y is a transport path along which the roll paper P is transported by a third transport roller pair 1102 and a fourth transport roller pair 1106.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main control unit 2000, a display unit 2400, an operation unit 2500, a storage unit 2600, a feeder control unit 2710, and a print control unit 2720.

[0018] The main control unit 2000, which controls the entire system of the image forming apparatus 100, has a measurement unit 2100 that measures the radius of the roll paper P as the outer shape of the roll paper P, a selection unit 2200 that selects the medium type of the roll paper P based on the radius of the roll paper P measured by the measurement unit 2100 and the radius of the roll paper P stored in the memory unit 2600, and a notification unit 2300 that notifies the display unit 2400 of the content to be displayed on the operation panel 1107, a PC, etc.

[0019] The measurement unit 2100 includes a speed calculation unit 2101 that calculates the transport speed and angular velocity of the roll paper P, and a radius calculation unit 2102 that calculates the radius of the roll paper P based on the calculation results of the speed calculation unit 2101. In this embodiment, the transport speed and angular velocity of the roll paper P are calculated using the detection results of the first rotation detection sensor 1002 and the second rotation detection sensor 1009 shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later, according to equations (1), (2), and (3), which will be described later, and the values ​​calculated using the equations are also considered to have been measured.

[0020] The display unit 2400 controls the operation panel 1107 to display the result of the notification unit 2300 .

[0021] The operation unit 2500 detects the content entered or selected by the user from the touch panel or keyboard input of the operation panel 1107, and the display unit 2400 controls the operation panel 1107 to appropriately display the detected content.

[0022] The storage unit 2600 is a non-volatile memory including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an SSD, and is a storage medium that stores information even when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered off.

[0023] The feeder control unit 2710 includes a first conveying control unit 2711 that controls the drive speed of the first conveying roller pair 1004 and the second conveying roller pair 1007, which are driven by a drive motor not shown, a cutter unit control unit 2712 that controls the cutter unit 1006, and a first sensor monitoring unit 2713 that monitors the ON / OFF outputs of the electrical signals converted from the sensor outputs of the first rotation detection sensor 1002, the roll paper presence sensor 1003, the passage sensor 1005, the cutout sensor 1008, and the second rotation detection sensor 1009.

[0024] The print control unit 2720 includes a second conveying control unit 2721 that controls the drive speed of the third conveying roller pair 1102 and the fourth conveying roller pair 1106, which are driven by a drive motor not shown, an image forming control unit 2722 that controls the exposure unit and image forming unit 1104, not shown, a fixing control unit 2723 that controls the fixing unit 1105, and a second sensor monitoring unit 2724 that monitors the output signals of the IN sensor 1101 and the WR sensor 1103.

[0025] The main control unit 2000, the feeder control unit 2710, and the print control unit 2720 control the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 100 by having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an arithmetic device not shown, execute a control program stored in ROM.

[0026] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. First, the user fixes roll paper P to roll paper holder 1001 and sets it so that roll paper P is sandwiched between the first transport roller pair 1004. A roll paper presence sensor 1003 detects whether roll paper P is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. A first rotation detection sensor 1002, described below, detects whether roll paper P is rotating in conjunction with the roll paper holder 1001. A speed calculation unit 2101 measures a period T1, described below, from the detection result of first rotation detection sensor 1002, which is output as an electrical signal converted by a first sensor monitoring unit 2713. 9 , which is applied to a first conveyance roller pair 1004 (described later) and a second conveyance roller pair 1007 (described later), and outputs an electrical signal converted by a first sensor monitoring unit 2713 to control the first conveyance roller pair 1004 and the second conveyance roller pair 1007. The feeder control unit 2710 controls the conveyance speed by driving and adjusting the first conveyance roller pair 1004 and the second conveyance roller pair 1007 using the first conveyance control unit 2711, so that the roll paper P is conveyed at a conveyance speed determined by the paper type and thickness. With the roll paper P sandwiched between the first conveyance roller pair 1004 and the second conveyance roller pair 1007, the first conveyance control unit 2711 rotates the first conveyance roller pair 1004 and the second conveyance roller pair 1007, causing the roll paper P to pass through conveyance path X and be conveyed to the printing unit 1100. A passage sensor 1005 detects that the roll paper P is being transported toward the printing unit 1100. The roll paper P is cut to an appropriate length by a cutter unit 1006 controlled by a cutter unit control unit 2712, and the cut roll paper P is transported by a third transport roller pair 1102, and the rear end of the roll paper P is detected by a cutter-out sensor 1008.

[0027] The roll paper P transported to the printing unit 1100 is transported to the transport path Y. The second transport control unit 2721 adjusts the drive of the third transport roller pair 1102 and the fourth transport roller pair 1106, and the print control unit 2720 controls the transport speed. A toner image is formed on the roll paper P passing through the transport path Y by the image forming unit 1104. The toner image is fixed on the roll paper P by the fixing unit 1105, and the toner image is formed. The roll paper P with the image formed passes through the transport path Y and is discharged outside the image forming apparatus.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation from when the power supply of image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is turned on to when it is turned off.

[0029] In S1, the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 detects whether the roll paper P has been replaced. Specifically, if the roll paper presence sensor 1003 shown in Fig. 1 detects the roll paper P, the roll paper P has not been replaced. On the other hand, if the roll paper presence sensor 1003 detects the roll paper P after not detecting it, the roll paper P has been replaced. The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 in S1 is shown in detail in the flowchart in Fig. 4, which will be described later.

[0030] 1 receives print data transmitted from a host device such as a PC or a smartphone, and performs a printing operation. This printing operation is described in detail in the flowchart of FIG. 13, which will be described later.

[0031] The roll paper replacement detection operation (S1) shown in Figure 3 will be described in detail using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the roll paper replacement detection operation. Figure 4 will be described using Figures 5 to 12.

[0032] In S1001, the roll paper presence sensor 1003 shown in Fig. 1 detects whether roll paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 100. If the roll paper presence sensor 1003 detects roll paper P, then roll paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 100; if the roll paper presence sensor 1003 does not detect roll paper P, then roll paper P is not set in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] When the roll paper presence sensor 1003 shown in FIG. 1 detects roll paper P, the process proceeds to S1002, which will be described later, and in S1003, which will be described later, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 changes the status of the data block from "updating" to "holding." This is because it is not possible to confirm whether the roll paper P has been replaced after power to the image forming apparatus 100 was cut off. On the other hand, if roll paper P is not detected, S1001 is repeated until roll paper P is detected.

[0034] For example, if the roll paper presence sensor 1003 shown in FIG. 1 detects the roll paper P again after it has stopped detecting the roll paper P, the process proceeds to S1002 described below, and in S1003 described below, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 changes the status of the data block for the roll paper P set in the image forming device 100 from "updating" to "holding."

[0035] In S1002, the main control unit 2000 checks whether there is a data block in the data list whose status is "updating."

[0036] Here, we will explain the roll paper information stored in the storage unit 2600 as the data list shown in Figure 5. The data list in Figure 5 is stored in the storage unit 2600 by the main control unit 2000, which stores information about the roll paper P installed in the image forming apparatus 100. The data list has multiple data blocks 5001 as medium information, and is made up of a data block for roll paper P that has been used and removed in the past, a data block for roll paper P that is currently being used, and a data block that does not store information about roll paper P. The data block 5001 has a block number, status, external shape information at the time of removal, and printing condition settings. The block number is a number assigned to each data block. The status indicates either "updating," "holding," or "unused." "Updating" indicates a state in which the update time and estimated radius of the roll paper P installed in the image forming apparatus 100 are updated and the printing condition settings are applied to the print settings of the image forming apparatus 100. "Retaining" indicates a state in which the external shape information and printing condition settings of the previously used roll paper P at the time of removal are retained. "Unused" indicates a state in which information about the roll paper P is not saved, and is stored in the storage unit 2600. The external shape information at the time of removal stores the estimated radius of the external shape of the roll paper P calculated by the radius calculation unit 2102 (described later) and the update time indicating the time of calculation. The printing condition settings as a medium type store the paper type, paper thickness, and label spacing of the roll paper P in the storage unit 2600. The paper type indicates the type of paper, such as plain paper or label paper. The paper thickness indicates the thickness of paper, such as thick paper like label paper or very thin paper like glossy paper. The label spacing indicates the spacing between labels, for example, when labels are placed at equal intervals. As shown in data block 5001, information about each roll of paper P, including its status, external shape information at the time of removal, and printing condition settings, is saved in the storage unit 2600. While eight data blocks are stored in this embodiment, this is not a limitation. The contents of the printing condition settings shown in FIG. 5 are not limited to these.

[0037] 6 shows the roll paper application conditions 6001 stored in the storage unit 2600, which are temporarily stored in the storage unit 2600. The roll paper application conditions 6001 are conditions that are applied to the settings when printing on the roll paper P set in the image forming apparatus 100, based on the printing condition settings for the roll paper P entered by the user or acquired from a data list. The image forming apparatus 100 sets the paper type, paper thickness, and label spacing for the roll paper P being printed on based on the roll paper application conditions 6001. The roll paper application conditions 6001 indicate information such as, but are not limited to, the paper type, paper thickness, and label spacing. The main control unit 2000 references the roll paper application conditions 6001 while printing on the roll paper P in question and performs printing.

[0038] In S1002, if there is a data block with the status "updating", the process proceeds to S1003, and if there is no data block with the status "updating", the process proceeds to S1004.

[0039] In S1003, the main control unit 2000 changes the status of the corresponding data block from "updating" to "holding." For example, if the status of block number 5 is "updating" as shown in Figure 5, the main control unit 2000 changes it to "holding."

[0040] In S1004, the feeder control unit 2710 starts the feeding operation. To start the feeding operation, the user sets the roll paper P so that it is sandwiched between the first conveyor roller pair 1004. To start the feeding operation, the feeder control unit 2710 controls the first conveyor control unit 2711 to drive the first conveyor roller pair 1004 and the second conveyor roller pair 1007. When the feeding operation starts, the first rotation detection sensor 1002 detects whether the roll paper holder 1001, to which the roll paper P is fixed, is rotating.

[0041] The main control unit 2000 checks whether the roll paper P and roll paper holder 1001 are set to rotate in unison by outputting an electrical signal converted by the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 from the detection result of the first rotation detection sensor 1002. The detection method of the first rotation detection sensor 1002 located near the roll paper holder 1001 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram showing the first rotation detection sensor 1002. The first rotation detection sensor 1002 has a light-emitting element 7002 that emits light and a light-receiving element 7003 that receives light. It is located, for example, 5 to 10 mm away from the cylindrical side of the roll paper holder 1001. As shown in the figure, the mark portion 7001 is formed on the cylindrical side of the roll paper holder 1001, facing the first rotation detection sensor 1002, outside the side P1 of the roll paper P. For example, the mark portion 7001 and the area outside the mark portion may be black and metallic, so that the light reflectance of the mark portion 7001 and the area outside the mark portion is different. Here, the roll paper P rotates in the direction of the arrow in conjunction with the roll paper holder 1001. In this embodiment, a light-reflective sensor is used for the first rotation detection sensor 1002, but a light-transmitting sensor may also be used. In this embodiment, a mark portion 7001 is provided, but if the roll paper holder 1001 is hollow, a slit may be used.

[0043] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing the output waveform of the detection result of the first rotation detection sensor 1002. At t11, light is emitted from the light-emitting element 7002 in Figure 7, the roll paper holder 1001 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the mark 7001 switches between being in the light-emitting position of the light-emitting element 7002 and not being in the light-emitting position, causing the reflectance at the light-receiving element 7003 to decrease and the amount of light to fall below the threshold. At t11, the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 determines that the mark 7001 is in the light-emitting position of the light-emitting element 7002. When the mark 7001 reaches the position corresponding to the light from the light-emitting element 7002, the reflectance at the light-receiving element 7003 decreases and the amount of light falls below the threshold, causing the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 to switch from ON to OFF due to the converted electrical signal. At t12, light is emitted from the light-emitting element 7002, the roll paper holder 1001 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the mark 7001 switches to outside the mark, increasing the reflectivity at the light-receiving element 7003 and causing the amount of light to exceed the threshold. At t12, the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 determines that the mark 7001 is not in the light-emitting position of the light-emitting element 7002. The light emitted by the light-emitting element 7002 is reflected from outside the mark and received by the light-receiving element 7003, generating an electrical signal that switches the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 from OFF to ON. After that, when the mark 7001 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 switches from ON to OFF at t13 and from OFF to ON at t14. The period T1, which is the time it takes for the roll paper holder 1001 to rotate once in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, is assumed to be the time from t11 to t13, for example. The velocity calculation unit 2101 measures the period as T1 [s] from the detection results of the first rotation detection sensor 1002. The main control unit 2000 confirms that the roll paper holder 1001 rotates once together with the roll paper P. This period T1 is also used when calculating the angular velocity, which will be described later.

[0044] In S1005, the speed calculation unit 2101 calculates the angular speed ω of the roll paper P from the period T1 measured by the first sensor monitoring unit 2713. The speed calculation unit 2101 also calculates the transport speed v of the roll paper P.

[0045] First, we will explain how to calculate the angular velocity of roll paper P. When roll paper P is transported to transport path X by the first transport roller pair 1004 shown in Figure 1, it rotates in conjunction with the roll paper holder 1001. The speed calculation unit 2101 measures the period T1 of the roll paper holder 1001 using the first rotation detection sensor 1002, as explained above in Figure 8, and calculates the angular velocity of roll paper P using the measured period T1.

[0046] The angular velocity of the roll paper P is calculated by the velocity calculation unit 2101 using the period T1 [s] measured by the velocity calculation unit 2101 and equation (1), where ω [rad / s] is the angular velocity of the roll paper P, and T1 [s] is the period of one rotation of the roll paper P. ω[rad / s]=2π[rad] / T1[s]…Equation (1)

[0047] Next, a method for calculating the conveying speed will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. A second rotation detection sensor 1009 for monitoring the rotation speed is attached to each end of the first conveying roller pair 1004, the second conveying roller pair 1007, the third conveying roller pair 1102, and the fourth conveying roller pair 1106. The second rotation detection sensors 1009 at the ends of the first conveying roller pair 1004, the second conveying roller pair 1007, the third conveying roller pair 1102, and the fourth conveying roller pair 1106 have the same configuration, so only the end of the first conveying roller pair 1004 will be described here.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the second rotation detection sensor 1009. The rotary encoder 9000 has the second rotation detection sensor 1009, a mark portion 9001, a reflecting portion 9002, and a reflecting plate 9005. The second rotation detection sensor 1009 includes a light-emitting element 9003 and a light-receiving element 9004. The second rotation detection sensor 1009 is attached to one end of the first conveying roller pair 1004, which is the driving side. The mark portion 9001 and the reflecting portion 9002 are provided at regular intervals on the circumferential reflecting plate 9005. The light-emitting element 9003 that emits light and the light-receiving element 9004 that receives light are located, for example, 1 cm to 5 cm away from the reflecting plate 9005. Specifically, when the light-emitting element 9003 emits light to the mark portion 9001, the light-receiving element 9004 receives only an amount of light below a threshold because the mark portion 9001 has low reflectivity. On the other hand, when the light emitting element 9003 irradiates the reflecting portion 9002 with light, the light receiving element 9004 receives an amount of light exceeding the threshold value because the reflectivity of the light is high at the reflecting portion 9002. In Fig. 9, the mark portion 9001 and the reflecting portion 9002 are formed at the same pitch and with the same width in the direction of the arrow.

[0049] 10 is a timing chart showing an output waveform of the detection result of the second rotation detection sensor 1009. At t21, the reflector 9005 rotates in the direction of the arrow in conjunction with the rotation of the first conveyor roller pair 1004, causing the light projection position of the light-emitting element 9003 to switch from the reflecting portion 9002 to the mark portion 9001, thereby reducing the reflectance of light from the light-emitting element 9002 and causing the light-receiving element 9004 to receive only an amount of light below the threshold. Because the light-receiving element 9004 receives only an amount of light below the threshold of the light irradiated by the light-emitting element 9002, the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 switches its output from ON to OFF in response to the converted electrical signal. At t22, the reflector 9005 rotates in the direction of the arrow as the first conveyor roller pair 1004 rotates, switching from the mark portion 9001 to the reflector portion 9002. This increases the reflectivity of light from the light-emitting element 9002, and the light-receiving element 9004 receives an amount of light that exceeds the threshold. Light emitted from the light-emitting element 9002 is reflected by the light-receiving element 9004, and the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 switches its output from OFF to ON based on the converted electrical signal. Thereafter, the first conveyor roller pair 1004 rotates, switching to the mark portion 9001, which corresponds to t23, and then switching to the reflector portion 9002, which corresponds to t24. At this time, the time it takes to pass through the mark portion 9001 or the reflector portion 9002, for example, the time from t21 to t22, is defined as a period T2 [s]. The speed calculation unit 2101 outputs the detection result of the second rotation detection sensor 1009 from an electrical signal converted by the first sensor monitoring unit 2713. The speed calculation unit 2101 measures the period T2 [s] from the output result of the first sensor monitoring unit 2713. The speed calculation unit 2101 calculates the conveying speed using the following equation (2): v [m / s] is the conveying speed, T2 [s] is the period of the second rotation detection sensor 1009, and L [m] is the width of the mark portion 9001 or the reflecting portion 9002 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9. v[m / s]=L[m] / T2[s]…Equation (2)

[0050] The feeder control unit 2710 shown in FIG. 1 compares the transport speed of the roll paper P stored and set in advance in the memory unit 2600 shown in FIG. 2 with the transport speed calculated by the speed calculation unit 2101 using equation (2), and controls the drive speed of the first transport roller pair 1004 shown in FIG. 1 to the previously stored and set transport speed by adjusting the voltage of the first transport control unit 2711 shown in FIG. 2, etc. In this embodiment, the second rotation detection sensor 1009 of the first transport roller pair 1004 shown in FIG. 9 has been described. However, the second transport roller pair 1007, the third transport roller pair 1102, and the fourth transport roller pair 1106 also use the same detection method, method for measuring the period T2, and method for calculating the transport speed. Therefore, the transport speed may be measured using the rotation periods of the second rotation detection sensors 1009 of the second transport roller pair 1007, the third transport roller pair 1102, and the fourth transport roller pair 1106. In this embodiment, the second rotation detection sensor 1009 is installed on the driving side of the first conveying roller pair 1004, but it may also be installed on the driven side. In this embodiment, a light reflection type sensor is used as the second rotation detection sensor 1009, but a light transmission type sensor may also be used.

[0051] In S1006, using the angular velocity calculated from equation (1) and the conveying speed calculated from equation (2), the radius calculation unit 2102 shown in FIG. 2 calculates an estimated radius of the rolled paper P from equation (3). R [m] is the estimated radius of the rolled paper P, which will be described later, v [m / s] is the conveying speed of the rolled paper P calculated by the velocity calculation unit 2101, and ω [rad / s] is the angular velocity calculated by the velocity calculation unit 2101. R[m]=v[m / s] / ω[rad / s]…Equation (3)

[0052] The main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2 stores the estimated radius calculated by the radius calculation unit 2102 shown in Fig. 2 in the memory unit 2600 shown in Fig. 2. Note that the operations in S1005 and S1006 represent operations for measuring the estimated radius as the outer shape of the roll paper.

[0053] For example, when the period T [s] is 9.11 [s] as a result of measuring the angular velocity by the velocity calculation unit 2101 shown in Fig. 2, the angular velocity is 0.69 [rad / s]. Furthermore, when the conveying speed calculated by the velocity calculation unit 2101 is 200 [mm / s], the estimated radius is 290 mm.

[0054] In S1007, the feeder control unit 2710 shown in FIG. 2 stops transporting the roll paper P. At this time, the first rotation detection sensor 1002 shown in FIG. 1 and the second rotation detection sensor 1009 shown in FIG. 9 stop detecting rotation. Also, by the time the feeding operation is finished, the first rotation detection sensor 1002 needs to detect the mark portion 7001 of the roll paper holder 1001 shown in FIG. 7 at least twice in order to measure the period T1.

[0055] In S1008, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 acquires the data list stored in the storage unit 2600 shown in FIG.

[0056] In S1009, the selection unit 2200 shown in FIG. 2 compares the estimated radius measured in S1006 with the estimated radius of each data block saved in the data list shown in FIG. 5, and selects the data block that stores the estimated radius with the smallest error from the estimated radius measured in S1006. The pre-measured roll paper outer diameter refers to the estimated radius of the roll paper P, and indicates the estimated radius in the at-removal outer diameter information saved in each data block in the data list. Specifically, the selection unit 2200 selects one data block with the smallest error from the estimated radius measured in S1006 from among the estimated radii of data blocks saved in the data list with a status of "held." If there are multiple data blocks with the same error from the estimated radius measured in S1006, the selection unit 2200 selects the data block with the most recent update time saved in the at-removal outer diameter information.

[0057] In S1010, the selection unit 2200 shown in FIG. 2 determines whether the error between the estimated radius of the data block selected in S1009 and the estimated radius measured in S1006 is within a specified error. If the error is within the specified error, the selection unit 2200 determines that the estimated radius of the data block selected in S1009 and the estimated radius measured in S1006 are the same, and the selection unit 2200 determines "Yes, matching block exists" and proceeds to S1011. On the other hand, if the error is greater than the specified error, the selection unit 2200 determines that the estimated radius of the data block selected in S1009 and the estimated radius measured in S1006 are not the same, and the selection unit 2200 determines "No, matching block does not exist" and proceeds to S1014. Furthermore, if all the statuses in the data list are "unused," the selection unit 2200 cannot select a data block, and therefore proceeds to S1014. In this embodiment, the comparison is performed with a specified error of ±2% of the estimated radius of the extracted data block, but an error may be set appropriately depending on the roll paper P and image forming apparatus 100 used.

[0058] For example, if the estimated radius calculated in S1006 is 290 mm, the selection unit 2200 selects data block 4 with the smallest error, that is, 293 mm, from the data list shown in Fig. 5. Since the estimated radius calculated in S1006 and the estimated radius of the selected data block 4 are within the specified error of ±2%, the selection unit 2200 determines "Yes, there is a matching block."

[0059] In S1011, the notification unit 2300 shown in Fig. 2 notifies the display unit 2400 shown in Fig. 2 of the update time of the external shape information at the time of removal and the printing condition settings in the data block shown in Fig. 5 selected in S1009. This is to display the information on the operation panel 1107 shown in Fig. 1, as in a notification screen 11001 shown in Fig. 11, which will be described later. The information notified by the notification unit 2300 is not limited to the above.

[0060] FIG. 11 shows a notification screen 11001 for the user that is displayed on the operation panel 1107 shown in FIG. 1. The notification unit 2300 shown in FIG. 2 transmits information about the display content to the display unit 2400 shown in FIG. 2 and controls the operation panel 1107 to display the notification screen 11001. The notification screen 11001 shows the update time and printing condition settings for the roll paper P of the data block selected in S1009. The user also selects either "Apply" 11002 or "Do not apply" 11003 shown on the notification screen 11001. The operation unit 2500 shown in FIG. 2 controls the display unit 2400 to display the content selected by the user on the operation panel 1107. The notification unit 2300 notifies the display unit 2400 to display the content associated with the user's selection. Although the paper type, paper thickness, and label-to-label distance are presented as some examples of the information saved in the printing condition settings, this is not limiting. The notification unit 2300 may also notify an information device, such as a PC or a smartphone, that has transmitted print data to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0061] In S1012, the operation unit 2500 shown in Fig. 2 detects the selection item selected by the user for display on the notification screen 11001, and instructs the display unit 2400 shown in Fig. 2 on the content to be displayed on the operation panel 1107 shown in Fig. 1. If the operation unit 2500 detects that the user has selected "Apply" on the notification screen 11001, it displays a message to the effect that the selection will be applied, and the process proceeds to S1013. On the other hand, if the operation unit 2500 detects that the user has selected "Do not apply" on the notification screen 11001, the process proceeds to S1014.

[0062] 2 overwrites the printing condition settings of the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in FIG. 6 with the printing condition settings of the data block selected in S1009, and saves them in the storage unit 2600. The main control unit 2000 changes the status of the data block selected in S1009 from "holding" to "updating," thereby overwriting the setting values ​​associated with the compatible data as the setting values ​​of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0063] In S1014, if the determination in S1010 is "No, no compatible data available," or if "Do not apply" is detected in S1012, the following processing is performed. The notification unit 2300 shown in FIG. 2 notifies the display unit 2400 shown in FIG. 2 of the display content to display the roll paper information input screen (FIG. 12) on the operation panel 1107 shown in FIG. 1. The operation unit 2500 shown in FIG. 2 instructs the display unit 2400 to display the content input by the user from the operation panel 1107 shown in FIG. 1 on the operation panel 1107. The main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 reflects the settings input by the user in the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in FIG. 6 according to the content shown in the roll paper information input screen 12001 shown in FIG. 12, and saves the settings in the memory unit 2600 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 shows the roll paper information input screen 12001, which is displayed when the user inputs information about roll paper P. The display of the roll paper information input screen 12001 indicates that there is no roll paper P in the data block stored in the data list that matches the loaded roll paper P; in other words, it is possible that the loaded roll paper P has never been loaded in the image forming apparatus 100 before. In this embodiment, the roll paper application conditions 6001 are the paper type, paper thickness, and label-to-label distance shown in (1) to (3) of the roll paper information input screen 12001, as an example, and these are stored in the storage unit 2600 shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, without being limited to this, other items such as paper width, paper length, black mark spacing, paper size, cut position correction, paper format, backing width setting, and sensor setting shown in (4) to (11) of the roll paper information input screen 12001 may also be stored. The user can select each item from the operation panel 1107 shown in FIG. 1 and enter information about the roll paper P. The black mark refers to a mark printed on the back side of the medium for sensor detection. The information displayed on the roll paper information input screen in FIG. 12 is related to the information about the roll paper P required for printing, and is therefore not limited to the information shown above.

[0064] When the user enters the items displayed on the roll paper information input screen 12001 shown in FIG. 12, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 saves the printing condition settings entered on the roll paper information input screen 12001 to the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in FIG. 6.

[0065] In S1015, the main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2 checks whether there is a data block with the status "unused" in the data list shown in Fig. 5. If there is a data block with the status "unused", the process proceeds to S1016, and if there is no data block with the status "unused", the process proceeds to S1017.

[0066] In S1016, the main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2 selects a data block with a status of "unused" from the data list shown in Fig. 5, and saves the printing condition settings saved in the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in Fig. 6 to the printing condition settings of that data block. The main control unit 2000 also changes the status of that data block from "unused" to "updating."

[0067] In S1017, if there are no data blocks with a status of "unused" in the data list shown in Fig. 5, that is, if data is saved in all data blocks, the main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2 deletes the information about roll paper P from the data block with the oldest update time for the external shape information at the time of removal from the data list, and saves the printing condition settings for roll paper P saved in the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in Fig. 6. The main control unit 2000 also changes the status of that data block from "held" to "updating."

[0068] The above is the flow of operations of the image forming apparatus 100 up until the time when print data is received.

[0069] When print data is received, printing begins on the roll paper P installed in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, based on the roll paper application conditions 6001 shown in FIG.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the printing operation of image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 in S2 of FIG.

[0071] In S2001, the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 receives print data.

[0072] In S2002, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 checks whether roll paper P is set and being transported in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. The roll paper presence sensor 1003 shown in FIG. 1 detects whether roll paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 100. The main control unit 2000 also receives electrical signals converted by the first sensor monitoring unit 2713 shown in FIG. 2 from the detection signals of the first rotation detection sensor 1002 shown in FIG. 1 and the second rotation detection sensor 1009 shown in FIG. 9, and checks whether roll paper P is rotating and being transported. After this check, printing by the image forming apparatus 100 begins. If it is confirmed that roll paper P is set in the image forming apparatus 100 and that roll paper P is rotating and being transported, the process proceeds to S2003. If roll paper P is not set in the image forming apparatus 100 or if roll paper P is not rotating and being transported, S2002 is repeated. Alternatively, if a predetermined time has passed, a timeout occurs, and the process proceeds to S2007, ending printing.

[0073] In S2003, the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 starts printing one page.

[0074] In S2004, the speed calculation unit 2101 shown in Fig. 2 uses the measured periods T1 and T2 to calculate the conveyance speed of the first conveyance roller pair 1004 and the angular velocity of the roll paper holder 1001 shown in Fig. 1. This measurement is performed in the same way as S1005 shown in Fig. 4.

[0075] In S2005, the radius calculation unit 2102 shown in Fig. 2 calculates an estimated radius of the roll paper P from the conveyance speed and angular velocity calculated in S2004. This calculation is performed in the same manner as in S1006 shown in Fig. 4. The calculated estimated radius and the calculation time are saved in the memory unit 2600 shown in Fig. 2 by the main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2.

[0076] In S2006, the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2 overwrites the outer shape information at the time of removal of the "updating" data block with the estimated radius and time calculated in S2005 and saves it.

[0077] In S2007, the main control unit 2000 shown in Fig. 2 checks whether all the received print data has been printed and ends the printing. If printing has not ended, the process returns to S2003.

[0078] Note that the estimated radius is calculated and the time is updated as needed from the start of printing to the end of printing. The estimated radius is calculated repeatedly for each page, and the update time and estimated radius, which are the outer shape information at the time of removal in the first data block, are continually changed to an "updating" data block by the main control unit 2000 shown in FIG. 2. The main control unit 2000 continues to update the outer shape information at the time of removal in the data list until printing is completed, thereby saving the update time and estimated radius immediately before the roll paper P was removed in that data block in the data list. In this embodiment, the estimated radius is calculated for each page, but it may also be set to be calculated not only for each page but also for each job.

[0079] In this way, the operations from the start of printing to the end of printing in image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are performed.

[0080] In this embodiment, when measuring the outer shape of the roll paper P, the radius of the roll paper P is calculated, but it is also possible to calculate the diameter of the roll paper P. Also, the outer shape of the side surface P1 of the roll paper P, etc., read from an image or the like, can be output and measured.

[0081] The present embodiment can be applied to electrophotographic printers, copiers, facsimiles, multifunction printers that combine multiple functions of these, and medium transport devices that transport media. Furthermore, the present embodiment is not limited to electrophotographic printers, and can be applied to printers that can use roll paper, such as inkjet printers and impact printers.

[0082] <Effects etc.> As described above, according to this embodiment, the measured radius of the roll paper P is measured and compared with the radius of the roll paper P stored in the data list, thereby making it possible to notify the user of the medium type of the roll paper P. This eliminates the need for the user to input printing condition settings when installing roll paper P that has been used once, reducing the complexity of setting printing condition settings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Image forming device 1000 Feeder section 1001 Roll paper holder 1002 First rotation detection sensor 1003 Roll paper presence sensor 1004 First conveying roller pair 1005 Passing sensor 1006 Cutter unit 1007 Second conveying roller pair 1008 Cut-out sensor 1009 Second rotation detection sensor 1100 Printing Department 1101 IN sensor 1102 Third conveying roller pair 1103 WR sensor 1104 Image forming unit 1105 Fixing part 1106 Fourth conveying roller pair 1107 Operation Panel 2000 Main control unit 2100 Measurement Unit 2101 Speed ​​calculation section 2102 Radius calculation part 2200 Selection Section 2300 Information Department 2400 Display section 2500 Control unit 2600 Storage section 2710 Feeder control unit 2711 First transport control section 2712 Cutter unit control section 2713 First Sensor Monitoring Unit 2720 ​​Printing control unit 2721 Second conveyor control section 2722 Image formation control unit 2723 Fixing control unit 2724 Second Sensor Monitoring Unit

Claims

1. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on roll paper, a measuring unit that measures the outer shape of the roll paper; a storage unit that stores a data list consisting of medium information including a pre-measured outer shape of the roll paper and a medium type; a selection unit that selects the medium type based on the outer shape of the roll paper measured by the measurement unit and the data list in the storage unit; a notification unit that notifies the medium type based on the selection result of the selection unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The selection unit selecting the medium type when the outer shape of the roll paper measured by the measuring unit matches the outer shape included in the medium information; The notification unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medium type stored in the storage unit is notified.

3. The selection unit Do not select the media type when there is no compatible media type; The notification unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus prompts the user to input the medium type of the roll paper.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures the outer shape of the roll paper based on the transport speed of the roll paper.

5. The notification unit 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection result of the selection unit is displayed on a display screen of the image forming apparatus.

6. The measurement unit a speed calculation unit that calculates the transport speed and angular velocity of the roll paper; a radius calculation unit that calculates the radius of the roll paper based on the transport speed and the angular velocity; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. Measure the outer dimensions of the roll of paper, A data list consisting of medium information including the measured outer shape of the roll paper and the medium type is stored in a storage unit; Selecting the medium type based on the outer shape of the set roll paper and the data list stored in advance in the storage unit; A medium type notifying method, comprising notifying the medium type based on a selection result.

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