Information processing apparatus and method, image forming apparatus, computer program product and readable medium

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing device and method, an image forming device, a computer program product, and a computer readable medium, which can identify the size of the surface unevenness of a recording medium even in uncoated paper. The information processing device has a processor that acquires characteristic values of a recording medium including smoothness and grammage, and identifies the kind of the recording medium based on the smoothness and the grammage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, an image forming apparatus, and a computer-readable medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-006628 discloses a technology characterized by comprising: a measurement unit for measuring the physical properties of a medium for forming an image; an image forming operation unit for forming an image on the medium; a reading unit for reading the formed image; and a medium determination unit for determining the type of medium based on the measurement results obtained by the measurement unit and the reading results obtained by the reading unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-097170 discloses a technology characterized by including: a measuring unit for measuring the physical properties of a medium; and a control unit that determines a combination of weight and type of medium based on the measurement results obtained by the measuring unit, and outputs the combination as a setting candidate for a medium related to the action setting of image formation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A technique has been proposed for image forming apparatuses: in order to set image forming control corresponding to a recording medium in which an image is formed using the image forming apparatus, multiple characteristic values ​​of the recording medium, such as smoothness and basis weight, are measured, and the various characteristic values ​​are used to identify the type of recording medium, such as coated paper and uncoated paper.

[0005] Furthermore, uncoated paper includes recording media with relatively small surface roughness, such as high-quality paper, or recording media with relatively large surface roughness (e.g., embossed paper). Therefore, even though it is classified as uncoated paper, the image forming apparatus must still use different settings when transferring images onto uncoated paper because of the differences in the size of the surface roughness of the recording media.

[0006] However, even if the surface unevenness of the recording medium is determined to be uncoated paper based on the characteristics of the recording medium in the past, such as smoothness and basis weight, it is difficult to identify the size of the surface unevenness of the recording medium.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a computer-readable medium that can identify the size of the surface unevenness of a recording medium even in uncoated paper.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an information processing apparatus is provided, comprising a processor that acquires characteristic values ​​of a recording medium including smoothness and weight, and identifies the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the processor uses a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the basis weight to identify embossed paper as a type of recording medium.

[0010] According to the third aspect of this disclosure, the processor identifies the paper as embossed paper when the weighted smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the processor uses at least one of the smoothness, the basis weight, and the weighted smoothness to identify coated paper, uncoated paper, and embossed paper as types of the recording medium.

[0012] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the processor further outputs settings for the image forming apparatus corresponding to the type of the recording medium.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, the processor outputs a setting of at least one of a transfer voltage and a transfer pressure corresponding to the type of the recording medium, as a setting for the image forming apparatus.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus is provided, comprising a processor that acquires characteristic values ​​of a recording medium including smoothness and weight, and identifies the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight.

[0015] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, which stores a program for a computer to perform processing, wherein the processing is: acquiring characteristic values ​​of the recording medium including smoothness and weight, and identifying the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight.

[0016] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, an information processing method is provided to obtain characteristic values ​​of a recording medium including smoothness and weight, and to identify the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight.

[0017] (Effect)

[0018] According to the first, seventh, eighth, and ninth schemes, the size of the surface unevenness of the recording medium can be identified even in uncoated paper.

[0019] According to the second scheme, when forming an image, settings for forming an image corresponding to the embossed paper can be applied.

[0020] According to the third scheme, it is possible to clearly identify the embossed paper contained in uncoated paper.

[0021] According to the fourth scheme, when forming an image, settings for forming images corresponding to each recording medium can be applied.

[0022] According to the fifth scheme, compared with the case where the settings are input by the user, the burden of performing the work of setting up the recording medium can be reduced.

[0023] According to the sixth scheme, settings for forming an image corresponding to the recording medium can be clearly applied to each attribute. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of the information processing system of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the information processing apparatus in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a chart showing an example of the smoothness of each type of recording medium in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a chart showing an example of the weighted smoothness of each type of recording medium in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the setting information database used in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for identifying the type of recording medium in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, examples of forms used to implement this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. For example... Figure 1As shown, the information processing system 1 comprises an information processing device 10 and an image forming device 100. The information processing device 10 and the image forming device 100 are connected via a network and can communicate with each other. As an example, the network may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc.

[0033] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a terminal or server such as a personal computer. The information processing device 10 identifies the type of recording medium based on its characteristic values ​​(e.g., basis weight and smoothness), and sends information related to settings for forming an image corresponding to the type of recording medium (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the types of recording media in this embodiment are coated paper and uncoated paper; among uncoated papers are unembossed paper and embossed paper. Depending on the type of recording medium, the settings for the transfer voltage and transfer pressure of the image forming apparatus differ. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 sends the settings for the transfer voltage and transfer pressure corresponding to the type of recording medium as setting information to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction printer or other device that forms an image on a recording medium. It obtains setting information from the information processing device 10 and uses the setting information to form the image.

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 2 To illustrate the structure of the information processing device 10. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a storage unit 14, an input unit 15, a monitor 16, a communication interface (communication I / F) 17, and a measurement unit 18. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, storage unit 14, input unit 15, monitor 16, communication I / F 17, and measurement unit 18 are each interconnected via a bus 19. Here, the CPU 11 is an example of a processor.

[0037] CPU 11 controls the entire information processing device 10. ROM 12 stores various programs and data, including the information processing program used in this embodiment. RAM 13 is a memory used as the working area for executing various programs. CPU 11 expands the program stored in ROM 12 into RAM 13 for execution, thereby performing the process of identifying the type of recording medium. As an example, memory 14 is a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or flash memory. In addition, information processing programs may also be stored in memory 14. Input unit 15 includes a mouse and keyboard for accepting text input. Monitor 16 displays the identified type of recording medium and setting information. Communication I / F 17 transmits and receives data.

[0038] The measuring unit 18 includes an optical sensor for measuring smoothness and an ultrasonic sensor for measuring weight. The measuring unit 18 measures smoothness, for example, by measuring the ratio of light that is ortho-reflected to light that is diffusely reflected on the surface of the recording medium, and measures weight by measuring the ratio of transmitted ultrasonic waves to irradiated ultrasonic waves. Here, smoothness refers to the degree of roughness of the recording medium surface, and weight is the number of grams (density) of the recording medium per square meter.

[0039] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the method of obtaining smoothness and weight as characteristic values ​​of the recording medium. However, it is not limited to this. Resistance, air permeability, coefficient of friction, and stiffness can also be obtained as characteristic values.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 3 To illustrate the functional structure of the information processing device 10. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the information processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 21, an export unit 22, an identification unit 23, a storage unit 24, and an output unit 25. The CPU 11 functions as the acquisition unit 21, export unit 22, identification unit 23, storage unit 24, and output unit 25 by executing an information processing program.

[0042] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the smoothness and weight as characteristic values ​​of the recording medium.

[0043] The derivation unit 22 uses the acquired smoothness and weight to derive a value obtained by weighting the smoothness using the weight (hereinafter referred to as "weighted smoothness"). Furthermore, the weighted smoothness in this embodiment refers to a value derived based on the smoothness and weight, and the weighted smoothness is described as the value obtained by dividing the smoothness by the weight. However, it is not limited to this. The smoothness may be multiplied by the weight, the weight may be divided by the smoothness, or the smoothness may be multiplied and divided by a coefficient predetermined based on the weight.

[0044] The identification unit 23 uses smoothness, basis weight, and weighted smoothness to identify coated paper and uncoated paper, and further identifies unembossed paper and embossed paper among uncoated paper as types of recording media. Here, coated paper is, for example, paper with a coating on the surface of a recording medium such as glossy paper; unembossed paper is paper without a coating on the surface of a recording medium such as high-quality paper and drawing paper; and embossed paper is, for example, paper with large surface irregularities created by molding. Here, embossed paper has no coating on its surface and is therefore classified as uncoated paper, but compared to high-quality paper and drawing paper, which are also classified as uncoated paper, it has a larger surface irregularity. Therefore, this embodiment explains how to distinguish high-quality paper and drawing paper from embossed paper based on the size of the surface irregularities. Furthermore, coated paper is an example of "coated paper," and uncoated paper is an example of "uncoated paper."

[0045] The identification unit 23 uses smoothness to identify whether the paper is coated. For example, if the smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold, the identification unit 23 determines that the recording medium is coated paper. Furthermore, if the smoothness is less than the predetermined threshold, the identification unit 23 uses weighted smoothness to identify uncoated paper and embossed paper.

[0046] Here, refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This is to illustrate the smoothness of uncoated paper and embossed paper in the same uncoated paper. Figure 4 This is an example of a chart showing the smoothness of each recording medium. Figure 5 This is an example of a chart showing the weighted smoothness of each recording medium. Furthermore, a higher smoothness value indicates a lower surface roughness of the recording medium, while a higher weighted smoothness value indicates a higher surface roughness.

[0047] As an example, such as Figure 4As shown, when comparing the smoothness of coated paper, uncoated paper, and further comparing the smoothness of unembossed and embossed paper within the uncoated paper category, a significant difference in smoothness is observed between coated and uncoated paper. For example, as described above, a method exists where light is irradiated and the smoothness is measured based on the reflected light. That is, if the surface smoothness is high (dense surface), the reflected light from the surface of the recording medium consists of more directly reflected light and less diffuse reflected light. Conversely, if the surface smoothness is low (sparse surface), the reflected light from the surface of the recording medium consists of less directly reflected light and more diffuse reflected light. By detecting the difference in reflected light, coated and uncoated paper can be distinguished. On the other hand, among uncoated papers, there is no significant difference in smoothness between unembossed and embossed paper.

[0048] On the other hand, as an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, when comparing the weighted smoothness obtained by weighting smoothness using basis weight, the weighted smoothness of non-embossed paper is smaller, while embossed paper tends to have a larger weighted smoothness than non-embossed paper. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, embossed paper is identified by using weighted smoothness, which is obtained by weighting smoothness using grammage.

[0049] If the weighted smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold, the identification unit 23 determines that the recording medium is embossed paper; if the weighted smoothness is less than the predetermined threshold, the identification unit 23 determines that the recording medium is non-embossed paper.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the form that is determined to be embossed paper when the weighted smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold is described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the result is derived by dividing the basis weight by the smoothness, it may also be determined to be embossed paper when the weighted smoothness is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0051] The storage unit 24 stores configuration information for each recording medium. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the storage unit 24 stores a setting information database (hereinafter referred to as "setting information DB") 24A, which stores the type and setting information. Here, the type is the type of recording medium, and the setting information is information related to the setting of each attribute, such as transfer voltage, transfer pressure, and fixing temperature.

[0052] Furthermore, the format in which the setting information DB24A of this embodiment stores setting information for each type of recording medium has been described. However, it is not limited to this. Setting information that is further subdivided based on characteristic values ​​such as smoothness and basis weight may also be stored. For example, setting information may be stored corresponding to each type of recording medium and each characteristic value of the recording medium, such as lower transfer pressure for higher basis weight.

[0053] The output unit 25 obtains setting information corresponding to the type of recording medium identified by the recognition unit 23 from the storage unit 24 and outputs it to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 7 The function of the information processing device 10 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for identifying the type of recording medium in this embodiment. The CPU 11 reads and executes an information processing program from the ROM 12 or memory 14, thereby performing... Figure 7 The information processing program shown. Figure 7 The information processing program shown is executed, for example, when an instruction to identify the recording medium is input from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0055] In step S101, CPU11 acquires the smoothness and weight as characteristic values ​​of the recording medium.

[0056] In step S102, CPU 11 determines whether the smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the smoothness is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S102: Yes), CPU 11 proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the smoothness is not greater than the predetermined threshold (smoothness is below the predetermined threshold) (step S102: No), CPU 11 proceeds to step S104.

[0057] In step S103, CPU11 identifies the type of recording medium as coated paper.

[0058] In step S104, CPU11 uses smoothness and weight to derive weighted smoothness.

[0059] In step S105, CPU 11 determines whether the weighted smoothness is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the weighted smoothness is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S105: Yes), CPU 11 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the weighted smoothness is not greater than the predetermined threshold (the weighted smoothness is below the predetermined threshold) (step S105: No), CPU 11 proceeds to step S107.

[0060] In step S106, CPU11 identifies the type of recording medium as embossed paper.

[0061] In step S107, CPU11 identifies the type of recording medium as non-embossed paper.

[0062] In step S108, CPU11 acquires setting information corresponding to the type of the identified recording medium.

[0063] In step S109, the CPU 11 outputs the acquired setting information to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0064] As explained above, according to this embodiment, even in uncoated paper, the size of the surface unevenness of the recording medium can be identified.

[0065] Furthermore, the embodiment described herein is an example of the information processing apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 100 being independent devices. However, this is not a limitation. The information processing apparatus 10 may also be integrated into the image forming apparatus 100.

[0066] Furthermore, the method by which the image forming apparatus 100 acquires setting information from the information processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The type of the identified recording medium may also be acquired.

[0067] Furthermore, the method of forming an image using the acquired setting information by the image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The acquired setting information may also be stored.

[0068] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the form in which the setting information corresponding to the identified recording medium is output. However, it is not limited to this. Setting information corresponding to the identified recording medium may also be displayed, and it may also be determined whether the setting information corresponding to the identified recording medium corresponds to the setting input by the user. For example, if the setting input by the user does not correspond to the identified recording medium (e.g., the recording medium installed in the image forming apparatus 100), the user may be notified of the incompatibility to urge a change in the setting.

[0069] The present disclosure has been described above using various embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in each embodiment. Various changes or improvements may be made to each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, and the forms in which such changes or improvements are made are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, such as a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0071] Furthermore, the actions of the processors in the various embodiments can be performed not only by a single processor, but also collaboratively by multiple processors located in physically separate locations. Moreover, the order of the processor actions is not limited to the order described in the various embodiments and can be appropriately modified.

[0072] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes an information processing program installed in storage, it is not limited to this. The information processing program of this embodiment may also be provided in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the information processing program of this disclosure may also be provided in the form of an optical disc such as a Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). The information processing program of this disclosure may also be provided in the form of a semiconductor memory such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory or a memory card. Moreover, the information processing program of this embodiment may be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the Communication I / F.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor that acquires characteristic values ​​of the recording medium, including smoothness and weight, and identifies the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight. The processor uses a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the weight to identify the embossed paper as the type of recording medium.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor identifies the paper as embossed paper when the weighted smoothness is greater than a predefined threshold.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processor uses at least one of the smoothness, the basis weight, and the weighted smoothness to identify coated paper, uncoated paper, and embossed paper as types of recording media.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processor then outputs settings for the image forming apparatus corresponding to the type of recording medium.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The processor outputs a setting for at least one of a transfer voltage and a transfer pressure corresponding to the type of the recording medium, as a setting for the image forming apparatus.

6. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The device includes a processor that acquires characteristic values ​​of the recording medium, including smoothness and weight, and identifies the type of the recording medium based on the smoothness and weight. The processor uses a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the weight to identify the embossed paper as the type of recording medium.

7. A computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform processing, characterized in that, The process is as follows: Obtain the characteristics of the recording medium, including smoothness and weight. The type of recording medium is identified based on the smoothness and the weight. The process described therein uses a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the weight to identify the embossed paper as a type of recording medium.

8. An information processing method, characterized in that, Obtain the characteristics of the recording medium, including smoothness and weight. Identifying the type of recording medium based on the smoothness and the weight includes: Embossed paper is identified using a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the basis weight as a type of recording medium.

9. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform processing, characterized in that, The process is as follows: Obtain the characteristics of the recording medium, including smoothness and weight. The type of recording medium is identified based on the smoothness and the weight. The process described therein uses a weighted smoothness based on the smoothness and the weight to identify the embossed paper as a type of recording medium.

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