Information processing apparatus and method for information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a method for the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a measurement result obtained by measuring a characteristic value of a print medium by a measurement unit; a determination unit configured to determine a candidate of a print medium type based on the measurement result of the print medium acquired by the acquisition unit and reference characteristic values of respective types of print media that are preset for identifying a type of the print medium measured; an input unit configured to input information associated with the print medium type; a judgment unit configured to judge whether or not to change the reference characteristic value of the print medium type associated with the information input by the input unit based on the measurement result of the print medium and the print medium type associated with the information input by the input unit; and a change unit configured to change the reference characteristic value of the print medium type associated with the information input by the input unit based on the measurement result of the print medium when judged to change by the judgment unit.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of the application filed on February 28, 2020, with application number 2020101294563, entitled "Information Processing Apparatus, Printing Apparatus, Information Processing Method and Storage Medium".) Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to information processing equipment, printing equipment, information processing methods and programs. Background Technology

[0003] When printing using a printing device, it is known to print by using controlled parameters suitable for the type of printing media. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-215591 describes a method for identifying the type of printing media by measuring multiple characteristic values ​​of the printing media to be printed and comparing them with reference values ​​in order to print using appropriate controlled parameters.

[0004] However, the measurement values ​​can be affected by factors such as sensor errors, individual differences between printing media, and variations in the measurement environment. Therefore, when using a pre-prepared reference, it may not be possible to identify the type of printing media with sufficient accuracy.

[0005] This invention accurately identifies the type of printing media. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a decision unit, an input unit, a judgment unit, and a change unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristic values ​​of a printing medium to be printed using a printing unit via a measurement unit. The decision unit is configured to determine candidate types of printing media based on the measurement results of the printing medium acquired by the acquisition unit and reference characteristic values ​​of various types of printing media preset for identifying the type of the measured printing medium. The input unit is configured to input information associated with the type of printing medium to be printed using the printing unit. The judgment unit is configured to determine whether to change the reference characteristic value of the type of printing medium associated with the information input by the input unit based on the measurement results of the printing medium and the type of printing medium associated with the information input by the input unit. The change unit is configured to change the reference characteristic value of the type of printing medium associated with the information input by the input unit based on the measurement results of the printing medium if the judgment unit determines that the reference characteristic value of the type of printing medium associated with the information input by the input unit should be changed.

[0007] A printing apparatus includes: the aforementioned information processing device; the printing unit configured to apply recording agent to a printing medium; and a conveying unit configured to convey the printing medium to a printing position, wherein, when the conveying unit conveys the printing medium to a position where the printing unit can print, the printing unit is configured to print on the printing medium.

[0008] An information processing method includes: measuring characteristic values ​​of a printing medium to be printed using a printing unit; extracting candidates for the type of the measured printing medium based on the characteristic values ​​and reference characteristic values ​​preset for each type of printing medium to identify the type of the measured printing medium; inputting information associated with the type of the printing medium to be printed using the printing unit; changing the reference characteristic value of the type of the printing medium associated with the information input when determining the type of the printing medium based on the characteristic values; and determining whether to change the reference characteristic value of the type of the printing medium based on the characteristic values ​​and the type of the printing medium associated with the information input when determining the type of the printing medium.

[0009] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a program for causing a computer to perform processing, the processing comprising: acquiring measurement results obtained by measuring characteristic values ​​of a print medium to be printed using a printing unit; extracting candidates for the type of the measured print medium based on the measurement results and reference characteristic values ​​preset for each type of print medium for identifying the type of the measured print medium; inputting information associated with the type of the print medium to be printed using the printing unit; changing the reference characteristic value of the type of the print medium associated with the information input when determining the type of the print medium based on the measurement results; and determining whether to change the reference characteristic value of the type of the print medium based on the measurement results and the type of the print medium associated with the information input when determining the type of the print medium.

[0010] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments of the invention described below can be implemented individually, or as needed, or as a combination of multiple embodiments or features of these embodiments, where combining elements or features from the various embodiments into one embodiment is advantageous. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the carriage according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the optical sensor in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control system of the printing device in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the printing media determination process in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figures 6A to 6E This is a diagram illustrating the display mode of the input / output unit in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a table showing the characteristic values ​​stored in the EEPROM in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram showing other modes of the input / output unit.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a table showing examples of measurements taken in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a table showing the determination results in the printing media determination process of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a table illustrating the priority allocation in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figures 12A to 12D This is a table used to illustrate the method for calculating characteristic values ​​in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the printing media determination process in the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a table showing historical information in the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the display mode of the input / output unit in the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16A and Figure 16B This is a table showing the correction values ​​and correction characteristic values ​​in the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of updating the correction value in the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18A and Figure 18B This is a table showing the correction values ​​in the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the printing media determination process in the fifth embodiment.

[0030] Figures 20A to 20C It is a table of characteristic values ​​stored in the EEPROM in the fifth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction value update process in the fifth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the extraction range change process in the fifth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the reset process in the sixth embodiment.

[0034] Figures 24A to 24H This is a diagram illustrating the display mode of the input / output unit in the sixth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of resetting the estimated data in the sixth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of resetting print media information in the sixth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the reset process for each type of printing media in the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] First Embodiment

[0039] Overall structure

[0040] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing device 100 equipped with casters and a tray for sheet discharge. Figure 1A Showing the overall appearance. Figure 1BThe internal structure with the top cover open is shown. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 prints by applying ink droplets as a recording agent to a printing medium using an inkjet printing method. The printing medium is transported along a transport direction set as the Y direction. An inkjet printing device including a so-called serial printhead will be described. Using a serial printhead, a carriage 101 with a printhead 102 is mounted to print while reciprocating along an X direction intersecting the Y direction. Alternatively, an inkjet printing device including a so-called line printhead can be used. Using a line printhead, a nozzle array is arranged across the entire print width used to transport the printing medium. Alternatively, a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) integrating not only printing functions but also scanning, faxing, or sending functions can be used. Alternatively, an electrophotographic printing device using powder toner as a recording agent can be used. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 is equipped with the function of an information processing device for performing the process of determining (described later) the printing medium to be used.

[0041] The printing device 100 has an input / output unit 406 on its top. The input / output unit 406 is an operation panel and displays candidates for ink level and print media type on a display. When the user operates the keys on the input / output unit 406, the user can select the print media type or configure print settings.

[0042] The carriage 101 includes an optical sensor 201. Figure 2 ) and printhead 102. Printhead 102 has an outlet surface provided with an outlet for discharging ink. Carriage 101 is configured to be driven by carriage motor 415 ( Figure 4 The carriage 101 is driven to reciprocate along the axis 104 in the X direction (carriage movement direction) via the carriage belt 103. In this embodiment, the printing device 100 can use the optical sensor 201 to obtain diffuse reflection characteristic values ​​or specular reflection characteristic values, and measure the distance between the carriage 101 and the printing medium 105.

[0043] Printing media 105, such as roll paper, is conveyed along the Y direction on a platform 106 by a transport roller (not shown). As the carriage 101 moves forward along the X direction above the printing media 105 conveyed by the transport roller on the platform 106, ink droplets are expelled from the print head 102. Thus, a printing operation is performed. When the carriage 101 moves to the end of the printing area on the printing media 105, the transport roller conveys a certain amount of printing media 105 and moves the carriage 101 to a position where the print head 102 can print on the area where the next scan and printing is to be performed. An image is printed by repeating the above operation.

[0044] carriage structure

[0045] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the structure of the carriage 101. The carriage 101 includes a translateer 202 and a head holder 203. The head holder 203 holds the print head 102 and the optical sensor 201, which serves as a reflection sensor. Figure 2 As shown, the optical sensor 201 is configured such that its bottom surface is at a height equal to or higher than the bottom surface of the printhead 102.

[0046] Structure of optical sensors

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the optical sensor 201. The optical sensor 201 includes a first LED 301, a second LED 302, a third LED 303, a first photodiode 304, a second photodiode 305, and a third photodiode 306 as optical elements. The first LED 301 is a light source having an illumination angle with a normal (90°) relative to the surface (measuring surface) of the printing medium 105. The first photodiode 304 receives light irradiated from the first LED 301 and reflected from the printing medium 105 at an angle of 45° relative to the Z direction. In other words, an optical system is formed to detect the so-called diffuse reflection component of the reflected light from the printing medium 105.

[0048] The second LED 302 is a light source having an illumination angle of 60° relative to the Z direction with respect to the surface (measuring surface) of the printing medium 105. The first photodiode 304 receives light irradiated from the second LED 302 and reflected from the printing medium 105 at an angle of 60° relative to the Z direction. In other words, the angle of emitted light and the angle of received light are equal to each other, forming an optical system for detecting the so-called specular reflection component of the reflected light from the printing medium 105.

[0049] The third LED 303 is a light source with an illumination angle of 90° normal to the surface (measuring surface) of the printing medium 105. The second photodiode 305 and the third photodiode 306 each receive light irradiated from the third LED 303 and reflected from the printing medium 105. The second photodiode 305 and the third photodiode 306 each serve as distance sensors for measuring the distance between the optical sensor 201 and the printing medium 105, because the amount of light received changes with the distance between the optical sensor 201 and the printing medium 105.

[0050] In this embodiment, the optical sensor 201 is mounted on the carriage 101. The optical sensor can be provided in other ways. For example, the optical sensor can be fixed to the printing device 100, or it can be a measuring device separate from the printing device 100 for measuring characteristic values ​​of the printing medium, such as diffuse reflectance and specular reflectance, and can be used in a mode that transmits the characteristic values ​​measured by the measuring device to the printing device 100. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 201 is mounted on the carriage; however, other modes can be used. For example, the optical sensor can be fixed to the printing device 100, or it can be a measuring device separate from the printing device 100 for measuring characteristic values ​​of the printing medium, such as diffuse reflectance and specular reflectance, and can be used in a mode that transmits the characteristic values ​​measured by the measuring device to the printing device 100.

[0051] block diagram

[0052] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the control system structure of the printing device 100. ROM 402 is a non-volatile memory. For example, ROM 402 stores a control program for controlling the printing device 100 or a program for implementing the operations of this embodiment. The operations of this embodiment are implemented, for example, when CPU 401 reads the program stored in ROM 402 and runs the program by loading it into RAM 403. RAM 403 also serves as the working memory of CPU 401. EEPROM 404 stores data that is retained even when the power to the printing device 100 is turned off. At least CPU 401 and ROM 402 implement the functions of an information processing device for performing the print media determination process (described later). EEPROM 404 stores characteristic values ​​of various print media used as predetermined references, as well as the category of the print media. The category is a category derived from a general classification of the type of print media. In this embodiment, five categories are provided: glossy paper, plain paper, coated paper, photo paper, and specialty paper. For example, when the printing medium is standard glossy paper, the type of printing medium is classified as glossy paper, and when the printing medium is premium plain paper, it is classified as plain paper. Recording media also include media that are not paper media; however, in this embodiment, the term "paper" is used and provided to the user. Historical information or characteristic values ​​of the printing medium may not be stored in the storage medium of the printing device 100, but rather in external memory such as the ROM of a host computer or a server.

[0053] The interface (I / F) circuit 410 connects the printing device 100 to a network such as an external LAN. The printing device 100 sends or receives various jobs and data to or from devices such as an external host computer via the I / F circuit 410.

[0054] The input / output unit 406 includes an input unit and an output unit. The input unit receives user instructions to turn on the power, to print, and to set various functions. The output unit displays various device information, such as power-saving modes, or setting screens for various functions that the printing device 100 can perform. In this embodiment, the input / output unit 406 is an operation panel provided in the printing device 100, and the input / output unit 406 is connected to the system bus 416 via the input / output control circuit 405 to send or receive data relative to the system bus 416. In this embodiment, the CPU 401 performs control to provide information related to the output unit.

[0055] Optionally, the input unit may be a keyboard of an external host computer and may be configured to receive user instructions from the external host computer. The output unit may be a display connected to an LED display, an LCD display, or a host device. Optionally, if the input / output unit 406 is a touch panel, the input / output unit 406 may receive user instructions using software keys. Optionally, the input / output unit 406 may be a speaker and a microphone, which may use input from the user as voice input and information to be provided to the user as voice output.

[0056] The information processing device, which includes a CPU and a ROM having the same functions as CPU 401 and ROM 402 and is externally connected to the printing device 100, can perform (described later) a print media determination process and determine the print media to be used in the printing device 100.

[0057] When measuring using the optical sensor 201, the CPU 401 drives the LED control circuit 407, controlling the predetermined LEDs in the optical sensor 201 to illuminate. Each photodiode in the optical sensor 201 outputs a signal corresponding to the received light. The output signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 408 and temporarily stored in the RAM 403. When the power to the printing device 100 is turned off, the data to be saved is stored in the EEPROM 404.

[0058] The printhead control circuit 411 supplies a drive signal corresponding to the print data to the nozzle drive circuit, which includes selectors and switches mounted on the printhead 102, and controls the printing operation of the printhead 102, such as the nozzle drive sequence. For example, when the data to be printed is sent from an external source to the I / F circuit 410, the data to be printed is temporarily stored in the RAM 403. The printhead control circuit 411 drives the printhead 102 based on the print data obtained by converting the data to be printed into print data for printing. Then, the LF (line feed) motor drive circuit 412 drives the LF motor 413 based on the bandwidth of the print data, and the transport roller connected to the LF motor 413 rotates to transport the print media. The CR (carriage) motor drive circuit 414 scans the carriage 101 via the carriage belt 103 by driving the CR (carriage) motor 415.

[0059] The data sent from the I / F circuit 410 includes not only the data to be printed, but also detailed information about the printer driver settings. The data to be printed may be received externally via the I / F circuit 410 and stored in a memory unit, or it may be pre-stored in a memory unit such as a hard disk. The CPU 401 reads image data from the memory unit, controls the image processing circuit 409, and converts (binarizes) the image data into print data for use by the print head 102. In addition to binarization, the image processing circuit 409 performs various image processing operations such as color space conversion, HV conversion, gamma correction, and image rotation.

[0060] Overall process

[0061] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a print media determination process. This process acquires measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristic values ​​of the print media 105 to be printed. Based on these measurement results and set reference characteristic values, candidate print media are provided to the input / output unit 406, and the type of print media 105 to be printed is determined. In the following print media determination process, for the characteristic values ​​of the type of print media selected by the user, measured values ​​are obtained as new information, and preset characteristic values ​​are changed based on these measured values ​​to make these characteristic values ​​closer to the measured values. Through this learning, characteristic values ​​are obtained for more accurate selection of the type of print media.

[0062] For example, in Figure 4When the CPU 401 shown reads the program stored in ROM 402 into RAM 403 and runs the program, it performs the processing steps S101 to S114. The print media determination process can be executed by software on the host device. In this embodiment, since the input / output unit 406 is an operation panel provided in the printing device 100, the candidate print media is notified by displaying the name of the print media on the operation panel. The input / output unit 406 can be a combination of a host device and a display connected to the host device. When the input / output unit 406 is a speaker with a microphone function that can input or output voice, the candidate print media is notified by the speaker, and the print media is selected by the user by inputting the name of the print media or associated reference symbol into the microphone by voice.

[0063] When the CPU 401 receives an instruction from the user to start sheet feeding via the operation panel, which serves as the input / output unit 406, the CPU 401 performs the process of feeding the printing medium 105. Figure 6A This is an example of a display on the operation panel that awaits input to begin the sheet feed process. The operation panel is a touch panel that allows the user to make touch inputs. Touching "Yes" begins the sheet feed.

[0064] exist Figure 6A When "Yes" is selected and paper feeding begins, the printing medium 105 is conveyed by the transport roller to the optical sensor 201, which can detect the position of the printing medium 105 on the platform 106. After the printing medium 105 is conveyed, the carriage 101 moves above the printing medium 105 in the X direction, and the optical sensor 201 acquires the diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, and thickness (hereinafter referred to as paper thickness) of the printing medium 105 (step S101). The diffuse reflection value corresponds to the whiteness of the printing medium. The specular reflection value corresponds to the gloss of the printing medium. The printing medium determination process can be performed by using the width of the printing medium in the X direction as one of the characteristics of the printing medium. The location for measuring the characteristics of the printing medium can be one, or the average of the measurement results at multiple points can be used. The measurement of the characteristics can be performed when the optical sensor 201 is stopped, or it can be performed while the optical sensor 201 is moving. The measurement values ​​are temporarily stored in a memory such as RAM 403.

[0065] Subsequently, the CPU 401 reads the acquired measurement values ​​from the memory and compares these measurement values ​​with predetermined characteristic values ​​of various printing media stored in the EEPROM 404 (step S102). Therefore, printing media whose characteristic values ​​are classified as having a higher degree of characteristic than a predetermined degree as represented by the measurement values ​​are extracted. Details will be explained below. Figure 7A The characteristic values ​​of various types of printing media stored in EEPROM 404 are shown. With the characteristic values ​​currently at their initial values, characteristic value = T0. These values ​​are set against a reference value, and the type of printing media is identified by comparing the measured value with the reference value. The range of the reference value is defined as the detection range. The detection range is the extraction range used to extract candidate printing media to be notified to the user. The detection range will be referred to as the extraction range below. The diffuse reflection value and specular reflection value are values ​​obtained by converting the output voltage from analog to digital using a 10-bit converter. The output voltage is the voltage output by the optical sensor 201 when it receives light. Each extraction range is a range from the minimum value (min value) to the maximum value (max value) with the center set as the middle value (middle value) of each characteristic value of the printing media. An extraction range of ±50 μm from the center value is set for the paper thickness, and the type of printing media whose obtained paper thickness falls within this extraction range is extracted (step S103).

[0066] Determine if the type of the extracted printing media exists (step S104).

[0067] In the absence of the type of print media being extracted, such as Figure 6B As shown, all categories are displayed on the operation panel (step S114). These categories are arranged and displayed in a predetermined order. When displaying categories, if the user enters the category selected, as shown... Figure 6C The display shows the types of print media in that category. Then, the user inputs the type of print media selected from the displayed print media types. This input is made by touching the name of the displayed print media. Figure 6B In addition to indicating the type of print media, "All" is also displayed at the bottom. Selecting "All" displays all print media in a predetermined order. Recording media can be displayed in the most recent order, that is, in the order of the last used print media.

[0068] If the type of the extracted printing medium exists in step S104, the type of printing medium whose obtained diffuse reflection value falls within the extraction range of diffuse reflection values ​​stored in the storage unit (EEPROM) 404 is extracted (step S105). Figure 7A As shown, the range for extracting diffuse reflectance values ​​is ±5 from the center value. Here, it is determined whether the type of print media being extracted exists (step S106). If no suitable type of print media exists, such as... Figure 6B As shown, the category is displayed on the operation panel (step S114).

[0069] If the type of the extracted printing medium exists in step S106, the type of printing medium whose obtained specular reflection value falls within the extraction range of specular reflection values ​​stored in the storage unit (EEPROM) 404 is extracted (step S107). For example... Figure 7A As shown, the range for extracting specular reflection values ​​is ±5 from the center value. Here, it is determined whether the type of the extracted printing medium exists (step S108). If no suitable type of printing medium exists, such as... Figure 6B As shown, the category is displayed on the operation panel (step S114).

[0070] If the extracted print media type exists in step S108, a priority is assigned to the extracted print media type, such that for print media with higher priority, the characteristic value is set to be closer to the measured value (step S109). The method for determining the display order will be explained in detail later.

[0071] like Figure 6D As shown, the names of the types of printing media are displayed from top to bottom in descending order of priority determined in step S109 (step S110).

[0072] In touch Figure 6D When icon 40 is displayed on the control panel, the screen can be scrolled down. Touching "STOP" cancels the print media confirmation process, and... Figure 6A The display switches to the main screen. Figure 6D The names of the printing media are displayed in descending order of priority, with codes 1 through 3 added as prefixes. The type of printing media is selected by touching any of the displayed names. Here, standard semi-gloss paper, assigned number 1, has the highest priority. The codes can be any that indicate the priority level and can be anything other than numbers. The display method is not limited to this and can be any method as long as the user can recognize the priority order.

[0073] exist Figure 6D In the middle, up to three print media candidates can be displayed from the top; however, since the number of print media types extracted is two, therefore... Figure 6DOnly two print media are displayed. The user is informed that no third candidate exists by displaying "NO AVAILABLE CHOICE" in a light (or dark) color in the third column, making it less attractive compared to the names of the two print media mentioned above. For example, when the background color of the operation panel is black, the two print media are displayed in white, and the text "NO AVAILABLE CHOICE" is displayed in a gray that is less bright than white. The paper type is displayed below the text "NO AVAILABLE CHOICE". This allows selection of individual print media to choose other types of print media when the user's desired print media is not included in the print media displayed on the input / output unit 406. In this embodiment, the category to which the first-ranked print media type belongs is displayed at the top. By displaying categories with similar characteristics at a higher level to facilitate selection, the time and effort required to select the desired print media category can be reduced, even when the user's desired print media is not included in the print media candidates.

[0074] Figures 8A to 8C This illustrates candidate methods for displaying the type of print media on input / output unit 406 in other modes. For example... Figure 8A As shown, when not all candidates for the type of print media can be displayed on the operation panel, the input / output unit 406 can be configured to display lower-level candidates via scrolling or similar operations. Optionally, candidates do not need to be displayed in order from higher levels, as long as the user can recognize the priority order. The name of the highest-level print media can be displayed in the center of the operation panel. Optionally, as... Figure 8B As shown, priority levels can be indicated by increasing the size of the characters representing the names of print media with higher priority or by displaying these characters in bold. The category is displayed below the text "PAPER CATEGORY"; however, the category may be displayed even if there is no text indicating "PAPER CATEGORY". Alternatively, the type of print media other than the candidates may be displayed below the candidates instead of the category.

[0075] Optionally, such as Figure 8C As shown, only print media with the highest priority can be displayed. If the user wishes to select other print media from the retrieved media, the user can... Figure 8C Select a portion of the items displayed as standard plain paper printing media. The display method can be configured so that when this selection is entered, a message appears as shown below. Figure 6D The screen shown can be viewed, and other printing media can be selected.

[0076] If the extracted print media type is not present in step S108, such as Figure 6B Only categories are shown (step S114).

[0077] In step S111, if the user selects the type of printing media on the input / output unit 406, step S112 determines whether the measured value falls within the learning range of the selected printing media. The learning range will be explained here. If learning is based on a measured value that is significantly different from a preset characteristic value (changed through learning processing), an incorrect value will be learned. Therefore, a learning range is set as the range of measured values ​​to be learned. In this embodiment, the learning range is twice the size of the extraction range. The learning range is the range used to change the characteristic value. If the measured value falls within the learning range of the selected printing media, the characteristic value is changed based on the measured value. In this embodiment, the learning range is a range of predetermined values ​​starting from the center value of the characteristic value, and is a range of values ​​larger than twice the difference between the center value and the minimum value, or the difference between the center value and the maximum value. For example, Figure 7A The extraction range for the specular reflection value of standard glossy paper is 95–105, i.e., ±5 from the center value. Since the learning range has a range of ±10 from the center value (i.e., twice the size of ±5), the learning range is 90–110. Similarly, the diffuse reflection value and paper thickness each have a range twice the width of the extraction range, so the learning range for the diffuse reflection value of standard glossy paper is 90–110, and the learning range for paper thickness is 90–290. The learning range is not limited to this, and for example, it can have the same range as the extraction range, or it can be set to a learning range that varies between characteristics or types of printing media. If the measured value falls within the learning range for the selected type of printing media, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the characteristic value of the type of printing media selected in step S111 is updated using the value changed based on the measured value, and the changed value is stored in EEPROM 404. As described above, the printing media determination process ends. If the measured value does not fall within the learning range, the print media determination process ends without updating the characteristic values ​​of the selected print media type. The updating of characteristic values ​​will be explained in detail later.

[0078] When the printing media determination process is complete and print preparation is finished, the CPU 401 is in a state of waiting for a print job from the user, and starts printing when a print job is received. If the type of printing media selected and input by the user from the input / output unit 406 is different from the type of printing media in the job sent from the host computer to the printing device 100, the CPU 401 can be configured not to update the characteristic values ​​of the printing media stored in the EEPROM 404.

[0079] exist Figure 5In the printing media determination process, the type of printing media with appropriate paper thickness is extracted in step S103, the type of printing media with appropriate diffuse reflection value is extracted in step S105, and the type of printing media with appropriate specular reflection value is extracted in step S107. The extraction order is not limited to this, and for example, the type of printing media with appropriate diffuse reflection value can be extracted first.

[0080] When the optical sensor 201 is located in a measuring device separate from the printing device 100, the following mode can be applied. First, the characteristics of the printing medium placed in the measuring device are measured. Then, the acquired measurement value is sent to the printing device 100, where the CPU 401 of the printing device 100 extracts the printing medium and provides candidates to the input / output unit 406.

[0081] The following will illustrate the method for determining the display order in step S110 and updating the characteristic values ​​in step S113 of the print media determination process through specific examples. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the characteristics of the printing medium obtained in step S101 are (diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, paper thickness) = (103, 98, 225). Figure 10 This is a table showing the judgment results of steps S103 to S107. "APPLICABLE" indicates print media whose measured values ​​fall within the extraction range. "NOT APPLICABLE" indicates print media whose measured values ​​do not fall within the extraction range. In the next process, print media with at least one characteristic value not falling within the extraction range are not judged. This is in... Figure 10 The value is shown as "No judgment".

[0082] In step S103, the thickness of the paper (here, 190) is extracted as the obtained paper thickness. Figure 7A The types of printing media within the extraction range shown are standard glossy paper, standard semi-gloss paper, high-quality glossy paper, and thick glossy paper. Since the type of printing media extracted exists, a positive determination is made in step S104, and the process proceeds to step S105.

[0083] In step S105, the diffuse reflectance value (here, 103) that falls within the range of the printed medium extracted in step S103 is extracted as the measured diffuse reflectance value. Figure 7A The extraction range of diffuse reflection values ​​is shown for standard glossy paper, standard semi-gloss paper, and thick glossy paper, representing the types of printing media. Since the type of printing media extracted exists, a positive determination is made in step S106, and the process proceeds to step S107.

[0084] In step S107, the measured specular reflection value (here, 98) is extracted from the printing medium obtained in step S105. Figure 7A The printing media within the range of specular reflection values ​​shown are extracted. Here, standard glossy paper, standard semi-gloss paper, and thick glossy paper are extracted. Since the extracted printing media are present, a positive judgment is made in step S108, and the process proceeds to step S109.

[0085] In step S109, priorities are assigned to the printing media, giving higher priority to printing media whose characteristic values ​​are closer to the measured values. Then, in step S110, the names of the extracted printing media types are displayed from top to bottom, starting with the printing media with higher priority.

[0086] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a table used to explain the method for determining the order in step S109. In this embodiment, the proximity between the center value and the measured value of each characteristic is calculated using the following calculation method.

[0087] |(Measured value - Center value of characteristic) / (Maximum value of characteristic - Center value of characteristic)|

[0088] Instead of the maximum value of a characteristic, the minimum value can be used.

[0089] For example, when calculating the specular reflection value of standard glossy paper, |(10³-100) / (10⁵-9⁵)| = 0.6. The above calculation is performed on the type of printing medium extracted in step S105, and the value of closeness to the measured value of the characteristic is added together. The printing medium with the smaller sum value has a characteristic value closer to the measured value. The printing medium with the smaller sum value is determined to be a higher-level type of printing medium, and is displayed accordingly on the input / output unit 406. Here, as... Figure 6E As shown, the paper is displayed in the order of standard glossy paper, thick glossy paper, and standard semi-glossy paper.

[0090] The process of step S112 will be explained in the case where the user selects the third-ranked standard semi-gloss paper in step S111.

[0091] In step S112, it is determined whether the measured value obtained in step S101 falls within the learning range of standard semi-gloss paper, which is the type of printing medium selected. If the measured value falls within the learning range of all characteristics (i.e., diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, and paper thickness), it is determined that the measured value falls within the learning range of standard semi-gloss paper. Figure 7AAs shown, the extraction range for the specular reflection value of standard semi-gloss paper is 94 to 104, which is ±5 from a center value (intermediate value) set to 99. As mentioned above, the learning range has a range twice as wide as the extraction range, starting from the same center value. The learning range for the specular reflection value of standard semi-gloss paper is 89 to 109, which is ±10 from a center value set to 99. Similarly, the learning range for the diffuse reflection value of standard semi-gloss paper is 85 to 105, and the learning range for the paper thickness is 90 to 290. Since all the measured values ​​(diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, paper thickness) = (103, 98, 225) fall within the above-mentioned learning range, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0092] In step S113, the characteristic value of the selected printing media type is updated based on the measured value. Figure 7A The characteristic values ​​shown are the characteristic values ​​before the update. Figure 9 The measured value is shown. In this embodiment, the characteristic value of the type of printing media is made to approach the measured value by a set percentage. Since the measured value contains measurement error, it is preferable to change the characteristic value gradually by learning multiple times, i.e., reducing the difference by a set percentage, rather than directly replacing the characteristic value with the measured value once. An example of this situation is represented by the following generalized formula.

[0093] Updated trait value (T) n+1 ) = (Measured value (R) - Characteristic value (T) n ))×α+the characteristic value before the update (T) n )

[0094] Here, α represents the percentage by which the characteristic value approaches the measured value. With the difference reduced by a percentage of 25%, the center value of the specular reflection is as follows. For example, at T... n Given T0 (initial value), T1 is obtained through the first update.

[0095] When R = 103 and T n When T0 = 99, T1 is calculated as follows.

[0096] T1 = (103 - 99) × 0.25 + 99 = 100

[0097] Similarly, update the diffuse reflectance and paper thickness properties. Figure 7BThe updated results are shown below. The extraction ranges for specular and diffuse reflection values ​​remain ±5 from the center value, and the extraction range for paper thickness remains ±50 from the center value. The minimum and maximum values ​​are also updated based on the center value. The updated characteristic values ​​overwrite the original characteristic values. The updated characteristic values ​​are stored in EEPROM 404 as characteristic values ​​for standard semi-gloss paper and are used in subsequent print media determination processing. Thus, the print media determination process is complete.

[0098] In the example above, when updating the characteristic value, the characteristic value was brought closer to the measured value by 25%; however, the percentage reduction in difference is not limited to this and can be a percentage higher than 0% and lower than or equal to 100%. The percentage reduction in difference can be set for each type of printing media or for each characteristic.

[0099] In such Figure 7B With the updated characteristic values ​​shown, the characteristics of the printing medium are measured again as standard semi-gloss paper with (diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, paper thickness) = (103, 98, 225). Figure 11B The result of priority allocation based on the proximity of the characteristic value to the measured value is shown. As a result of updating the characteristic value of the standard semi-gloss paper, the standard semi-gloss paper is ranked first. Therefore, in step S110, the standard semi-gloss paper, as the measured printing medium, is displayed on the input / output unit 406 as the highest-level printing medium, and the user can more easily select the printing medium.

[0100] Alternatively, as another method of incorporating the measured values ​​into the characteristic values ​​of the type of printing media, the average of the last N measured values ​​can be set as each characteristic value. Figures 12A to 12D This is a table used to illustrate the method of setting characteristic values ​​using the last three measurements. Here, the specular reflection value of standard semi-gloss paper will be used as an example. Figure 12A This illustrates the case where standard semi-gloss paper is not selected even once in step S111 or step S114. Figure 12A In the example, the input, 99, is used as the initial setting value, and the last three values ​​are also 99, so the characteristic value is 99. Figure 12B In the case of selecting standard semi-gloss paper, enter measurement value 103 as the last measurement value. Set the average value of 100.3 when entering measurement value 103 as the characteristic value to be used subsequently. Figure 12C This shows the case where a standard semi-gloss paper is further selected, and 104 is entered as the last measurement value. The average value at this point (i.e., 102) is set as the characteristic value to be used later. Figure 12D Shown in Figure 12CIn this state, further select the standard semi-gloss paper case and enter 102 as the last measurement value. Set the average value of 103 at this point as the characteristic value to be used later.

[0101] As described above, the measured value of the fed printing media is obtained, and the type of printing media whose characteristic values ​​are closer to the measured value is notified at a higher level. Using this structure, the type of printing media that the user is more likely to select is prioritized, thus reducing the time and effort required to select the type of printing media the user desires.

[0102] Second Embodiment

[0103] In the first embodiment, the extracted print media type is notified in order of proximity between the characteristic value and the measured value. In this embodiment, the notification order is determined based on historical information.

[0104] In this embodiment, EEPROM 404 stores a history of the types of print media that the user has fed and selected so far. The print media selected by the user is from the first embodiment. Figure 5 The printing medium selected in step S111. The stored information is treated as historical information.

[0105] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating the printing media determination process of this embodiment is shown. Figure 13 Steps S201 to S208 and step S217 are performed in accordance with the first embodiment. Figure 5 The processing of steps S101 to S108 and step S114 is the same.

[0106] In step S209, the type of the extracted printing media is determined based on the historical information stored in EEPROM 404 to see if it is included in the usage history. Figure 14 As shown, EEPROM 404 stores information relating the printing media used in the printing device 100 so far to the proximity of the timing used. In the case of multiple uses of the same type of printing media, only the information related to the last use is entered into the history. Figure 14 The column number assigned to the historical sequence indicates that the print media with a smaller number is the most recently used print media.

[0107] If the type of printing media extracted in step S209 is not included in the historical information, then... Figure 5 The same applies to step S109. In step S215, a priority is assigned to the type of the extracted printing medium so that for printing media with higher priority, the characteristic value is set to be closer to the measured value.

[0108] In step S216, according to the priority order determined in step S215, such as Figure 6D The names of the printing media are displayed sequentially on the operation panel, and the process proceeds to step S211.

[0109] If the type of print media extracted in step S209 is included in the historical information, the type of print media extracted in step S210 is displayed, such that... Figure 15 As shown, printing media of the same type are displayed as a single entity. Figure 15 The system displays the types of print media used so far, with the most recently used print media having higher priority, and the names of print media with higher priority are displayed in order from top to bottom. Here, the names of three types of print media can be displayed; however, only the two types of print media extracted from the history information are shown. In this case, information indicating that no history information exists, such as "Unavailable Options," is displayed in the third column.

[0110] Perform the following steps in steps S211 to S213: Figure 5 The processing in steps S111 to S113 is the same. If the user selects the type of printing media on the input / output unit 406 in step S211, step S212 determines whether the measured value falls within the learning range of the selected printing media. If the measured value does not fall within the learning range of the selected printing media, the process proceeds to step S214. If the measured value falls within the learning range of the selected printing media, in step S213, the characteristic value of the selected printing media is changed and updated based on the measured value.

[0111] Subsequently, in step S214, the historical information is updated using the information from the latest usage history, which is based on the type of the selected printing media. Therefore, the printing media determination process in this embodiment is complete.

[0112] If the measured value does not fall within the learning range of the selected printing medium (No in step S212), in step S214, the CPU 401 can be configured not to update the historical information.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the type of printing media previously used is notified as a higher-level candidate. This structure prioritizes notifying the user of printing media types they are more likely to use, thus reducing the time and effort required to select the desired printing media.

[0114] Third Embodiment

[0115] In the first embodiment, the characteristic value of the printing media type stored in the EEPROM 404 is directly corrected, and the corrected characteristic value is compared with the measured value. In this embodiment, in addition to the characteristic value of the printing media type stored in the EEPROM 404, a correction value is also provided. The correction value is updated through learning, but the characteristic value remains unchanged relative to T0, which is the initial value. The correction value C is then used... n The value obtained from the calibration characteristic value T0 is used as the reference characteristic value, and the reference characteristic value is compared with the measured value. The calibration value uses C0 as the initial value, and the nth calibration value is C0. n The parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment have been omitted.

[0116] In the printing media determination process of this embodiment, in Figure 5 Steps S101, S103 to S112 and S114 will be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Here, steps S102 and S113 will be mainly described.

[0117] In addition to the characteristic value of the printing media type, a correction value used to correct the characteristic value is also stored in EEPROM404. When comparing with the measured value, according to... Figure 7A The predetermined characteristic value and the correction value are used to calculate the corrected characteristic value, and the corrected characteristic value is compared with the measured value. In this embodiment, the reference characteristic value for comparison with the measured value is set by using the characteristic value T0 and the correction value C. n The sum of T0+C n .

[0118] In step S102, the measured value obtained in step S101 is compared with the correction characteristic value of the printing media type. This is done using the reference characteristic value T0+C calculated in step S102. n To perform the processing steps S103 to S112.

[0119] In step S113, the learned values ​​are used to update the correction values ​​for the characteristic values ​​of the user-selected print media. The correction values ​​are updated such that the correction characteristic values ​​for the print media type approach the measured values ​​by a set percentage. This example can be represented by a generalized formula as follows. α represents the percentage reduction in difference.

[0120] Updated correction value (C) n+1 ) = (Measured value (R) - Reference characteristic value (T0 + C) n ))×α+Correction value before update (C) n )

[0121] Fourth embodiment

[0122] In the above embodiments, the characteristic value is corrected by learning when compared with the measured value for the selected type of printing media, but the characteristic value of printing media not selected by the user is not corrected by learning at this time. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the characteristic value changes due to individual differences in the optical sensor and the environment of the installation device, the characteristic value of the type of unselected printing media is also corrected. This embodiment will be described as follows: similar to the third embodiment, the characteristic value does not change relative to the initial value T0, and a correction value for the characteristic value of the type of printing media is provided. Parts that are the same as those in the above embodiments are omitted.

[0123] Individual correction values ​​for each type of printing media, as well as common correction values ​​for all types of characteristics used to jointly correct the printing media, are stored in EEPROM 404. Figure 16A The image shows an example of the stored correction values. For example... Figure 16A As shown, individual correction values ​​are set for each type of printing media. High-quality plain paper was not selected as the printing media used, so no correction value is set. A common correction value is set for specular reflection characteristics, but no common correction value is set for diffuse reflection characteristics or paper thickness characteristics.

[0124] exist Figure 16B The text shows how to utilize... Figure 16A Correction value correction Figure 7A The corrected characteristic values ​​are obtained from the characteristic values ​​of the printing media shown. The corrected specular reflectance value of standard gloss paper is 97 to 107, which is obtained by adding an individual correction value +1 and a common correction value +1 to the range of 95 to 105, which is the reference specular reflectance value of standard gloss paper. The corrected diffuse reflectance value of standard gloss paper is 99 to 109, which is obtained by adding an individual correction value +4. In this embodiment, the result obtained by adding the reference characteristic value, individual correction value, and common correction value of each printing medium is described as the corrected characteristic value; however, the correction reference value can be calculated using methods other than addition. For example, the individual correction value and common correction value can be stored as coefficients, and the value obtained by multiplying the reference characteristic value of the printing medium by the individual correction value and the common correction value can be used as the correction reference value.

[0125] In the first embodiment Figure 5 In step S113, the process of generating correction values ​​involves generating individual correction values ​​and common correction values ​​in this embodiment. Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating the process of generating correction values ​​in this embodiment is shown.

[0126] In step S1501, the learned values ​​are used to update the individual correction values ​​for the characteristic values ​​of the print media selected by the user. The individual correction values ​​are updated such that the correction characteristic values ​​for the print media type are close to the measured values ​​by a set percentage. This is performed in accordance with the second embodiment. Figure 5 The same process described in step S113.

[0127] In step S1502, it is determined whether the number of print media types with individual correction values ​​is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. If the number of print media types with individual correction values ​​is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, it can be determined whether a common trend exists during correction based on the individual correction values, and therefore the process proceeds to step S1503. If the number of print media types with individual correction values ​​is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, since the number of print media types with individual correction values ​​is small, it is not possible to determine whether a common trend exists during correction, and therefore the process ends.

[0128] In step S1503, it is determined whether the percentage of individual correction values ​​in the same direction among all individual correction values ​​set for the same item for the printing media exceeds a predetermined percentage. The correction direction is a positive direction when the correction value is positive, or a negative direction when the correction value is negative. In this embodiment, the predetermined percentage is set to 70%. If the number of printing media types for which individual correction values ​​have been set, and the correction is performed in the same direction, is greater than or equal to 70%, it is determined that a common trend exists in the correction, and the process proceeds to step S1504. If the correction in the same direction is less than 70%, it is determined that no common trend exists in the correction, and the process ends.

[0129] In step S1504, the common correction value is updated. The common correction value is set based on the individual correction values ​​of the print media types determined to be corrected in the same direction (i.e., the print media types included in 70% of those in step S1503). The minimum value among the set individual correction values ​​is set as the common correction value.

[0130] When a common correction value is set in step S1504, the individual correction values ​​are updated in step S1505 based on the set common correction value. Individual correction values ​​for print media for which no individual correction values ​​have been set are not updated.

[0131] The following specific examples will illustrate this. Figure 17 The processing.

[0132] Figure 18A Showing during execution Figure 17 The correction value during the processing of step S1501. Figure 18B Showing during execution Figure 17 The corrected value after processing.

[0133] In step S1501, the learned values ​​are used to update the correction values ​​for the characteristics of the print media set by the user. Figure 18A The updated correction values ​​are shown below. Here, individual correction values ​​are set for standard gloss paper, standard semi-gloss paper, high-quality gloss paper, and thick gloss paper.

[0134] In step S1502, it is determined whether a number of individual correction values ​​greater than or equal to a predetermined number have been set. In this embodiment, the predetermined number is set to 4. Figure 18A As shown, four individual correction values ​​are set and the number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, so the process proceeds to step S1503.

[0135] In step S1503, it is determined whether the percentage of individual correction values ​​in the same direction among the individual correction values ​​set for the printing medium exceeds a predetermined percentage. For specular reflection values, the individual correction values ​​for standard glossy paper, standard semi-gloss paper, and high-quality glossy paper are correction values ​​in the positive direction. Since 3 / 4, or 75%, of the individual correction values ​​are corrections in the same direction, the common correction value is updated in step S1504. Similarly, since 75% of the individual correction values ​​for diffuse reflection values ​​are corrections in the positive direction, the common correction value is updated. Since the percentage of individual correction values ​​that are corrections in the same direction for paper thickness is 50%, the common correction value is not updated.

[0136] In step S1504, the common correction value for the characteristic values ​​for which the common correction value was updated in step S1503 is updated. Among the individual correction values ​​set for the specular reflection value, the minimum value is set as the common correction value for the specular reflection value. Figure 18A In this case, +4 is set as the common correction value for specular reflection values. Similarly, the common correction value for diffuse reflection values ​​is set to +2.

[0137] In step S1505, the individual correction value is updated based on the common correction value set in step S1504. The correction reference value is obtained by adding the reference characteristic value of the printing media type, the common correction value, and the individual correction value. For specular reflection values, the common correction value is set to +4, so the individual correction value is updated using the value obtained by subtracting +4 from the set individual correction value, and the updated value is as follows. Figure 18B As shown. Similarly, for diffuse reflectance values, subtract +2 from the set individual correction value.

[0138] so, Figure 17 The processing is now complete.

[0139] Fifth embodiment

[0140] In the above embodiments, the size of the set detection range remains unchanged even when the reference characteristic value is updated. In this embodiment, the size of the detection range is changed according to the measured value and the reference characteristic value.

[0141] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a print media determination process, in which the print media determination process acquires measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristics of the print media 105 to be printed, provides candidate print media to the input / output unit 406 based on these measurement results, and determines the type of print media to be printed. In the following print media determination process, for the characteristic value of the print media type selected by the user, a measurement value is obtained as new information, and a predetermined characteristic value is changed based on the measurement value to make it closer to the measurement value. Through such learning, characteristic values ​​for more accurate selection of the print media type are obtained.

[0142] For example, in Figure 4 When the CPU 401 shown reads the program stored in ROM 402 into RAM 403 and runs the program, it performs the processing steps S1101 to S1114. The print media determination process can be executed by software on the host device. In this embodiment, since the input / output unit 406 is an operation panel provided in the printing device 100, the candidate print media is notified by displaying the name of the print media on the operation panel. The input / output unit 406 can be a combination of a host device and a display connected to the host device. When the input / output unit 406 is a speaker with a microphone function that can input or output voice, the candidate print media is notified by the speaker, and the print media is selected by the user by inputting the name of the print media or associated reference symbol into the microphone in a voice manner.

[0143] When the CPU 401 receives an instruction from the user to start paper feeding via the operation panel, which serves as the input / output unit 406, the CPU 401 begins... Figure 19 The printing media determination process. Figure 6A This is an example of a display on an operation panel awaiting input for instructions to begin sheet feed processing. The operation panel is a touch panel for user touch input. When "Yes" is touched and sheet feed is started, the print media 105 is conveyed by the transport rollers to the table 106, where the optical sensor 201 can detect the position of the print media 105 (step S1101).

[0144] After the printing medium 105 is delivered, in step S1102, the carriage 101 moves in the X direction and the optical sensor 201 moves above the printing medium 105.

[0145] In step S1103, the specular reflection value V1, diffuse reflection value V2, and printing medium thickness value (hereinafter referred to as paper thickness) V3 of the printing medium 105 are acquired using the optical sensor 201. The diffuse reflection value corresponds to the whiteness of the printing medium. The specular reflection value corresponds to the gloss of the printing medium. The printing medium determination process can be performed by using the width of the printing medium in the X direction as one of the characteristics of the printing medium. The location for measuring the characteristics of the printing medium can be one, or the average value of the measurement results at multiple points can be used. The characteristic measurement can be performed when the optical sensor 201 is stopped, or it can be performed while the optical sensor 201 is moving. The measured values ​​are temporarily stored in a memory such as RAM 403.

[0146] Subsequently, in steps S1104 to S1107, the CPU 401 reads the acquired measurement values ​​from the memory and compares the measurement values ​​with predetermined characteristic values ​​of various printing media stored in the EEPROM 404. Therefore, printing media types whose characteristic values ​​are classified as belonging to a degree higher than a predetermined degree by the characteristic represented by the measurement values ​​are extracted. Details will be explained below.

[0147] In step S1104, it is determined whether the comparison of all types of characteristic values ​​of the printing medium stored in EEPROM 404 is complete. If the comparison is complete, the process proceeds to step S1108.

[0148] If it is determined in step S1104 that the comparison is not completed, the process proceeds to step S1105, and the characteristic value of the printing medium type is compared with the measured value. Figure 20A This shows the characteristic values ​​of various types of printing media stored in EEPROM 404. These characteristic values ​​are set to predetermined values ​​and are constant. The values ​​obtained by converting the output voltage from analog to digital using 10 bits are stored as diffuse reflection and specular reflection values. This output voltage is the voltage output by optical sensor 201 when it receives light. Figure 20B This shows the correction and learning values ​​stored in EEPROM 404. The learning value will be explained later. The correction value is the value to be updated by learning. This will be achieved by utilizing... Figure 20B The correction value shown is corrected. Figure 20AThe values ​​obtained from the initial values ​​of the predetermined characteristic values ​​are set as reference characteristic values ​​(hereinafter referred to as the reference values ​​of the characteristic values). These values ​​are compared with the measured values, and the type of printing media is identified. In this embodiment, the value obtained by multiplying the predetermined characteristic value by a correction value is set as the reference characteristic value. For example, the reference value of the specular reflection value of plain paper A is represented by the initial value (V1L_a) × the correction value (α_a). Referring to the reference value of the characteristic values, the extraction range is set to... Figure 20C The type of printing medium is detected within a first range, from positive to negative extraction limits. For example, the positive extraction limit for the specular reflection value of plain paper A is J1_a, and the negative extraction limit is J1'_a. Therefore, the extraction range for the specular reflection value of plain paper A is from (V1L_a)×(α_a)-(J1'_a) to (V1L_a)×(α_a)+(J1'_a). In step S1105, it is determined whether the measured value in step S1103 falls within the extraction range for a predetermined type of printing medium. If the measured value does not fall within the extraction range, the process returns to step S1104, and the next type of printing medium is determined. If the measured value falls within the extraction range, the process proceeds to step S1106.

[0149] In step S1106, a judgment distance Dx is calculated, representing the closeness between the measured value and the reference value of the characteristic value. The judgment distance Dx indicates that the type of the printing medium with the reference value having a shorter judgment distance Dx is closer to the type of the measured printing medium. The formula for calculating the judgment distance Dx is shown below using plain paper A as an example.

[0150] Dx={V1-(α_a)×(V1L_a) 2 +{V2-(β_a)×(V2L_a)} 2 +{V3-(γ_a)×

[0151] (V3L_a)} 2

[0152] The method for calculating the distance Dx is not limited to the formula described above, and can be any method capable of calculating the similarity between the measured value and the baseline value of the characteristic value. In this embodiment, the distance between all the measured values ​​to be obtained and the baseline value of the characteristic value is calculated as a whole; however, when the correlation between these measured values ​​and the baseline value of the characteristic value is low, the distance to the individual characteristic value can be calculated separately, and then the closeness to the measured value can be determined.

[0153] In step S1107, the judgment distance Dx calculated in step S1106 and the type of printing media are temporarily stored in RAM 403 in association with each other.

[0154] If steps S1104 to S1107 are performed for all types of printing media, a positive determination is made in step S1104, and the process proceeds to step S1108. In step S1108, it is determined whether any type of printing media is stored in RAM 403. If no type of printing media is stored in RAM 403, then... Figure 6B All categories are displayed on the operation panel (step S1111). These categories are arranged and displayed in a predetermined order. When displaying categories, if the user enters a category, as shown... Figure 6C The display shows the types of print media in that category. Then, the input for the selected print media type is received from the displayed print media types. This input is made by touching the name of the displayed print media. Figure 6B In addition to indicating the type of print media, "All" is also displayed at the bottom. Selecting "All" displays all print media in a predetermined order. Recording media can be displayed in the most recent order (i.e., from the last used print media).

[0155] In step S1108, if the type of printing medium is stored in RAM 403, priority is assigned to the stored printing medium type in ascending order of judgment distance Dx (step S1109).

[0156] like Figure 6D As shown, the names of the types of printing media are displayed from top to bottom in descending order of priority determined in step S1109 (step S1110).

[0157] In touch Figure 6D When icon 40 is displayed on the control panel, the screen can be scrolled down. Touching "Stop" cancels the print media confirmation process, and... Figure 6A The display switches to the main screen. Figure 6D The names of the printing media are displayed in descending order of priority, with codes 1 through 3 added as prefixes. The type of printing media is selected by touching any of the displayed names. Here, standard semi-gloss paper, assigned number 1, has the highest priority. The codes can be any that indicate the priority level and can be anything other than numbers. The display method is not limited to this and can be any method as long as the user can recognize the priority order.

[0158] exist Figure 6D In the middle, up to three print media candidates can be displayed from the top; however, since the number of print media types extracted is two, therefore... Figure 6D Only two print media are displayed. The user is informed that no third candidate exists by displaying "Unavailable Options" in a light (or dark) color in the third column, making it less attractive compared to the names of the two print media. For example, when the background color of the operation panel is black, the two print media are displayed in white, and the text "Unavailable Options" is displayed in a gray that is less bright than white. The paper type is displayed below the text "Unavailable Options." This allows selection of individual print media to choose other types of print media when the user's desired print media is not included in the print media displayed on the input / output unit 406. In this embodiment, the category to which the first-ranked print media type belongs is displayed at the top. By displaying categories with similar characteristics at a higher level to make these categories easier to select, the time and effort required to select the desired print media category can be reduced, even when the user's desired print media is not included in the print media candidates.

[0159] Figures 8A to 8C This illustrates candidate methods for displaying the type of print media on input / output unit 406 in other modes. For example... Figure 8A As shown, when not all candidates for the type of print media can be displayed on the operation panel, the input / output unit 406 can be configured to display lower-level candidates via scrolling or similar operations. Optionally, candidates do not need to be displayed in order from higher levels, as long as the user can recognize the priority order. The name of the highest-level print media can be displayed in the center of the operation panel. Optionally, as... Figure 8B As shown, priority levels can be indicated by increasing the size of the characters representing the names of print media with higher priority or by displaying these characters in bold. The category is displayed below the text "Paper Category"; however, the category may be displayed even if there is no text indicating "Paper Category". Alternatively, the type of print media other than the candidates may be displayed below the candidates instead of the category.

[0160] Optionally, such as Figure 8C As shown, only print media with the highest priority can be displayed. If the user wishes to select other print media from the retrieved media, the user can... Figure 8C Select a portion of the items displayed as standard plain paper printing media. The display method can be configured so that when this selection is entered, a message appears as shown below. Figure 6D The screen shown can be viewed, and other printing media can be selected.

[0161] If the user selects the printing media type on the input / output unit 406 in step S1112, the correction value is updated using the learned value in step S1113. The process of updating the correction value will be explained later.

[0162] Subsequently, in step S1114, the carriage 101 is moved to the standby position. Then, in step S1115, the printing medium 105 is conveyed by the transport roller to the standby position for printing using the print head 102.

[0163] Thus, the print media determination process is complete. Printing begins upon receiving a print job from the user. If the type of print media selected and input by the user from the input / output unit 406 is different from the type of print media in the job sent from the host computer to the printing device 100, the CPU 401 can be configured not to update the print media correction value stored in the EEPROM 404.

[0164] Correction value update processing

[0165] Figure 21 It is shown Figure 19 The flowchart for the calibration value update process for the printing media in step S1113 is shown. Figure 19 The example of the user selecting plain paper A in step S1112 will be used for illustration.

[0166] It is determined whether the measured value falls within the learning range of the second range, which is the selected printing medium (here, plain paper A). The learning range will be explained here. If learning is based on a measured value that is significantly different from a reference value of the characteristic value, incorrect values ​​may be learned; therefore, a learning range is set as the range of measured values ​​to be learned. In this embodiment, the learning range is a range that is a predetermined distance larger than the extraction range. The reference value for a specific value is used to... Figure 20C The range from the positive to the negative learning limit value shown is set as the learning range, and the learning limit values ​​are stored in EEPROM 404. The predetermined distance between the extraction range and the learning range may vary between different types of printing media. If a measured value falls within the learning range of the selected printing media, the correction value changes. A predetermined number of measured values ​​are stored in EEPROM 404 as learning values ​​for plain paper A, and each correction value is updated based on these learning values. In this embodiment, a mode for storing two learning values ​​will be described.

[0167] In step S1201, it is determined whether the measured specular reflection value V1 falls within the learning range of the specular reflection value of ordinary paper A. The learning range of the specular reflection value of ordinary paper A is from (V1L_a)×(α_a)-(L1'_a) to (V1L_a)×(α_a)+(L1_a). If the measured value does not fall within the learning range, the correction value is not updated, and therefore the correction value update process ends. If the measured value falls within the learning range, the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0168] In step S1202, it is determined whether the measured diffuse reflectance value V2 falls within the learning range of the diffuse reflectance value of ordinary paper A. The learning range of the diffuse reflectance value of ordinary paper A is from (V2L_a)×(β_a)-(L2'_a) to (V2L_a)×(β_a)+(L2_a). If the measured value does not fall within the learning range, the correction value is not updated, and the correction value update process ends. If the measured value falls within the learning range, the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0169] In step S1203, it is determined whether the measured paper thickness V3 falls within the learning range of the paper thickness of plain paper A. The learning range of the paper thickness of plain paper A is from (V3L_a)×(γ_a)-(L3'_a) to (V3L_a)×(γ_a)+(L3'_a). If the measured value does not fall within the learning range, the correction value is not updated, and the correction value update process ends. If the measured value falls within the learning range, all characteristics fall within the learning range, so the measured value is stored as a learning value in EEPROM 404, and the process proceeds to step S1204.

[0170] In step S1204, to update the learning value stored in EEPROM 404, it is determined whether the previously updated learning value is stored in storage location a2. If the storage location is a2 (yes in step S1204), the learning value stored in a1 is updated using the measurement value in step S1205. If the storage location is a1 (no in step S1204), the learning value stored in a2 is updated using the measurement value in step S1206. The learning values ​​stored in EEPROM 404 are selected when the printing medium to be printed is plain paper A, and are the last and second-to-last learning values ​​that fall within the learning range. In steps S1204 to S1206, the current measurement value is used to overwrite and update the second-to-last learning value, which is the earliest learning value.

[0171] In step S1207, the average value of the learning values ​​stored in EEPROM 404 is obtained, the percentage difference between the average value and the baseline value of the characteristic value is calculated, and the correction value is updated using the percentage. Thus, the correction value update process ends.

[0172] Processing changes in extraction range

[0173] Figure 22 The flowchart illustrates the process of changing the extraction range. Figure 21 After the correction value update process is complete, an extraction range change process is performed. This process expands or shrinks the extraction range based on the measured value. The extraction range is adjusted for various characteristics of the printing medium. Here, the specular reflection value when the user selects plain paper A will be explained. If the measured value falls within the learning range but not the extraction range, the following process is used to bring the measured value into the extraction range. If the measured value falls within the extraction range and the extraction range is relatively wide compared to the measured value, the extraction range is narrowed.

[0174] First, in step S301, determine Figure 19 The question is whether the measured value V1 of the specular reflection obtained in step S1103 falls within the learning range. This can be expressed by the following inequality.

[0175] (V1L_a)×(α_a)-(L1'_a)≤V1≤(V1L_a)×(α_a)+(L1_a)

[0176] If the measured value V1 falls outside the learning range, then the measured value V1 is not the value to be learned, and the process ends. If the measured value V1 falls within the learning range, in step S302, it is determined whether the measured value V1 is greater than the reference value of the characteristic value (V1L_a)×(α_a). Therefore, it is determined whether the measured value V1 is a positive or negative value relative to the reference characteristic value.

[0177] If the measured value V1 is greater than the reference value (V1L_a)×(α_a) of the characteristic value ("Yes" in step S302), the measured value V1 is a positive value relative to the reference value (V1L_a)×(α_a) of the characteristic value, and in step S303, the measured value is stored as V1_n in EEPROM 404. Newer measured values ​​are stored with smaller n. n = N is the maximum number, and the earliest measured value is stored with n = N. If the number of measured values ​​stored in EEPROM 404 exceeds the maximum value N, the earlier measured values ​​are discarded, and the new value is stored in that position. Here, N = 2. In S304, the standard deviation 3σ1 is calculated based on the average V1ave and variance V1var of the N positive specular reflection measured values ​​V1_n. The standard deviation 3σ1 is used when expanding the extraction range in step S308 or narrowing the extraction range in step S311. The calculation formula for calculating the standard deviation 3σ1 is shown below. In this formula, the measured value of specular reflection V1_n is represented by V1n.

[0178]

[0179] 3σ1=3×σ1

[0180] If the measured value V1 is less than or equal to the reference value (V1L_a)×(α_a) of the characteristic value (No in step S302), the measured value V1 is a positive value relative to the reference value (V1L_a)×(α_a) of the characteristic value, and in step S305, this measured value is stored as V1_n' in EEPROM 404. In S306, the standard deviation 3σ1 is calculated based on the average V1ave and variance V1var of the N negative specular reflection measured values ​​V1_n'.

[0181] If the processing in step S304 or step S306 is completed, in step S307 it is determined whether the measured value falls within the extraction range. If the processing proceeds to step S303, it is determined whether V1_1 to V1_N fall within the extraction range. If the processing proceeds to step S305, it is determined whether V1_1' to V1_N' fall within the extraction range.

[0182] If none of the measurements stored in EEPROM 404 fall within the extraction range, the extraction range is expanded in step S308 so that all measurements fall within it. The learning range is also expanded to be a predetermined distance wider than the extraction range. To expand the extraction and learning ranges, 3σ1 calculated in step S304 or S306 is used. The formulas for changing the extraction and learning limits to expand the extraction and learning ranges are shown below.

[0183] J1_a=(V1ave+3σ1)

[0184] J1'_a=(V1ave-3σ1)

[0185] J1_a=(L1_a+(V1ave+3σ1-J1_a))

[0186] J1'_a=(L1_a+(V1ave-3σ1-J1_a)

[0187] Subsequently, in step S309, it is determined whether the expanded extraction limit value calculated in step S308 is greater than the upper limit value J1max. In this embodiment, the range of values ​​that the extraction limit values ​​J1_a and J1'_a can take is determined. The size of the range that the learning limit value can take is the same as that of the extraction limit value. If the expanded extraction limit value J1_a is greater than the upper limit value J1max, the extraction range change process ends without expanding the extraction range. If the expanded extraction limit value J1_a is not greater than the upper limit value J1max, the expanded extraction limit value and the expanded learning limit value calculated in step S308 are used as the new extraction limit value and the new learning limit value to update the extraction limit value and the learning limit value, and the extraction range change process ends. If any of the expanded extraction limit values ​​in step S309 is greater than the upper limit value, the extraction limit value is not updated; however, the upper limit value can be used as the extraction limit value to update the extraction limit value. The range that the extraction range can take and the range that the learning range can take can be provided separately.

[0188] If, in step S307, all measured values ​​stored in EEPROM 404 fall within the extraction range, then in step S311, the extraction range is narrowed to a range where all measured values ​​fall within the extraction range. The learning range is also narrowed to a range wider than the extraction range by a predetermined distance. The extraction limit value and the learning limit value are calculated using the same formula as used in step S308.

[0189] Subsequently, in step S312, it is determined whether the reduced extraction limit value calculated in step S311 is less than the lower limit value J1min. If the reduced extraction limit value J1_a is less than the lower limit value J1min, the extraction range change process ends without reducing the extraction range. If the reduced extraction limit value J1_a is not less than the lower limit value J1min, the reduced extraction limit value and the reduced learning limit value calculated in step S311 are used as the new extraction limit value and the new learning limit value to update the extraction limit value and the learning limit value, and the extraction range change process ends.

[0190] The same extraction range modification process was performed on diffuse reflectance value and paper thickness as described above.

[0191] In this embodiment, a standard deviation of 3σ is used to expand or shrink these ranges. When using a standard deviation of 3σ, the range into which 99.7% of all measurements stored in EEPROM 404 fall can be calculated. Based on the percentage of measurements intended to be included in that range from all measurements stored in EEPROM 404, a value other than 3σ can be used as the standard deviation.

[0192] Sixth Embodiment

[0193] In this embodiment, a method for determining extraction limit values ​​and learning limit values ​​for printing media whose characteristic values ​​are not pre-stored in EEPROM 404 will be described.

[0194] In this embodiment, when the user expects to use a printing medium whose characteristic values ​​are not pre-stored in the EEPROM 404, characteristic values, extraction limit values, and learning limit values ​​are set according to the intended type of printing medium. Therefore, in Figure 19 In the process of determining the printing media, the printing media can be extracted as a candidate printing media.

[0195] Regarding the intended print media characteristics, the user first selects the closest print media type from a pre-stored list. The characteristics set for the selected print media type are then set for the intended print media characteristics.

[0196] Regarding the extraction and learning range of the intended print media, the extraction and learning limits are set to be the same size as the extraction and learning range of the type of print media with the widest extraction range among the pre-stored print media.

[0197] Characteristic values ​​can be obtained by using optical sensor 201 to measure the intended printing medium.

[0198] Seventh Embodiment

[0199] In the first and second embodiments, the characteristic values ​​are changed based on the measured values. However, it is conceivable that the characteristic values ​​may not be changed to improve the accuracy of extracting the type of print media. For example, it can be assumed that the user may mistakenly select a print media type different from the expected print media. In this case, changing the characteristic values ​​of the mistakenly selected print media based on the measured values ​​may not accurately extract the type of print media using the changed characteristic values.

[0200] In the above scenario, it can also be assumed that the changed characteristic value can be reset. This embodiment describes a mode for resetting the changed characteristic value. When multiple users use the printing device 100, the characteristic value can be reset in a way that traces back to changes in the characteristic value caused by previous users' use. An example will be given of a mode in which the characteristic value can be reset to its initial value. Here, the initial value is the characteristic value of the printing medium pre-stored in the EEPROM 404 when the user first uses the printing device 100.

[0201] The printing device of this embodiment will be described using the printing device of the second embodiment, which displays candidate printing media based on historical information. Descriptions of parts identical to those in the above embodiments are omitted. In the printing media determination process, if a user mistakenly selects the type of printing media, a notification can be sent to recommend data for resetting the learned characteristic values. This notification prompts the user to reset and prevents the notification from incorrectly selecting candidates.

[0202] Figure 23 A flowchart of the reset process is shown. The reset process is performed by CPU 401 according to the program stored in ROM 402.

[0203] like Figure 7A The characteristic values ​​of the type of printing media shown are pre-stored as initial values ​​and, as... Figure 7B The learned characteristic values ​​of the printing media type, which change through learning, are both stored in EEPROM 404. Figure 7B The diagram shows the characteristic values ​​to be changed through learning. Figure 13 In the process of determining the printing media, Figure 7B The learned characteristic value is compared with the measured value measured using optical sensor 201, and candidates for the type of printing media are extracted. The characteristic value stored as the initial value remains unchanged. The process of resetting the learned characteristic value to the initial value is performed by storing the initial value of the characteristic value stored in EEPROM 404 in the area where the learned characteristic value is stored.

[0204] In this embodiment, a "data estimation reset" process and a "paper information reset" process can be performed. The "data estimation reset" process resets the learned characteristic values, which are used to estimate the type of printing media, to their initial values. The "paper information reset" process resets all information set for the type of printing media to be reset. Hereinafter, the data for the learned characteristic values ​​will also be referred to as estimated data. The paper information reset process is a process that resets the information associated with all printing media to its initial state, and in addition to resetting the learned characteristic values ​​to their initial values, it also includes a process of clearing information stored as historical information by resetting historical information. Optionally, as in the case of the third embodiment, a mode providing characteristic values ​​and correction values ​​for the printing media can also be applied. In this case, the estimated data is reset by resetting the correction values ​​to their initial values.

[0205] First, in step S1601, the main screen is displayed on the input / output unit 406. Figure 24A ). Figure 24A This displays the status of selecting "MAIN SETTINGS" from the items shown on the main screen. When an item is selected, it is highlighted, and the next screen is displayed. Figures 24A to 24H In the middle, highlight the item, make its background color different from other items, and widen the item's border.

[0206] When "Main Settings" is selected on the main screen, in step S1602, the following is displayed on the input / output unit 406: Figure 24B The main settings screen is shown. When "Paper-Related Settings" is selected on the main settings screen, as shown... Figure 24B The "Paper-related Settings" are highlighted as shown, and in step S1603, the following is displayed: Figure 24C The screen shown shows the paper-related settings. Figure 24C This shows the status when "Detailed Paper Settings" is selected on the settings screen. The paper-related settings screen displays items for setting printing media information in the printing device 100. These items include, for example, items for setting the height of the print head 102 during printing and items for setting the cutting speed when cutting roll paper.

[0207] If the user wishes to reset the learning characteristic values ​​for all types of print media, the user selects "RESET ALL ESTIMATED DATA OF PAPERSELECTION" on the paper-related settings screen. When "RESET ALL ESTIMATED DATA OF PAPERSELECTION" is selected, in step S1604, the learning characteristic values ​​for all types of print media are reset to those stored in EEPROM 404. Figure 7A The initial values ​​are shown below. The process of resetting all estimated data will be explained in detail later.

[0208] If the user wishes to reset all print media information related to the print media, the user selects "RESET ALL PAPER INFORMATION". When "RESET ALL PAPER INFORMATION" is selected, in step S1605, the initializeable data, including characteristic values ​​and historical information, is reset to its initial values. (Refer to...) Figure 26 This section details the process of resetting all print media information.

[0209] If the user wishes to reset the learned values ​​or historical information of the characteristic values ​​for each type of print media, select "Detailed Paper Settings". With "Detailed Paper Settings" selected, the characteristic values ​​and historical information for each type of print media are reset in step S1606. This will be referred to later. Figure 27 Let me explain in detail.

[0210] This completes the reset process.

[0211] Explanation Figure 23 The processing of all estimated data for resetting the paper selection in step S1604. Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of step S1604.

[0212] In the paper-related settings screen ( Figure 24C If "RESET ALLESTIMATED DATA OF PAPER SELECTION" is selected on the page, the following will be displayed in step S1801: Figure 24G The confirmation screen is shown. If "Yes" is selected on this confirmation screen ("Yes" in step S1802), the learning characteristic values ​​of all printing media are reset to their initial values ​​in step S1803. Subsequently, in step S1805, the paper-related settings screen is displayed on the input / output unit 406, and the process ends.

[0213] If "Yes" is not selected on the confirmation screen ("No" in step S1802) and "No" is selected ("Yes" in step S1804), the paper-related settings screen is displayed on the input / output unit 406 in step S1805, and the process ends. If "Yes" is not selected on the confirmation screen ("No" in step S1802) and "No" is not selected ("No" in step S1804), the confirmation screen is displayed until one of these two options is selected.

[0214] Perform the process described above to reset all estimated data for paper selection.

[0215] Next, the explanation will be... Figure 23 The process of resetting all print media information in step S1605. Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of step S1605.

[0216] In the paper-related settings screen ( Figure 24C If "Reset all paper information" is selected, the following will be displayed in step S1901: Figure 24H The confirmation screen is shown. If "Yes" is selected on the confirmation screen ("Yes" in step S1902), in step S1903, the print media information set for all types of print media is set to initial values. The print media information includes not only the characteristic values ​​and historical information of the print media type, but also, for example, the height setting of the print head 102 during printing, and the cutting speed when cutting the roll paper. Subsequently, in step S1905, the paper-related settings screen is displayed on the input / output unit 406, and the process ends.

[0217] If "Yes" is not selected on the confirmation screen ("No" in step S1902) and "No" is selected ("Yes" in step S1904), the paper-related settings screen is displayed on the input / output unit 406 in step S1905, and the process ends. If "Yes" is not selected on the confirmation screen ("No" in step S1802) and "No" is not selected ("No" in step S1904), the confirmation screen is displayed until one of these two options is selected.

[0218] Perform the process described above to reset all print media information for paper selection.

[0219] Next, the explanation will be... Figure 23 The various types of reset processing for the printing media in step S1606. Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of step S1606.

[0220] In the paper-related settings screen ( Figure 24CWhen "Detailed Paper Settings" is selected, the following will be displayed in step S2001: Figure 24D The screen shown is for selecting the type of printing media. Figure 24D In the settings, you can select the type of printing media. Figure 24D The status of the selected plain paper category is displayed. For example, when plain paper is selected, step S2002 displays the types of printing media belonging to the plain paper category: "Standard Plain Paper" and "Premium Plain Paper". Figure 24E ). Figure 24E This shows the status when standard plain paper is selected.

[0221] If the type of printing media is selected in step S2002, then in step S2003 as follows: Figure 24F The screen displayed shows detailed settings for the selected print media type. Figure 24F This shows the status when "RESET ESTIMATED DATA OF PAPER SELECTION" is selected. It can be viewed from... Figure 24F The screen allows you to set the outer diameter of the paper tube and the thickness of the paper for different types of printing media. You can also reset the learned values ​​for the characteristics of the printing media type or reset the printing media information from this screen.

[0222] exist Figure 24F If "Reset Paper Selection Estimation Data" is selected on the screen, step S2004 performs a process to reset the estimation data and set the learning characteristic value of the print media type to the initial value. The process in step S2004 is the same as described above. Figure 25 The process is the same, and in step S1803, the characteristic value of the selected printing media type is reset to the initial value.

[0223] exist Figure 24F If "RESET PAPER INFORMATION" is selected on the screen, in step S2005, all data, including characteristic values ​​and historical information, are reset to their initial values. The processing in step S2005 is the same as described above. Figure 26 The process is the same, and in step S1903, the paper information set for the selected print media type is reset to its initial value. Only the historical information for the print media type to be reset is deleted, while the historical information for other print media types is stored.

[0224] When the processing in step S2004 or S2005 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2006, and a screen is displayed for selecting whether to perform a reset process for other types of print media. If "Reset" is selected, the process returns to step S2001. If "Reset" is not selected, a detailed settings screen related to the selected print media type is displayed, similar to the case in step S2003. Figure 24F ), and the processing is complete.

[0225] In the above description, the characteristic value of the print media type is set to an initial value by resetting the estimated data, and the historical information is also reset by resetting the print media information. By resetting the characteristic value to the initial value, the accuracy of extracting candidates for the print media type can be prevented from decreasing, thus reducing inconvenience to the user.

[0226] Optionally, processing that only resets historical information can be performed. For example, if the user of printing device 100 has changed, it is conceivable that even when candidates for the type of printing media are displayed based on historical information, types different from those frequently used by the new user might be displayed as higher-level candidates. In this case, by resetting only the historical information without resetting the learning characteristic value of the type of printing media, the printing media can be extracted with improved accuracy, thus improving user convenience.

[0227] The changes to the characteristic values ​​are reset, and the characteristic values ​​of the printing media are set to their initial values; however, it is not necessary to revert the changes to the initial values. For example, the most recent changes or the most recent few changes can be reset. The timing for resetting the changes to the characteristic values ​​does not have to be when the user enters reset information. For example, a reset can be performed if the environment in which the printing device 100 is used has changed or if the user using the printing device 100 has changed.

[0228] Other embodiments

[0229] In the above embodiments, specular reflection, diffuse reflection, and paper thickness are acquired as characteristics, and the type of printing medium is continuously extracted based on these three characteristic values. However, in some cases, the characteristics to be acquired can be changed. For example, the number of characteristics to be acquired can be reduced, and the type of printing medium can be extracted based solely on the specular reflection and diffuse reflection values. With sufficient learning and when the reference characteristic value is sufficiently close to the measured value, it can be determined that the type of printing medium can be accurately extracted. In this case, the number of characteristics to be acquired is reduced. Since the number of characteristics to be acquired and compared with the reference characteristic value is reduced, the processing time can be reduced.

[0230] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0231] According to embodiments of the present invention, the reliability of accurately identifying the type of printing media is improved.

[0232] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims is to be interpreted in the broadest sense to include all such modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The acquisition unit is configured to acquire measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristic values ​​of the printing medium using the measurement unit, wherein the printing medium is to be printed using the printing unit; The decision unit is configured to determine candidates for the type of printing medium based on the acquired measurement results and the reference characteristic values ​​of each type of printing medium preset in order to identify the type of printing medium being measured. An input unit is configured to input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit; as well as The changing unit is configured to modify the reference characteristic value of the print media type associated with the input correlation information, based on the measurement results of the print media. The input unit is further configured to input reset information indicating that the reference characteristic value changed by the changing unit has been reset.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, When the input unit inputs the reset information for a predetermined print media type among the print media types, the change unit performs processing to reset the reference characteristic value changed by the change unit for the predetermined print media type among the print media types.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein, When the user selects the predetermined print media type from the print media types, the input unit inputs information indicating the predetermined print media type selected by the user.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, in, The reset information indicates that all reference characteristic values ​​changed by the changing unit have been reset, and Specifically, when the input unit inputs reset information indicating that all reference characteristic values ​​changed by the changing unit have been reset, the changing unit resets all reference characteristic values ​​changed by the changing unit.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The changing unit is configured to change the reference characteristic value of the printing media type associated with the input association information, such that the reference characteristic value is close to the measurement result.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, When the input unit inputs second information associated with another printing media type among the printing media types, the changing unit changes the reference characteristic value of the other printing media type among the printing media types associated with the input second information, the other printing media type being different from the candidate printing media type determined by the deciding unit.

7. The information processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a notification control unit configured to cause the notification unit to provide information representing the candidates determined by the decision unit for the type of printing media.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein, In a print media type with pre-set reference characteristic values, the notification control unit is configured to prioritize providing information about print media types that indicate the reference characteristic values ​​are closer to the measurement results.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein, The notification control unit is configured to provide information indicating the type of print media for which a pre-set reference characteristic value has been obtained, in order of proximity between the reference characteristic value and the measurement result.

10. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein, The notification control unit is configured to prioritize providing print media with more recent printing times based on usage history information indicating the type of print media printed using the printing unit.

11. The information processing device according to claim 7, in, Pre-set baseline characteristic values ​​for each printing media type include baseline values ​​and... The notification control unit is configured to provide information indicating the type of printing media having a reference characteristic value such that the difference between the measurement result and the reference value of the reference characteristic value is less than or equal to a first value.

12. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein, When the input unit inputs candidate information that the notification control unit has provided, which is associated with the candidate determined by the decision unit for the type of printing media, the change unit changes the reference characteristic value of the printing media type associated with the candidate information input by the input unit.

13. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein, The notification control unit is configured to provide the name of the printing medium.

14. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The changing unit is configured to change the reference value of the reference characteristic value of the printing media type, such that the reference value approaches the measurement result by a predetermined percentage.

15. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The changing unit sets the average value of the measurement results when the input unit inputs information associated with the printing media type, based on a reference characteristic value associated with the printing media type.

16. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement unit measures at least one of the following characteristics of the printing medium: diffuse reflection value, specular reflection value, and thickness value.

17. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the measurement results, the changing unit changes the type of the characteristic value of the measurement results acquired by the acquiring unit.

18. The information processing device according to claim 1, in, The input unit is also configured to input information for resetting usage history information, which indicates the type of print media that has been printed using the printing unit, and When the input unit inputs information to reset the usage history information, the change unit deletes the usage history information.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, When information for resetting the printing media information is input into the input unit, the change unit deletes the usage history information.

20. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The printing unit, wherein the printing unit is configured to apply recording agent to a printing medium; as well as A delivery unit is configured to deliver the printing media to the printing location. Specifically, when the conveying unit delivers the printing medium to a position where the printing unit can print, the printing unit prints on the printing medium.

21. The information processing apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a carriage on which the printing unit is mounted and configured to be movable. in, The measuring unit is mounted on the carriage and configured to measure the characteristic values ​​of the printing medium that is conveyed by the transport unit to a position where the measuring unit can perform the measurement.

22. An information processing device, comprising: The history acquisition unit is configured to acquire usage history information, which indicates the type of print media that has been printed using the printing unit. A decision unit, configured to determine candidates for the type of printing media based on the usage history information; as well as An input unit is configured to input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit. The input unit is further configured to input information for resetting the usage history information representing the type of print media that has been printed using the printing unit.

23. The information processing apparatus of claim 22 further includes a modification unit configured to delete the usage history information when the input unit inputs information for resetting the usage history information.

24. The information processing apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a measurement result acquisition unit configured to acquire measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristic values ​​of a printing medium using the measurement unit, wherein the printing medium is to be printed using the printing unit. in, The decision unit determines the candidate types of printing media based on the usage history information, the obtained measurement results, and the reference characteristic values ​​of each type of printing media preset in order to identify the type of printing media being measured.

25. The information processing apparatus of claim 22 further includes a changing unit configured to change a reference characteristic value of the type of printing medium associated with the input associated information based on measurement results of the printing medium.

26. An information processing device, comprising: The acquisition unit is configured to acquire measurement results obtained by measuring the characteristic values ​​of the printing medium using the measurement unit, wherein the printing medium is to be printed using the printing unit; The decision unit is configured to determine candidates for the type of printing medium based on the acquired measurement results and the reference characteristic values ​​of each type of printing medium preset in order to identify the type of printing medium being measured. An input unit is configured to input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit; as well as A change unit, configured to change information. The input unit is further configured to input information related to the printing device for controlling the printing device including the printing unit, and to input information indicating that the changed information related to the printing device has been reset. Wherein, when information related to the printing device is input into the input unit, the changing unit changes the information related to the printing device according to the input association information, and sets the changed information related to the printing device. Specifically, when the input unit inputs information indicating that the changed information related to the printing device has been reset, the changing unit resets the information related to the printing device.

27. The information processing device according to claim 26, wherein, Information relating to the printing device includes at least one of the following: setting the outer diameter of the paper roll, setting the paper thickness, or setting the automatic paper roll discharge to sleep mode.

28. A method for an information processing device, the method comprising: Measure the characteristic values ​​of the printing medium to be printed using the printing unit; Based on the measured characteristic values ​​and the baseline characteristic values ​​preset for each type of printing media in order to identify the type of printing media being measured, candidates for the type of printing media being measured are extracted. Input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit; as well as Based on the measured characteristic values, the baseline characteristic values ​​of the print media type, which are associated with the information entered when determining the print media type, are changed. The input also includes information indicating that the baseline characteristic value changed in the change has been reset.

29. A method for an information processing device, the method comprising: Obtain usage history information, which indicates the type of printing media that has been printed using the printing unit; Based on the aforementioned use of historical information, candidates for the type of printing media are extracted; as well as Input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit. The input also includes information for resetting the usage history information representing the type of print media that has been printed using the printing unit.

30. A method for an information processing device, the method comprising: Acquire measurement results by measuring the characteristic values ​​of the printing medium using a measurement unit, wherein the printing medium is printed using a printing unit; Based on the obtained measurement results and the baseline characteristic values ​​of each type of printing medium preset in order to identify the type of printing medium being measured, candidates for the type of printing medium are extracted. Input information associated with the type of printing media to be printed using the printing unit; as well as Change information The inputs also include information related to the printing device used to control the printing device including the printing unit, and information indicating that the changed information related to the printing device has been reset. Wherein, when information related to the printing device is input, the change includes modifying the information related to the printing device based on the input association information, and setting the modified information related to the printing device. Wherein, if the input indicates that the changed information related to the printing device has been reset, the change includes resetting the information related to the printing device.

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