Discrimination device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A discrimination device includes: a processor configured to discriminate a first sheet having a surface on which embossing processing is performed and a second sheet having a surface on which embossing processing is not performed; a light source that irradiates light to the surface of the paper; a photodetector that receives the light transmitted through the sheet and detects a light transmission amount; an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper; and an ultrasonic receiver that receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper and detects the amount of ultrasonic wave transmission, the processor performing a process of determining the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmission in the second paper using an index that is stored in advance in a storage device and that indicates the correlation between the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmission in the second paper. Whether the paper sheet is the first paper sheet or the second paper sheet is determined on the basis of whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper sheet deviate from the index by at least a predetermined threshold value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discriminating device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] A media sensor device is known that automatically identifies the type of paper by reading the paper used for printing with a sensor. An image forming device is controlled according to the type of paper identified by the media sensor device. For example, the image forming device controls operations related to paper conveyance, a transfer device, or a fixing device, etc., according to the type of paper. Thus, printing suitable for the type of paper is achieved, and a desired printed matter is obtained.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording medium smoothness detection device that detects the smoothness of the surface of a recording medium. This document describes setting printing conditions of an image forming device based on the detected smoothness.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-215338

[0005] It is desirable to be able to distinguish between paper having a surface subjected to embossing and paper having a surface not subjected to such embossing. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a discriminating device for discriminating between paper having an embossed surface and paper having an embossed surface, or an image forming apparatus including the discriminating device.

[0007] The invention involved in Scheme 1 is a discrimination device, which comprises: a processor for discriminating a first paper having a surface subjected to embossing and a second paper having a surface not subjected to embossing; a light source for irradiating light onto the surface of the paper; a photodetector for receiving the light transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of light transmitted; an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper; and an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasonic waves transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted, wherein the processor performs the following processing: using an index pre-stored in a storage device and indicating the correlation between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted in the second paper, discriminating whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper based on whether the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted detected from the paper deviate from a predetermined threshold value or more from the index.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the identification device according to claim 1, wherein the index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper sheets.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3 is the discrimination device according to claim 1, wherein the index is a reference value based on a ratio between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper sheets.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus including the determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0011] The invention involved in scheme 5 is a discrimination device, which comprises: a processor for discriminating a first paper having a surface subjected to embossing and a second paper having a surface not subjected to embossing; a first electromagnetic wave transmitter for transmitting a first electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper; a first electromagnetic wave receiver for receiving the first electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of transmission of the first electromagnetic wave; a second electromagnetic wave transmitter for transmitting a second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength than the first electromagnetic wave and a higher transmission power to the paper to the surface of the paper; and a second electromagnetic wave receiver for receiving the second electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of transmission of the second electromagnetic wave, wherein the processor performs the following processing: using an index pre-stored in a storage device and representing the correlation between the amount of transmission of the first electromagnetic wave and the amount of transmission of the second electromagnetic wave in the second paper, the paper is discriminated as to whether the amount of transmission of the first electromagnetic wave and the amount of transmission of the second electromagnetic wave detected from the paper deviates from a predetermined threshold value by the index.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is the discrimination device according to claim 5, wherein the index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper sheets.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7 is the discrimination device according to claim 5, wherein the index is a reference value based on a ratio between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper sheets.

[0014] The invention according to claim 8 is an image forming apparatus including the discrimination device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the first or fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between paper having a surface subjected to embossing and paper having a surface not subjected to embossing.

[0017] According to the second or sixth aspect of the present invention, the first paper and the second paper can be distinguished based on the relational expression representing the characteristics of the second paper.

[0018] According to the third or seventh aspect of the present invention, the first paper and the second paper can be distinguished based on the reference value indicating the characteristics of the second paper.

[0019] According to the fourth or eighth aspect of the present invention, the discrimination result between the first paper and the second paper can be used in the main body of the image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a sensor device according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount of various types of embossed paper and plain paper;

[0025] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the discrimination process of embossed paper and plain paper;

[0026] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another discrimination process between embossed paper and plain paper;

[0027] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a process of distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper in another embodiment;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing other discrimination processing between embossed paper and plain paper in another embodiment;

[0030] Fig.10 This is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0031] Explanation of symbols

[0032] 10, 10A-image forming device, 12-main body, 14, 14A-discriminating device, 16, 16A-sensor device, 20-insertion port, 24-control device, 30-light source, 31-photodetector, 32-ultrasonic transmitter, 33-ultrasonic receiver, 50-control device, 52-transmission device, 54-transfer device, 56-fixing device, 40-cable, 130-first electromagnetic wave transmitter, 131-first electromagnetic wave receiver, 132-second electromagnetic wave transmitter, 133-second electromagnetic wave receiver, 1002-processor, 1004-memory, 1006-auxiliary storage device, 1008-input and output device, 1010-network interface, 1012-bus, P-paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] <Overview>

[0034] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail while confirming the accompanying drawings. The structures described below are examples for explanation and can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, in the case where the following includes multiple embodiments or variations, it is conceivable from the beginning that the characteristic parts thereof are appropriately combined and used. In all the drawings, the same or similar elements are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0035] Hereinafter, a discrimination device for discriminating between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having an embossed surface or an image forming apparatus including the discrimination device will be described.

[0036] The first paper having an embossed surface may be, for example, embossed paper or equivalent paper, etc. The second paper having a non-embossed surface may be, for example, plain paper or equivalent paper, etc.

[0037] As an example, the light source may be an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LD (Laser Diode), a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), or the like.

[0038] The photodetector may be, for example, a photodiode or the like.

[0039] As an example, the identification device may be composed of only a sensor device separated from the main body of the image forming device, or may be composed of a combination of the sensor device and the main body of the image forming device. Furthermore, the identification device may be provided on a paper conveying path of the image forming device.

[0040] The discrimination device may perform another paper type discrimination process at least one of before and after performing the paper type discrimination process described below.

[0041] As an example, the image forming apparatus may be an apparatus that prints on a recording medium using a printing method such as electrophotography, inkjet, offset printing, gravure printing, etc. The image forming apparatus may apply image forming conditions corresponding to the paper discriminated by the discriminating device to the apparatus and part related to image formation and perform printing processing on the paper.

[0042] The index used in the discrimination process represents the tendency of the second paper having a surface that is not embossed. The second paper has a correlation with the surface roughness and paper density. That is, when the surface is rough, there is a tendency that the paper density becomes lower, the light transmittance becomes lower, and the ultrasonic transmittance becomes higher. On the other hand, when the surface is not rough, there is a tendency that the paper density becomes higher, the light transmittance becomes higher, and the ultrasonic transmittance becomes lower. The index represents the tendency of the second paper, and represents the correlation between the light transmittance and the ultrasonic transmittance in the second paper. As an example, the index can be a relationship formula representing the correlation between the light transmittance and the ultrasonic transmittance in multiple types of second paper. Furthermore, as an example, the index can also be a reference value based on the ratio of the light transmittance to the ultrasonic transmittance in each of multiple types of second paper.

[0043] <Implementation Method>

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of distinguishing between embossed paper, which is paper having a surface subjected to embossing, and plain paper, which is paper having a surface not subjected to such embossing, will be described.

[0045] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10 . The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 12 and a sensor device 16 .

[0046] The main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 is a device that forms an image based on image information obtained from a computer (not shown) such as a PC connected thereto. In this embodiment, the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 is an electrophotographic printing device. The main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control device 50, a conveying device 52, a transfer device 54, a fixing device 56, and the like.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the sensor device 16 includes an insertion port 20 for inserting a paper P. The sensor device 16 is a device for detecting the properties of the paper P inserted into the insertion port 20. The sensor device 16 is connected to the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 via a cable 40. The cable 40 supplies power from the main body 12 to the sensor device 16, and transmits information about the paper detected by the sensor device 16 to a control device 50 of the main body 12.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor device 16 includes a control device 24, a light source 30, a photodetector 31, an ultrasonic transmitter 32, and an ultrasonic receiver 33. The control device 24 may include, for example, a microcontroller. The light source 30 is an LED. The photodetector 31 is a photodiode.

[0049] The control device 24 controls the light source 30 and the ultrasonic transmitter 32 according to the instructions from the control device 50 of the main body 12 or a computer (not shown) such as a PC connected to the main body 12 via the cable 40. Then, the control device 24 irradiates light from the light source 30 to the paper P and obtains the detection value of the photodetector 31. In addition, the control device 24 transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P and obtains the detection value of the ultrasonic receiver 33.

[0050] Then, the control device 24 sends the acquired detection values ​​to the control device 50 of the main body 12. The control device 50 of the main body 12 determines the type of the paper P based on the detection values ​​from the control device 24 and the index and threshold value pre-stored in the storage device in the control device 50. In this way, the sensor device 16 and the control device 50 of the main body 12 function as the paper type determination device 14.

[0051] An example of the operation of forming an image by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described. First, image information input from a computer such as a PC connected to the main body 12 is stored in a storage device in the control device 50. After the user sets the paper P in the insertion port 20 of the sensor device 16 and determines the type of the paper P, the paper P is set in the paper feed cassette of the main body 12.

[0052] As described above, the control device 50 of the main body 12 determines the type of paper P based on the information sent from the sensor device 16. The control device 50 stores image forming conditions for each type of paper P. The image forming conditions are, for example, conditions related to the control of the conveying device 52, the transfer device 54, the fixing device 56, etc. The control device 50 supplies the paper P in the paper supply box and performs a printing process based on the image information. At this time, the control device 50 applies the image forming conditions associated with the identified paper P to at least one of the conveying device 52, the transfer device 54, and the fixing device 56 to perform a printing process on the paper P. For example, in the transfer device 54, the secondary transfer voltage as an example of the image forming condition is controlled according to the type of the identified paper.

[0053] Next, the discrimination between embossed paper and plain paper will be described in detail. The discrimination device 14 has a function of discriminating between embossed paper and plain paper. Figure 3 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sensor device 16. As described above, the sensor device 16 includes the light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32, and the ultrasonic receiver 33.

[0054] The light source 30 irradiates light to the surface of the paper P. The photodetector 31 is located at a position opposite to the light source 30 with the paper P interposed therebetween. The photodetector 31 receives the light from the light source 30 that has passed through the paper P and detects the amount of light transmission. The ultrasonic transmitter 32 transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper P. The ultrasonic receiver 33 is located at a position opposite to the ultrasonic transmitter 32 with the paper P interposed therebetween. The ultrasonic receiver 33 receives the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic transmitter 32 that have passed through the paper P and detects the amount of ultrasonic transmission.

[0055] Here, the principle of the method of distinguishing embossed paper from plain paper is described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount of various types of embossed paper and plain paper. Figure 4 The horizontal axis of the graph is the light transmission amount, and the vertical axis is the ultrasonic transmission amount. Figure 4 In the figure, a round black dot plotted represents the result of one type of embossed paper, and a square black dot plotted represents the result of one type of plain paper. The line on the graph is a line representing the relationship equation for plain paper obtained by the least square method or the like using the measured values ​​(square black dots) of various types of plain paper.

[0056] from Figure 4It can be seen that in plain paper, when the light transmission increases, the ultrasonic transmission tends to decrease. In addition, in plain paper, each measured value (square black dots) is located relatively close to the relationship (line on the graph). On the other hand, in embossed paper, there is little relationship between the light transmission and the ultrasonic transmission, and each measured value (round black dots) is relatively scattered. This is due to the difference in properties between plain paper and embossed paper.

[0057] The surface roughness of ordinary paper has a high correlation with the paper density. That is, in ordinary paper, when the surface is rough, there is a tendency for the paper density to be low, and conversely, when the surface is not rough, there is a tendency for the paper density to be high. On the other hand, since embossed paper is paper with a pattern applied on the surface, the surface roughness has no correlation or a low correlation with the paper density. In embossed paper, the surface roughness changes depending on the pattern on the paper surface.

[0058] Here, when light is irradiated from the light source 30 to the paper P, a part of the light is scattered according to the roughness of the surface of the paper P, so the light transmission amount becomes the light amount affected by the surface of the paper. Specifically, the rougher the surface of the paper is, the lower the light transmission amount becomes. On the other hand, when ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P, the ultrasonic waves are not easily affected by the surface of the paper P, so the ultrasonic transmission amount becomes the ultrasonic wave amount roughly corresponding to the density of the paper. Specifically, the higher the density of the paper is, the lower the ultrasonic transmission amount becomes.

[0059] As described above, in ordinary paper, when the surface is rough, the paper density tends to be low, so the light transmission amount tends to be low, and the ultrasonic transmission amount tends to be high. Conversely, when the surface is not rough, the paper density tends to be high, so the light transmission amount tends to be high, and the ultrasonic transmission amount tends to be low. Therefore, in ordinary paper, such as Figure 4 As shown, there is a relationship that when the light transmission amount increases, the ultrasonic transmission amount decreases.

[0060] On the other hand, in embossed paper, the correlation between the surface roughness and the paper density is not high, so the correlation between the light transmission and the ultrasonic transmission is not high. Figure 4 As shown, there is almost no correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount.

[0061] Therefore, an index (for example, Figure 4 When the light transmission amount and ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper are close to the index, the paper can be identified as ordinary paper. In addition, when this is not the case, the paper can be identified as embossed paper. In this embodiment, these papers are identified based on this principle.

[0062] In addition, as an example, the index used in the discrimination may be the ratio of the light transmission amount to the ultrasonic transmission amount in each of multiple types of ordinary paper, such as the average value or the median value of the value of (ultrasonic transmission amount / light transmission amount) in each of multiple types of ordinary paper, which is defined as the reference value. Figure 5 The determination process using this reference value is described in the flowchart of FIG.

[0063] Furthermore, the index used in the discrimination can be, for example, Figure 4 The relationship (line on the graph) is a relationship that represents the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in various types of plain paper. Figure 6 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates the discrimination process using this relational expression.

[0064] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the discrimination process of embossed paper and plain paper. In step S100, the control device 24 of the sensor device 16 irradiates light from the light source 30 to the paper P. And, the control device 24 transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P. In step S102, the control device 24 obtains the light transmission amount as the detection value of the photodetector 31. And, the control device 24 obtains the ultrasonic transmission amount as the detection value of the ultrasonic receiver 33. Then, the control device 24 transmits the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount to the main body 12 of the image forming device 10. The control device 50 of the main body 12 receives the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount.

[0065] In step S104, the control device 50 of the main body 12 divides the ultrasonic transmission amount by the light transmission amount to calculate the light-ultrasonic ratio (= ultrasonic transmission amount / light transmission amount). Next, in step S106, the control device 50 calculates the difference D between the light-ultrasonic ratio and the reference value pre-stored in its own storage device. Next, in step S108, the control device 50 confirms whether the difference D is less than a predetermined threshold value Dth stored in its own storage device.

[0066] If the answer is "Yes" in step S108, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper in step S110. On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in step S108, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper in step S112.

[0067] According to the discrimination process described above, embossed paper and plain paper can be discriminated.

[0068] In addition, Figure 5In step S104, the light-ultrasonic ratio is obtained by using the light transmission amount as the denominator and the ultrasonic transmission amount as the numerator. However, the light-ultrasonic ratio can also be obtained by using the ultrasonic transmission amount as the denominator and the light transmission amount as the numerator (light-ultrasonic ratio = light transmission amount / ultrasonic transmission amount). In this case, the reference value used in S106 is set to the average value or median value of the value of (light transmission amount / ultrasonic transmission amount) in each of the plurality of types of plain paper.

[0069] Next, another discrimination process between embossed paper and plain paper will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing another discrimination process between embossed paper and plain paper. Figure 6 Steps S200 and S202 are Figure 5 The same processing is performed as in steps S100 and S102. Figure 6 Step S204 and later Figure 5 The flow chart is different.

[0070] In step S204, the control device 50 of the main body 12 calculates the distance DS between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount and the relational expression pre-stored in its own storage device. Figure 4 The line on the graph in or the line equivalent thereto indicates the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the plurality of types of plain paper. The control device 50 calculates, for example, the shortest distance between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount and the values ​​obtained from the relational expressions.

[0071] Next, in step S208 , the control device 50 checks whether the distance DS is smaller than a predetermined threshold DSth stored in advance in its own storage device.

[0072] If the answer is “Yes” in step S208 , the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper in step S210 . On the other hand, if the answer is “No” in step S208 , the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper in step S212 .

[0073] In the other discrimination process described above, embossed paper and plain paper can also be discriminated.

[0074] <Another embodiment>

[0075] Next, another embodiment will be described. Figure 7 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 10A according to another embodiment. Figure 2 The image forming apparatus 10 has a sensor device 16A that has been changed. Specifically, Figure 2The light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32 and the ultrasonic receiver 33 are respectively replaced by the first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130, the first electromagnetic wave receiver 131, the second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 and the second electromagnetic wave receiver 133. In this other embodiment, the sensor device 16A and the control device 50 of the main body 12 also function as the paper type discrimination device 14A.

[0076] In this embodiment, a first electromagnetic wave having the same properties as light (a property that is easily affected by the surface of the paper) is used, and a second electromagnetic wave having the same properties as ultrasound (a property that is not easily affected by the surface of the paper) is used. The first electromagnetic wave may be, for example, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc. The second electromagnetic wave is an electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength than the first electromagnetic wave and having a higher penetrating power to the paper. The second electromagnetic wave may be, for example, a microwave, an electric wave, etc.

[0077] In this embodiment, Figure 3 The light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32 and the ultrasonic receiver 33 in the apparatus are replaced by the first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130, the first electromagnetic wave receiver 131, the second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 and the second electromagnetic wave receiver 133, respectively. The first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130 transmits the first electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper P. The first electromagnetic wave receiver 131 receives the first electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper P and detects the amount of transmission of the first electromagnetic wave. The second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 transmits the second electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper P. The second electromagnetic wave receiver 133 receives the second electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper P and detects the amount of transmission of the second electromagnetic wave.

[0078] Figure 8 The flowchart corresponds to Figure 5 In the flowchart of , the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount are used instead of the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount. Figure 8 In S306 of the present invention, the reference value is an example of an index indicating the correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in ordinary paper. The reference value may also be a ratio of the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of ordinary paper, such as an average value or a median value of the value of (second electromagnetic wave transmission amount / first electromagnetic wave transmission amount) in each of a plurality of types of ordinary paper.

[0079] Fig. 9 The flowchart corresponds to Figure 6 In the flowchart of , the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount are used instead of the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount. Fig. 9 In S404 of the present invention, the relationship expression for ordinary paper is an example of an index representing the correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in ordinary paper, corresponding to Figure 4The relationship between the two (the line on the graph) is: Figure 4 The horizontal axis in the graph is replaced with the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the vertical axis is replaced with the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount to plot the measured values ​​of a plurality of types of plain paper and obtain a line on the graph based on these values ​​by the least square method or the like.

[0080] The determination device 14A follows Figure 8 or Fig. 9 The determination process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG.

[0081] right Figure 8 . In step S300, the control device 24 of the sensor device 16A transmits the first electromagnetic wave from the first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130 to the paper P. Furthermore, the control device 24 transmits the second electromagnetic wave from the second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 to the paper P. In step S302, the control device 24 obtains the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount as the detection value of the first electromagnetic wave receiver 131. Furthermore, the control device 24 obtains the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount as the detection value of the second electromagnetic wave receiver 133. Then, the control device 24 sends the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount to the main body 12 of the image forming device 10. The control device 50 of the main body 12 receives the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount.

[0082] In step S304, the control device 50 of the main body 12 divides the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount by the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to calculate the electromagnetic wave ratio (= second electromagnetic wave transmission amount / first electromagnetic wave transmission amount). Next, in step S306, the control device 50 calculates the difference D between the electromagnetic wave ratio and the reference value pre-stored in its own storage device. Next, in step S308, the control device 50 confirms whether the difference D is less than a pre-determined threshold value Dth stored in its own storage device.

[0083] If the answer is “Yes” in step S308 , the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper in step S310 . On the other hand, if the answer is “No” in step S308 , the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper in step S312 .

[0084] So, in Figure 8 In the discrimination process, embossed paper and ordinary paper can also be discriminated.

[0085] Next, Fig. 9 The flowchart is described below. Fig. 9 Steps S400 and S402 are Figure 8 The same processing is performed as in steps S300 and S302. Fig. 9 After step S404, Figure 8 The flow chart is different.

[0086] In step S404, the control device 50 of the main body 12 calculates the distance DS between the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts and the relational expression pre-stored in its own storage device. For example, the control device 50 calculates the shortest distance between the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts and the values ​​obtained from the relational expression.

[0087] Next, in step S408 , the control device 50 checks whether the distance DS is smaller than a predetermined threshold DSth stored in advance in its own storage device.

[0088] If the answer is "Yes" in step S408, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper in step S410. On the other hand, if the answer is "No" in step S408, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper in step S412.

[0089] So, in Fig. 9 In the discrimination process, embossed paper and ordinary paper can also be discriminated.

[0090] <Control device structure>

[0091] The control device of the above-mentioned embodiment can be constructed using a computer. The control device can be constructed as a system composed of, for example, a single computer or a plurality of computers cooperating with each other. Fig.10 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the computer serving as the basis of the control device includes, for example, a control processor 1002, a memory (main storage device) 1004 such as a random access memory (RAM), a controller of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an SSD (solid state drive) or an HDD (hard disk drive), an interface with various input and output devices 1008, a network interface 1010 for controlling connection with a network, and other circuit structures connected via a data transmission path such as a bus 1012. A program describing the processing content is installed in the computer via a network or the like, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 1006. The control device of this embodiment is configured by executing the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 1006 using the memory 1004 by the processor 1002.

[0092] Furthermore, the above-mentioned program can of course be provided via a network such as the Internet, and can also be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk or a USB memory.

[0093] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0094] Furthermore, the actions of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor but also by a plurality of processors in physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the actions of the processors are not limited to the order described in the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

[0095] (Note) (1)

[0097] A discrimination device, comprising:

[0098] A processor for distinguishing a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface;

[0099] A light source, irradiating light onto the surface of the paper;

[0100] a photodetector for receiving the light transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of light transmission;

[0101] An ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper; and

[0102] an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of ultrasonic wave transmission,

[0103] The processor performs the following processing:

[0104] using an index stored in advance in a storage device and indicating a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the second paper,

[0105] Whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper is determined based on whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the index by more than a predetermined threshold. (2)

[0107] The determination device according to (1), wherein:

[0108] The index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper sheets. (3)

[0110] The determination device according to (1), wherein:

[0111] The index is a reference value based on a ratio between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper. (4)

[0113] An image forming apparatus includes the determination device described in any one of (1) to (3). (5)

[0115] A discrimination device, comprising:

[0116] A processor for distinguishing a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface;

[0117] A first electromagnetic wave transmitter transmits a first electromagnetic wave to a surface of the paper;

[0118] A first electromagnetic wave receiver receives the first electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detects the amount of the first electromagnetic wave transmitted;

[0119] a second electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength than the first electromagnetic wave and a higher penetrability to the paper to the surface of the paper; and

[0120] a second electromagnetic wave receiver for receiving the second electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of the second electromagnetic wave transmitted;

[0121] The processor performs the following processing:

[0122] using an index indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in the second paper, which is stored in advance in a storage device;

[0123] Whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper is determined based on whether the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the index by more than a predetermined threshold. (6)

[0125] The determination device according to (5), wherein:

[0126] The index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper. (7)

[0128] The determination device according to (5), wherein:

[0129] The index is a reference value based on a ratio between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper. (8)

[0131] An image forming apparatus comprises the determination device described in any one of (5) to (7).

[0132] According to the invention as set forth in (1) or (5), it is possible to distinguish between paper having a surface subjected to embossing and paper having a surface not subjected to embossing.

[0133] According to the invention as set forth in (2) or (6), the first paper and the second paper can be distinguished based on the relational expression representing the characteristics of the second paper.

[0134] According to the invention as set forth in (3) or (7), the first paper and the second paper can be distinguished based on the reference value indicating the characteristic of the second paper.

[0135] According to the invention as set forth in (4) or (8), the discrimination result between the first paper and the second paper can be used in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0136] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A determination device, comprising: A processor for distinguishing a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; A light source, irradiating light onto the surface of the paper; a photodetector for receiving the light transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of light transmission; An ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper; and an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of ultrasonic wave transmission, The processor performs the following processing: using an index stored in advance in a storage device and indicating a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the second paper, Whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper is determined based on whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the index by more than a predetermined threshold.

2. The identification device according to claim 1, wherein: The index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper sheets.

3. The identification device according to claim 1, wherein: The index is a reference value based on a ratio between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper. 4 . An image forming apparatus comprising the determination device according to claim 1 .

5. A determination device, comprising: A processor for distinguishing a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; A first electromagnetic wave transmitter transmits a first electromagnetic wave to a surface of the paper; A first electromagnetic wave receiver receives the first electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detects the amount of the first electromagnetic wave transmitted; a second electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength than the first electromagnetic wave and a higher penetrability to the paper to the surface of the paper; and a second electromagnetic wave receiver for receiving the second electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper and detecting the amount of the second electromagnetic wave transmitted; The processor performs the following processing: using an index indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in the second paper, which is stored in advance in a storage device; Whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper is determined based on whether the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the index by more than a predetermined threshold.

6. The identification device according to claim 5, wherein: The index is a relational expression indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper.

7. The identification device according to claim 5, wherein: The index is a reference value based on a ratio between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of a plurality of types of the second paper. 8 . An image forming apparatus comprising the determination device according to claim 5 .

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