Medium processing device, medium processing system, and medium processing method

Abstract

To prevent the need to reperform processing such as image forming in recovery processing when a failure occurs.SOLUTION: A medium processing device that performs predetermined processing on a medium includes: a conveyance part that conveys the medium from upstream to downstream in a conveyance direction; a setting part that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined processing in the conveyance direction is started; a specification part that specifies incomplete processing, when a failure occurs in a conveyance of the medium, in which the predetermined processing is incomplete due to the failure; a first determination part that determines an unused medium which is a medium located upstream of the start reference position in the conveyance direction; a second determination part that determines whether the sizes of a first medium that is a target object of the incomplete processing and a second medium that is located the furthest downstream of the unused medium match; and a recovery part that performs recovery processing to perform the incomplete processing on the second medium, when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media processing device, a media processing system, and a media processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In media processing for processing media such as paper, techniques for dealing with a jam that occurs are known.

[0003] Specifically, if there is remaining paper in the transport path after the paper that caused the jam is removed, it is determined whether the paper can be used for recovery printing based on the print state of the remaining paper and the discharge order. The remaining paper is also evacuated to the circulating transport section, i.e., the location where the paper is turned over by a switchback, and used for recovery printing. In this way, a technique for making effective use of remaining paper when a jam occurs is known (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0004] In addition, in an image forming device that controls a conveying unit to discharge already-fed paper to a paper output tray when a jam occurs, when a jam is detected, the paper type is considered, and images that require re-image formation due to the jam are assigned to unused paper. In this way, a technique for reducing paper loss (also called "waste paper") due to the occurrence of a jam is known (for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The conventional technology does not assume control to determine whether an image has already been formed on paper (including a state in which an image has not been completely formed but only partially formed). In addition, it does not assume determination of whether the paper is damaged. Therefore, there is a problem that used or damaged paper is used, and it is time-consuming to redo processes such as image formation during jam recovery processing.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to prevent the need to redo processes such as image formation in recovery processing when a failure occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above objects, a media processing device comprises: A media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, a transport unit that transports the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting unit that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a specifying unit that specifies an incomplete process in which the predetermined process is incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium when the interruption occurs; a first determination unit that determines an unused medium that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination unit that determines whether a size of a first medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium that is located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery unit that performs a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the trouble of redoing processes such as image formation in recovery processing when a failure occurs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a media processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a media processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an execution example. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a second determination process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the second determination process. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall process. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the overall process. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall process for performing the third determination process. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall process for performing a fourth determination process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall process for performing the fifth determination process. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, specific examples will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the specific examples described below.

[0011] [Example of a media processing system] In the following, an example will be described in which the medium is "paper." In the following example, the predetermined process is "image formation." Therefore, in the following example, the media processing device is an "image forming device" that performs image formation on paper.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a media processing system. For example, the media processing system 100 is a system having an image forming device 101 and a pre-processing device 102. Specifically, in the media processing system 100, the pre-processing device 102 is connected upstream of the image forming device 101. Therefore, the image forming device 101 is located downstream of the pre-processing device 102.

[0013] Note that the media processing system 100 may include devices other than the image forming device 101 and the preprocessing device 102 .

[0014] Hereinafter, the transport direction will be referred to as the "Y-axis direction." Therefore, when the paper P is transported in the Y-axis direction, the paper P is transported from upstream to downstream. The direction perpendicular to the transport direction will be referred to as the "X-axis direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the XY plane will be referred to as the "Z-axis direction." The Z-axis direction is also the vertical direction and the direction of gravity.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 101 is, for example, a copy machine or a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

[0016] The pre-processing device 102 is a device that performs pre-processing that is performed before image formation processing by the image forming device 101. Specifically, the pre-processing device 102 is a large capacity tray (LCT) or the like.

[0017] The pre-processing device 102 performs pre-processing such as feeding the paper P to the image forming device 101. However, the pre-processing is not limited to the paper feeding process, and may be processing the paper P, or the like.

[0018] Specifically, the user prepares the paper P in the tray 1 in advance. Then, when the paper feed roller 2 rotates, the paper P starts to be transported in the transport direction. There may be three or more trays 1. For example, different trays 1 may contain different paper types of paper P, such as size, material, type, or thickness. However, the same type of paper P may be divided into multiple trays 1.

[0019] After the paper feed rollers 2 start conveying the paper P, the paper P is conveyed by rollers such as the exit rollers 3, the entrance rollers 5, and the registration rollers 6. However, the paper P may be conveyed by rollers other than these. Then, the transfer rollers 7 and the like form an image on the paper P.

[0020] Further, the image forming apparatus 101 and the pre-processing apparatus 102 may have a discharge tray. That is, the image forming apparatus 101 and the pre-processing apparatus 102 may have a configuration for purging paper P that is damaged or the like.

[0021] The transport path and device configuration are not limited to the above configuration, and there may be other transport paths or devices.

[0022] [Example of hardware configuration for media processing device] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a media processing device. For example, the image forming device 101 and the pre-processing device 102 have the same hardware configuration. However, the image forming device 101 and the pre-processing device 102 may have different hardware configurations.

[0023] For example, the image forming apparatus 101 has a hardware configuration including a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU 100H1"), a Read Only Memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM 100H2"), a Random Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM 100H3"), an actuator 100H4, a sensor 100H5, and an input / output device 100H6.

[0024] The CPU 100H1 is an example of a calculation device and a control device.

[0025] The ROM 100H2 and the RAM 100H3 are examples of storage devices.

[0026] The actuator 100H4 is a driving device that rotates the transport rollers, etc.

[0027] The sensor 100H5 is a detection device that detects the paper P and the like.

[0028] The input / output device 100H6 receives input from a user and outputs processing results and the like to the user.

[0029] With the above configuration, the arithmetic device, the control device, and the storage device cooperate with each other based on the program to execute various processes. Note that there may be another information processing device that executes the processes. Furthermore, the hardware configuration may further include an external or internal arithmetic device, a control device, a storage device, an input device, an output device, a communication device, or an auxiliary device.

[0030] [Example of setting the starting reference position] The start reference position 8 is set before starting a predetermined process. For example, the start reference position 8 is set at the boundary between the image forming device 101 and the preprocessing device 102.

[0031] The start reference position 8 is the position where a predetermined process starts. In other words, the paper P transported downstream from the start reference position 8 is in a state where the predetermined process has already started. Therefore, the paper P located downstream from the start reference position 8 is in a state where some process has already been performed. Therefore, the paper P located downstream from the start reference position 8 is a medium that cannot be reused because at least part of the process has been performed.

[0032] On the other hand, the paper P located upstream of the starting reference position 8 is a reusable medium because the predetermined process has not yet started.

[0033] Therefore, the start reference position 8 may be any position that determines whether or not a medium can be reused based on the processing state, and is not limited to the boundary between the image forming apparatus 101 and the preprocessing apparatus 102.

[0034] [Example] 3 is a diagram showing an example of execution. For example, assume that the sheets P are transported from downstream to upstream in the order of a first sheet P1, a second sheet P2, a third sheet P3, and a fourth sheet P4.

[0035] 3, the sheets P may be alternately transported from a plurality of trays 1. On the other hand, the sheets P may be continuously transported from the same tray 1.

[0036] In the following, the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 are positioned downstream of the start reference position 8, and the third sheet P3 and the fourth sheet P4 are positioned upstream of the start reference position 8 as an example.

[0037] This is an example where the first sheet P1 is jammed, i.e., an obstacle occurs in the transport of the medium. In other words, it is assumed that the image formation process cannot be completed on the first sheet P1. Hereinafter, a process in which a specified process is left incomplete due to an obstacle is referred to as an "incomplete process." In this example, the incomplete process is an image formation process (including part of the image formation process, or pre-processing, etc.) in which the first sheet P1 is to be processed. The starting reference position 8 differs depending on the type of specified process, etc. Therefore, the starting reference position 8 is set taking into consideration the type of specified process, etc.

[0038] Moreover, the medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process is referred to as the “first medium.” In this example, the first medium is the first sheet of paper P1.

[0039] In the following, it is assumed that the first sheet P1, the second sheet P2, the third sheet P3, and the fourth sheet P4 are all the same size of "A4". Furthermore, it is assumed that the first sheet P1, the second sheet P2, the third sheet P3, and the fourth sheet P4 are all "LEF (long edge feed), horizontal feeding" and are made of "plain paper".

[0040] [Examples of the first and second judgment processes] When an obstacle occurs in the transport of the media, a medium (hereinafter referred to as an "unused medium") located upstream of the start reference position 8 is identified. Hereinafter, the process of identifying an unused medium is referred to as a "first determination process."

[0041] The first determination process is a process for determining that a medium located upstream is an unused medium based on a set start reference position 8. Therefore, of the first sheet P1, the second sheet P2, the third sheet P3, and the fourth sheet P4, the third sheet P3 and the fourth sheet P4, which are located upstream of the start reference position 8, are determined to be unused media.

[0042] The paper P located upstream of the reference start position 8 has not yet been subjected to any processing for image formation and is therefore determined to be a new medium that can be reused. On the other hand, the paper P located downstream of the reference start position 8 has already been subjected to some processing and is therefore determined to be a damaged paper P.

[0043] Next, it is determined which sheet P is located furthest downstream among the sheets P determined to be unused media in the first determination process. In this example, the third sheet P3 is located furthest downstream. Hereinafter, the unused media located furthest downstream will be referred to as the "second medium." Therefore, in this example, the third sheet P3 is determined to be the second medium.

[0044] Once the second medium is determined, it is determined whether the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. Hereinafter, the process of determining whether the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match is referred to as the "second determination process."

[0045] 4 is a diagram showing a first example of the second determination process. In this example, the first sheet P1, which is the first medium, and the third sheet P3, which is the second medium, are both "A4" size and therefore match in size. Therefore, the second determination process determines that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match.

[0046] In this way, if the determination result of the second determination process is that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium are the same, processing (hereinafter referred to as "recovery processing") is executed to perform uncompleted processing that targeted the first medium on the second medium.

[0047] It is preferable that recovery processing is performed for uncompleted processes that target the second paper P2, etc., with the fourth paper P4 as the processing target. In this way, it is preferable that recovery processing is performed for all uncompleted processes that occur due to a jamming problem with an unused medium as the processing target.

[0048] 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the second determination process. On the other hand, if the size does not match in the second determination process, a different medium is determined in the second determination process.

[0049] For example, if the size of the third paper P3 is "A3," the second determination process determines that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium do not match. In this case, the recovery process is not performed, and the second medium is changed to the fourth paper P4, and the second determination process is performed again. Note that the second medium, i.e., the third paper P3, whose size is determined to be inconsistent, is subjected to, for example, a purging process.

[0050] As described above, when a fault such as a jam occurs, first, the incomplete process on which image formation was not possible due to the jam is identified. Next, the medium on which the incomplete process can be resumed is determined in the first determination process and the second determination process. Then, when the incomplete process is recovered by reusing the second medium determined in the first determination process and the second determination process, the process that was interrupted due to the fault can be resumed. Therefore, since the recovery process in the case of a fault is resumed, it is possible to prevent the user from having to go through the trouble of redoing a process such as image formation.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall process.

[0052] In step S0601, the media processing system 100 sets a start reference position 8. For example, the user sets the start reference position in advance as the start reference position 8 shown in FIG.

[0053] In step S0602, media processing system 100 starts a predetermined process.

[0054] In step S0603, the media processing system 100 starts transporting the media.

[0055] In step S0604, media processing system 100 determines whether a failure has occurred. If it is determined that a failure has occurred (YES in step S0604), media processing system 100 proceeds to step S0605. On the other hand, if it is determined that no failure has occurred (NO in step S0604), media processing system 100 ends the entire process, that is, continues the specified process.

[0056] In step S0605, media processing system 100 identifies incomplete processes.

[0057] In step S0606, media processing system 100 executes a first determination process.

[0058] In step S0607, media processing system 100 executes a second determination process.

[0059] In step S0608, media processing system 100 executes a recovery process.

[0060] As described above, when a failure occurs, media processing system 100 identifies the incomplete process that is left unfinished due to the failure. Next, media processing system 100 determines the process target for which the incomplete process can be resumed using the first determination process and the second determination process. In this way, the process that was interrupted due to the failure and became incomplete can be resumed using the recovery process.

[0061] The overall process may include a process for purging "unnecessary paper" that cannot be the target of the recovery process, a process for detecting whether or not the jam removal by the user has been completed, or a process for canceling a job.

[0062] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the overall process. Compared with Fig. 6, the overall process shown in Fig. 7 differs in that the processes of steps S0701 to S0704 are added. Below, the differences from Fig. 6 will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0063] In step S0701, the media processing system 100 performs a purge process to eject unnecessary paper. If the unnecessary paper cannot be ejected by the purge process, the user may perform an operation to remove the unnecessary paper.

[0064] In step S0702, the media processing system 100 determines whether the purge process is complete. If it is determined that the purge process is complete (YES in step S0702), the media processing system 100 proceeds to step S0703. On the other hand, if it is determined that the purge process is not complete (NO in step S0702), the media processing system 100 repeats step S0702, that is, waits for the purge process to be completed.

[0065] In step S0703, the media processing system 100 determines whether the job has been canceled or the cover has been opened. If it determines that the job has been canceled or the cover has been opened (YES in step S0703), the media processing system 100 proceeds to step S0704. On the other hand, if it determines that neither the job has been canceled nor the cover has been opened (NO in step S0703), the media processing system 100 ends the entire process.

[0066] In step S0704, media processing system 100 prohibits unused media from being used for recovery processing. Specifically, media processing system 100 detects whether a job is canceled or a cover is opened between the time when a failure occurs (hereinafter referred to as the "start time") and the time when dealing with the failure is completed (hereinafter referred to as the "completion time").

[0067] When a job is canceled, the media processing system 100 cancels the specified process of the canceled job. Therefore, the incomplete process corresponding to the canceled specified process is canceled without being recovered. Therefore, unused media is prohibited from being used in the recovery process. For example, unused media that has become prohibited from being used is subjected to the purging process.

[0068] If a cover (which may be a "door" or a user-maintainable part of any device in media processing system 100; hereafter referred to as a cover) is opened, media processing system 100 cancels the specified process in the same way as it cancels a job.

[0069] When the cover is opened, the unused media may also be removed or moved by the user, so the unused media to be subject to the recovery process may be in a different position than when it was determined.

[0070] Therefore, the incomplete process corresponding to the predetermined process that was being executed at the time the cover was opened is canceled without being recovered. Therefore, unused media is prohibited from being used for the recovery process. For example, unused media that is prohibited from being used is subjected to the purging process.

[0071] [First Modification] It is desirable to judge whether each medium is damaged or not. Hereinafter, the process of judging whether the medium is damaged or not depending on whether the time to transport the medium (hereinafter referred to as "transport time") is delayed based on a threshold value (hereinafter, the threshold value for judging the transport time is referred to as the "first threshold value") will be referred to as the "third judgment process."

[0072] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the overall process for performing the third determination process. Fig. 8 is different from Fig. 6 in that step S0801 is added. The following mainly describes the differences.

[0073] In step S0801, the media processing system 100 executes a third determination process. In the third determination process, the transport time is used for determination.

[0074] The conveying time is the time from when one sensor detects the paper P to when the paper P is conveyed and another sensor detects the paper P, when a plurality of sensors capable of detecting the paper P are installed in advance.

[0075] That is, the transportation time is the time it takes to transport a certain distance. The third determination process determines whether or not there is damage depending on whether or not the transportation time is delayed.

[0076] Whether or not the transport time is delayed is determined by comparing the transport time with a first threshold value. If the transport time is longer than the first threshold value, it is determined that the transport time is delayed. The first threshold value is set in advance. The first threshold value may have a tolerance.

[0077] If there is a delay in the transport time compared to the first threshold value, the third determination process determines that the paper P is damaged. If there is a delay in the transport time, there is a high possibility that a transport failure has occurred for some reason. And, paper P that is transported in a transport failure state is often damaged. In this way, it is desirable to prohibit the use of damaged paper P in the recovery process.

[0078] Therefore, it is desirable to execute the third determination process in conjunction with the size match performed in the second determination process to select media to be processed in the recovery process. Therefore, if media with a matching size and no damage are used in the recovery process, the processing quality of the recovery process can be improved.

[0079] [Second modified example] It is desirable to determine whether or not a large amount of skew has occurred for each medium. Hereinafter, the process of determining whether or not a large amount of skew has occurred based on the amount of skew based on a threshold value (hereinafter, the threshold value for determining the amount of skew is referred to as the "second threshold value") will be referred to as the "fourth determination process."

[0080] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the overall process for performing the fourth determination process. Fig. 9 is different from Fig. 6 in that step S0901 is added. The following mainly describes the difference.

[0081] In step S0901, the media processing system 100 executes a fourth determination process. In the fourth determination process, the amount of skew is used for determination.

[0082] The amount of skew is measured, for example, by an image sensor (Contact Image Sensor, CIS).

[0083] The fourth determination process determines whether or not a skew amount greater than a second threshold value has occurred. The second threshold value is set in advance. The second threshold value may have a tolerance.

[0084] If a large amount of skew occurs compared to the second threshold, the fourth determination process determines that the paper P has a transport failure. In addition, the paper P that is transported in a transport failure state is often damaged. In this way, it is desirable to prohibit the use of damaged paper P in the recovery process.

[0085] Therefore, it is desirable to execute the fourth determination process in conjunction with the size match performed in the second determination process to select media to be processed in the recovery process. Therefore, if media with a matching size and no damage are used in the recovery process, the processing quality of the recovery process can be improved.

[0086] [Third Modification] In addition to the second judgment process, it is desirable to execute a process (hereinafter referred to as a "fifth judgment process") for judging whether the material, type, thickness, and the tray from which the transport was started (hereinafter referred to as the "judgment items") match.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the overall process for performing the fifth determination process. Fig. 10 is different from Fig. 6 in that step S1001 is added. The following mainly describes the differences.

[0088] In step S1001, the media processing system 100 executes a fifth determination process. In the fifth determination process, determination items are used for the determination. The user sets in advance what kind of determination items are to be used.

[0089] Note that even if the tray from which transport is started is different, if all other determination items and sizes match, the tray may be set to be the target of recovery processing.

[0090] Even if the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match, if the judgment items do not match in the fifth judgment process, the recovery process is not executed, and the second judgment process and the fifth judgment process are executed again with another medium as the judgment target.

[0091] Specifically, for example, the first sheet P1, the second sheet P2, the third sheet P3, and the fourth sheet P4 are all "LEF, landscape feeding" size. The first sheet P1, the second sheet P2, and the fourth sheet P4 are all made of "plain paper." In contrast, the third sheet P3 is made of "coated paper."

[0092] In this case, the second determination process will determine that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match, whereas the fifth determination process will determine that the determination items of the first medium and the second medium do not match.

[0093] Even if the sizes match, if any of the criteria are different, it is desirable not to use the media in the recovery process. In this way, it is possible to prevent the recovery process from wasting media.

[0094] [Fourth Variation] The media processing device may be configured in a plurality of units.Similarly, the preprocessing device may be configured in a plurality of units.

[0095] Hereinafter, when there are two pre-treatment devices, the one located downstream will be referred to as the "first pre-treatment device," and the one located upstream will be referred to as the "second pre-treatment device."

[0096] When a fault occurs in the first pre-processing device, it is desirable to perform the first determination process at the start reference position 8 and the position in the conveying direction of the pre-processing device where the fault occurs.

[0097] Specifically, a medium located upstream of the start reference position 8 and upstream of the first pre-processing device is determined to be an unused medium by the first determination process.

[0098] The pre-processing device may perform a process other than the predetermined process. Therefore, the process may be performed by the pre-processing device in which a failure has occurred. Therefore, if the medium located upstream of the start reference position 8 and upstream of the first pre-processing device is determined to be an unused medium, the medium that is also unused in the pre-processing can be used for the recovery process.

[0099] [Example of functional configuration] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a conveying unit 101F1, a setting unit 101F2, a specifying unit 101F3, a first determination unit 101F4, a second determination unit 101F5, and a recovery unit 101F6. The image forming apparatus 101 preferably further includes a third determination unit 101F7, a fourth determination unit 101F8, a fifth determination unit 101F9, and a predetermined processing unit 101F10.

[0100] The transport unit 101F1 performs a transport procedure for transporting the medium from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. For example, the transport unit 101F1 is realized by the paper feed roller 2, etc.

[0101] The setting unit 101F2 performs a setting procedure for setting the start reference position 8. For example, the setting unit 101F2 is realized by the input / output device 100H6 or the like.

[0102] When a problem occurs in the transport of the medium, the identifying unit 101F3 performs a identifying procedure for identifying the incomplete process. For example, the identifying unit 101F3 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0103] The first determination unit 101F4 performs a first determination procedure for determining whether the medium is unused. For example, the first determination unit 101F4 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0104] The second determination unit 101F5 performs a second determination procedure to determine whether the sizes of the first medium M1 and the second medium M2 match. For example, the second determination unit 101F5 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0105] When the sizes of the first medium M1 and the second medium M2 match, the recovery unit 101F6 performs a recovery procedure for performing a recovery process for performing an incomplete process on the second medium M2. For example, the recovery unit 101F6 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0106] The third determination unit 101F7 performs a third determination procedure to determine whether or not the unused medium is damaged depending on whether or not the transport time is delayed based on the first threshold value. For example, the third determination unit 101F7 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0107] The fourth determination unit 101F8 performs a fourth determination procedure of measuring and determining the amount of skew. For example, the fourth determination unit 101F8 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0108] The fifth determination unit 101F9 performs a fifth determination procedure for determining whether the determination items of the first medium M1 and the second medium M2 match each other. For example, the fifth determination unit 101F9 is realized by the CPU 100H1 or the like.

[0109] The predetermined processing section 101F10 performs a predetermined processing procedure for performing a predetermined process on the medium. For example, the predetermined processing section 101F10 is realized by the transfer roller 7 or the like.

[0110] With the above configuration, an incomplete process that has been left unfinished by a jam in the predetermined processing unit 101F10 is identified. Since the incomplete process is a process that has been interrupted by a jam, it needs to be resumed with another medium. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 101 determines a medium for which the incomplete process can be redone by each determination process. If at least the sizes do not match, the incomplete process cannot be recovered, so the image forming apparatus 101 at least determines that the sizes of the first medium M1 and the second medium M2 match. Note that the order of each determination does not matter.

[0111] Furthermore, by setting the start reference position 8, unused media can be determined with high accuracy. Media downstream of the start reference position 8 has already started processing, so recovery to media downstream of the start reference position 8 often results in unnecessary processing. On the other hand, unused media is less likely to be damaged and has been used. Therefore, by determining unused media based on the start reference position 8, media suitable for recovery processing, such as media that is not damaged, can be determined with high accuracy.

[0112] Even if a failure occurs, unused media is accurately identified and recovery processing is quickly executed, which prevents the user from having to go through the trouble of setting up the media again to perform processing such as image formation.

[0113] [Media example] The medium means a medium to which paint or liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which it adheres and sticks, or to which it adheres and penetrates, etc. For example, the medium is a recording medium such as paper, recording paper, film, or cloth, an electronic board, an electronic component such as a piezoelectric element, a powder layer, an organ model, or an examination cell, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects to which paint or liquid adheres.

[0114] The material of the medium is not limited as long as it can be coated with paint or liquid, such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, or ceramics, even if only temporarily.

[0115] [Other embodiments] The predetermined process may be a process other than image formation. For example, the predetermined process may be a surface treatment, formation of an electronic circuit resist pattern, or three-dimensional modeling. Specifically, the media processing device may be a three-dimensional modeling device (also called a "three-dimensional modeling device") that ejects modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed by forming a layer of powder in order to form a three-dimensional object (also called a "three-dimensional object").

[0116] The media processing device and preprocessing device may be integrated, that is, the media processing device may perform the preprocessing.

[0117] There may be multiple media processing devices, preprocessing devices, or information processing devices, that is, each process may be performed in a distributed, parallel, or redundant manner by multiple devices.

[0118] The fault is not limited to a jam. For example, the fault may be a power outage, an error, etc. In other words, the fault may be an event in which the conveyance or the execution of a predetermined process is interrupted for some reason.

[0119] The above-described medium processing method is performed by a medium processing device having a calculation device, a control device, and a storage device, etc. The medium processing method may also be realized by a program or the like.

[0120] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0121] <1> A media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, a transport unit that transports the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting unit that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a specifying unit that specifies an incomplete process in which the predetermined process is incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium when the interruption occurs; a first determination unit that determines an unused medium that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination unit that determines whether a size of a first medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium that is located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery unit that performs a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. The media processing device includes:

[0122] <2> a third determination unit that determines whether the unused medium is damaged based on whether a transport time taken by the transport unit to transport the medium is delayed based on a first threshold value; The third determination unit is If the medium is damaged, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. the above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device.

[0123] <3> If the job of the specified process is canceled during the period from the start time when the failure occurs to the completion time when the countermeasure against the failure is completed, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. the above <1> or <2> The present invention relates to a media processing device.

[0124] <4> If the cover is opened during the period from the start of the occurrence of the failure to the completion of the response to the failure, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. the above <1> ~ <3> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0125] <5> A fourth determination unit that measures and determines the amount of skew of the medium, The fourth determination unit is If the amount of skew is greater than a second threshold, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. the above <1> ~ <4> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0126] <6> a fifth determination unit that determines whether the first medium and the second medium match in terms of determination items including a material, a type, a thickness, and a tray that started conveyance, The recovery unit includes: When the second determination unit determines that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match, and the fifth determination unit determines that the items determined by the first medium and the second medium match, the recovery process is performed. the above <1> ~ <5> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0127] <7> A predetermined processing unit that performs the predetermined processing is further provided, The medium is It is paper, The predetermined process is forming an image on the medium; A purge process is performed to discharge unnecessary paper that cannot be used in the recovery process from among the unused media. the above <1> ~ <6> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0128] <8> A media processing system having a media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, and a pre-processing device that performs a pre-processing of the predetermined process, The media processing device includes: a transport unit that transports the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting unit that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a specifying unit that specifies an incomplete process in which the predetermined process is incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium when the interruption occurs; a first determination unit that determines an unused medium that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination unit that determines whether a size of a first medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium that is located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery unit that performs a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. Equipped A media processing system.

[0129] <9> The pretreatment device comprises: A plurality of such devices are connected to the media processing device; When a failure occurs in a first pre-processing device among the plurality of pre-processing devices, The first determination unit is A medium located in a second pre-processing device that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction and upstream of the first pre-processing device is determined to be the unused medium. the above <8> 2 is a media processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0130] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be modified or modified without departing from the technical gist of the invention. Therefore, all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above-mentioned embodiments are preferred examples. Those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents, and such modifications are included in the technical scope described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1: Tray 2: Paper feed roller 3: Exit roller 5: Entrance roller 6: Registration roller 7: Transfer roller 8:Start reference position 100: Media processing system 101: Image forming apparatus 101F1: Transport section 101F10: Predetermined processing section 101F2: Setting section 101F3: Specific part 101F4: 1st judgment section 101F5: 2nd judgment section 101F6: Recovery Department 101F7: Third judgment part 101F8: 4th judgment part 101F9: 5th judgment part 102: Pretreatment device M1: 1st medium M2 :Second medium P:Paper P1: First page P2: Second sheet P3: Third sheet P4: Fourth sheet [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0132] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-174533 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-099360 A

Claims

1. A media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, a transport unit that transports the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting unit that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a specifying unit that specifies an incomplete process in which the predetermined process is incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium when the interruption occurs; a first determination unit that determines whether or not an unused medium is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination unit that determines whether a size of a first medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium that is located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery unit that performs a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. A media processing device comprising:

2. a third determination unit that determines whether the unused medium is damaged based on whether a transport time during which the transport unit transports the medium is delayed based on a first threshold value; The third determination unit is If the transport time is longer than the first threshold, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. If the job of the specified process is canceled during the period from the start time when the failure occurs to the completion time when the countermeasure against the failure is completed, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. If the cover is opened during the period from the start of the occurrence of the failure to the completion of the response to the failure, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. The media processing device of claim 1 .

5. A fourth determination unit that measures and determines the amount of skew of the medium, The fourth determination unit is If the amount of skew is greater than a second threshold, the unused medium is prohibited from use in the recovery process. The media processing device of claim 1 .

6. a fifth determination unit that determines whether the first medium and the second medium match in terms of determination items including a material, a type, a thickness, and a tray that started conveyance, The recovery unit includes: When the second determination unit determines that the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match, and the fifth determination unit determines that the items determined by the first medium and the second medium match, the recovery process is performed. The media processing device of claim 1 .

7. A predetermined processing unit that performs the predetermined processing is further provided, The medium is It is paper, The predetermined process is forming an image on the medium; A purge process is performed to discharge unnecessary paper that cannot be used in the recovery process from among the unused media. The media processing device of claim 1 .

8. A media processing system having a media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, and a pre-processing device that performs a pre-processing of the predetermined process, The media processing device includes: a transport unit that transports the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting unit that sets a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a specifying unit that specifies an incomplete process in which the predetermined process is incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium when the interruption occurs; a first determination unit that determines whether or not an unused medium is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination unit that determines whether a size of a first medium that is the processing target of the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium that is located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery unit that performs a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. Equipped Media handling systems.

9. The pretreatment device comprises: A plurality of such devices are connected to the media processing device; When a failure occurs in a first pre-processing device among the plurality of pre-processing devices, The first determination unit is A medium located in a second pre-processing device that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction and upstream of the first pre-processing device is determined to be the unused medium. The media processing system of claim 8 .

10. A media processing method performed by a media processing device that performs a predetermined process on a medium, comprising: a transport step of transporting the medium from upstream to downstream in a transport direction; a setting step of setting a start reference position at which the predetermined process is started in the transport direction; a step of identifying an incomplete process that has been incomplete due to an interruption in the transport of the medium, when the interruption occurs; a first determination step for determining an unused medium that is located upstream of the start reference position in the transport direction; a second determination step of determining whether a size of a first medium to be processed by the incomplete process matches a size of a second medium located furthest downstream among the unused media; a recovery procedure for performing a recovery process of performing the incomplete process on the second medium when the sizes of the first medium and the second medium match. A media processing method comprising:

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