Image forming system, control parameter setting method, and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming system, a control parameter setting method, and a program that allow more appropriate operation settings related to image formation without decreasing productivity.SOLUTION: An image forming system comprises: first control parameter determination means that determines the value of a control parameter for paper processing; second control parameter determination means that determines the value of the control parameter for paper processing with a method different from the first control parameter determination means; and selection means that, for at least one of a plurality of control parameters, can set a selection of one of the first control parameter determination means and the second control parameter determination means for determining the value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a control parameter setting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The image forming system performs an image forming operation by conveying a recording medium to an image forming position, applying coloring material to the recording medium, and fixing the coloring material. The way in which the coloring material spreads and is fixed varies depending on the characteristics of the recording medium, such as its material. Therefore, the image forming system performs an image forming operation with parameters such as temperature and pressure appropriate for each type of recording medium.

[0003] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a technology for identifying a paper type based on the measurement results of the physical properties of the paper by a media sensor. The image forming system sets a control parameter that is stored in advance as a control parameter corresponding to the identified paper type. With this technology, there is a problem that the control parameter is not set accurately for a paper type that is not registered in advance. On the other hand, there is a technology for directly setting the control parameter according to a combination of multiple paper physical properties obtained from the measurement results of the media sensor, etc. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for outputting and setting the control parameter for the paper physical properties using a machine learning model or a statistical method. In other words, with this technology, it is not necessary to identify the paper type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-097170 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-089503 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there are many control parameters. If a uniform optimization of the combination of these parameters is attempted based on data on a large number of paper physical properties, the amount of calculation may become large. As a result, it is difficult for the image forming system to reflect the optimized control parameters in real time during a high-speed image forming operation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, a control parameter setting method, and a program that enable more appropriate operation settings related to image formation while suppressing a decrease in productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present disclosure is to a first control parameter determining means for determining values ​​of control parameters for processing the sheet; a second control parameter determination means for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination means; a selection means for enabling a setting as to whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined using the first control parameter determination means or the second control parameter determination means; The image forming system includes:

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a first control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing; a second control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination step; a selection step of setting whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined by the first control parameter determination step or the second control parameter determination step; The control parameter setting method includes the steps of:

[0009] Another aspect of this embodiment is On the computer, a first control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing; a second control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination step; a selection step of setting whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined by the first control parameter determination step or the second control parameter determination step; This is a program that executes the above. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, there is an advantage that operation settings relating to image formation can be made more appropriately without reducing productivity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a paper characteristic detection device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration related to a control operation in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] 1 is a table showing some of the control parameters and their operation settings. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of setting control parameters. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a setting control process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a setting control process of the first modified example. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the setting control process of the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system U of the present embodiment. The image forming system U includes a paper feeder 1, a paper characteristic detection device 2, an image forming device 3, and a post-processing device 4.

[0013] The paper feeder 1 has multiple paper feed trays 11. The paper feeder 1 sends out media (paper) on which an image is to be recorded one sheet at a time from one of the selected paper feed trays 11. The paper feed tray 11 feeds the paper by air feeding, for example, by blowing air onto the multiple sheets of paper to separate them and sending them out in an aligned position.

[0014] The paper characteristic detection device 2 has multiple sensors for measuring the physical properties of the paper. The paper characteristic detection device 2 measures the paper sent from the paper feeder 1 along its path using multiple sensors. The paper characteristic detection device 2 can identify the physical properties of the paper (characteristic information) based on the measurement results. The paper characteristic detection device 2 may output the physical property values ​​obtained by the measurement directly to the outside, for example, the image forming device 3. In other words, the paper may be estimated outside the paper characteristic detection device 2. The sensor types and positions of the paper characteristic detection device 2 will be described later.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 3 forms an image on paper based on image data read from a document, for example, and outputs the image. The image forming apparatus 3 forms an image on paper by electrophotography based on image data received from an external device (not shown), and outputs the image. In other words, the image forming apparatus 3 is a multifunction machine. The image forming apparatus 3 can be connected to an external device, such as a PC, via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 301, a document reading unit 302, an operation receiving unit 303, a display unit 304, and the like.

[0017] The control unit 301 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 3. The control unit 301 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU performs various settings and operations related to image formation in response to an operation signal input from an operation reception unit 303 or an instruction signal received by a communication unit (not shown).

[0018] The document reading unit 302 reads an image of a document placed on a document platen or an automatic document feeder (ADF). The document reading unit 302 scans and exposes the document using the optical system of a scanning exposure device, and reads the reflected light using a line image sensor to obtain an image signal. This image signal is subjected to A / D conversion, shading correction, compression, and other processes to generate image data.

[0019] The operation reception unit 303 receives an external input operation by a user or the like. The operation reception unit 303 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 304, and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 304. The received operation content is converted into an operation signal according to the content, and output to the control unit 301. The touch panel may be, for example, any of a pressure-sensitive type, an electrostatic type, an optical type, and the like.

[0020] The display unit 304 has, for example, a color liquid crystal display, and displays various information based on the control of the control unit 301.

[0021] The image forming device 3 applies color materials to paper based on image data of the object to be formed and fixes the color materials. For example, the image forming device 3 attaches toner of Y color (yellow), M color (magenta), C color (cyan) and black color toner to the surface of the paper in accordance with the image data. The image forming device 3 heats and presses the toner attached to the surface of the paper to fix it and form an image. The image forming device 3 has four writing units 31, an intermediate transfer belt 32, a secondary transfer roller 33, a fixing unit 34, etc. as components for performing the operation of forming an image.

[0022] The four writing units 31 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 32, and form images of the respective colors of C, M, Y, and K. The configuration of each writing unit 31 may be the same between the colors. For example, the writing unit 31 includes an optical scanning unit 31a, a photoconductor 31b (image carrier), a developing unit 31c, a charging unit 31d, a cleaning unit 31e, and a primary transfer roller 31f.

[0023] In each writing unit 31, the charging unit 31d uniformly charges the photoconductor 31b. The optical scanning unit 31a emits a light beam based on the original image data to scan and expose the charged photoconductor 31b, forming an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 31c supplies a color material such as toner to the electrostatic latent image to develop it, forming an image on the photoconductor 31b.

[0024] The images formed on the photoconductors 31b of the four writing units 31 are transferred in sequence onto the intermediate transfer belt 32 by the respective primary transfer rollers 31f. By this transfer (primary transfer), an image made of each color is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 32. The intermediate transfer belt 32 is wound around a number of rollers and moves in a circular motion. After the primary transfer, the color material remaining on the photoconductors 31b is removed by the cleaning unit 31e.

[0025] The image forming device 3 causes the paper to pass the position of the secondary transfer roller 33 in accordance with the timing when the image on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 32 reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 33. The secondary transfer roller 33 has a pair of rollers. One of the rollers is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 32, and the other roller constitutes one of the multiple rollers that wind around the intermediate transfer belt 32. The image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 32 onto the paper by being pressed by the secondary transfer roller 33.

[0026] The paper onto which the image has been secondarily transferred is transported to the fixing unit 34, where a fixing process is performed. The fixing unit 34 has a pair of fixing rollers that are pressed against each other, at least one of which is heatable. The fixing rollers fix the image onto the paper by applying heat and pressure to the paper passing between the fixing rollers.

[0027] When forming images on both sides of the paper, the paper on which an image has been formed and fixed on one side is sent to a reversing path 36 and turned over. The paper is then returned to a position upstream of the secondary transfer roller 33. When image formation is only on one side or when image formation on both sides is completed, the paper is discharged from the fixing unit 34 to the post-processing device 4.

[0028] The post-processing device 4 performs post-processing on the paper on which the image has been formed. The post-processing can include, for example, sorting, cutting, stapling, folding, etc. The paper after the post-processing is discharged to a discharge tray E or the like.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the detailed configuration of the paper characteristic detection device 2. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the paper characteristic detection device 2 receives paper sent from the paper feeder 1 on the right side of the figure, and sends the paper from the left side of the figure along the first transport path 25M to the image forming device 3. A second transport path 25S branches off from the middle of the first transport path 25M, which extends horizontally. The tip of the second transport path 25S is connected to a purge tray 251.

[0030] The first detection unit 23 is located on the first conveying path 25M. The first detection unit 23 includes a size sensor 231, a paper thickness sensor 232, a basis weight sensor 233, and a moisture percentage sensor 234. The size sensor 231 measures a physical quantity corresponding to the size of the paper and outputs the measurement result. The size sensor 231 is, for example, an image sensor, and detects the edge of the paper by photographing the paper being conveyed. The paper thickness sensor 232 measures a physical quantity corresponding to the thickness of the paper and outputs the measurement result. The image sensor may be one or two line sensors. The basis weight sensor 233 measures a physical quantity corresponding to the basis weight of the paper and outputs the measurement result. The moisture percentage sensor 234 measures a physical quantity corresponding to the moisture content (moisture percentage) of the paper and outputs the measurement result.

[0031] The first detection unit 23 can measure the above physical quantities while moving each sheet of paper at the transport speed. That is, the first detection unit 23 obtains the physical quantities related to the characteristics of each sheet of paper in real time while images are being continuously formed on a plurality of sheets of paper.

[0032] The second detection unit 24 is located on the second transport path 25S. The second detection unit 24 includes a stiffness sensor 241, a surface property sensor 242, and a resistance sensor 243. The stiffness sensor 241 measures a physical quantity corresponding to the stiffness of the paper and outputs the measurement result. The surface property sensor 242 measures the presence or absence of a coating on the paper surface, the type of coating if present, and surface properties such as surface roughness or smoothness, and outputs the measurement result. The resistance sensor 243 measures the electrical resistance of the paper and outputs the measurement result.

[0033] Each sensor of the second detection unit 24 performs measurement while the transport of the sheet is temporarily stopped. After the measurement, the sheet is discharged from the purge tray 251 without being sent to the image forming device 3.

[0034] If the paper is identified as a type of paper that should not be sent to the image forming device 3 based on the measurement results by the first detection unit 23, the paper may be discharged from the purge tray 251. The types discharged in this case include types corresponding to physical property measurement values ​​that are significantly different from the set control parameters. For example, if different types of paper are mixed in a certain paper feed tray 11, the measurement results by the first detection unit 23 will detect that the papers are different. Discharging this paper from the purge tray 251 prevents the paper from jamming in the image forming device 3 or causing poor quality of the formed image.

[0035] 2(b) shows a block diagram of the paper characteristic detection device 2. In addition to the above-mentioned first detection unit 23, second detection unit 24, and transport unit 25, the paper characteristic detection device 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an environment sensor 26, a communication unit 27, etc.

[0036] The control unit 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the paper characteristic detection device 2. The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU controls the measurement operations by the first detection unit 23 and the second detection unit 24, and the paper transport operation by the transport unit 25. The CPU outputs the measurement results to the paper feeder 1, the image forming device 3, the post-processing device 4, etc. via the communication unit 27. The RAM temporarily stores the measurement results by the sensors of the first detection unit 23 and the second detection unit 24, etc.

[0037] The storage unit 22 stores a control program for the measurement operation by each sensor of the first detection unit 23 and the second detection unit 24, measurement setting data, etc. The storage unit 22 has a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or a flash memory.

[0038] The environmental sensor 26 measures the temperature, humidity, and the like of the space in which the image forming system U is located, and outputs the measurement results.

[0039] The communication unit 27 controls communication between the paper characteristic detection device 2, the paper feed device 1, the image forming device 3, and the post-processing device 4 in the image forming system U.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration related to control operations in the image forming apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. In the image forming apparatus 3, a storage unit 309 is located so as to be accessible to the above-mentioned control unit 301. These correspond to the computer of this embodiment.

[0041] The storage unit 309 includes a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory. A program 391, a machine learning model 392, and a paper type table 393 are stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0042] The program 391 includes a program for controlling processing such as setting control parameters related to paper processing during image formation operations. The machine learning model 392 is used to set the control parameters. The paper type table 393 stores a list of paper types (paper types), reference values ​​of various physical property measurement values ​​corresponding to the paper types, and suitable control parameters to be set when forming an image on the paper types. Examples of paper types include plain paper, recycled paper, fine paper, coated paper, thick paper, thin paper, etc. Thick paper, thin paper, etc. may include paper of multiple thicknesses. These are classified as similar paper types, and the paper types may be narrowed down and identified in two stages based on the physical property measurement values.

[0043] Next, the image forming operation settings in the image forming system U will be described. In order to properly apply and fix color materials to the paper on which an image is formed, it is necessary to properly determine a number of control parameters related to paper processing such as transfer and fixing operations according to the paper. The contents that are actually controlled by the control parameters include, for example, the rotation (torque, rotation speed, etc.) of the motor that operates the roller and fan, and the heat generation (temperature) of the heater.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a chart showing some of the control parameters and their operating settings. The control parameters are determined for each of the following paper processes. Paper processing includes paper transport processing, such as paper feeding, transport, and ejection of paper on which an image has been formed. Paper processing includes image formation processing for forming an image on paper, such as conditions for transferring coloring material to paper and conditions for fixing coloring material on paper. Paper processing includes post-processing performed on paper after ejection (after image formation).

[0045] The control parameters for air feeding include the PFU tray tip fan air volume and the PFU tray side fan air volume in the paper feed unit (PFU) that sends out the paper. These indicate the amount of air blown at the tip and side of the tray, respectively. The air volume is adjusted according to the mass (density) of the paper, such as thick paper or thin paper, to properly separate and send out one sheet from a stack of paper. Another control parameter for paper feeding is the PFU registration loop amount. The registration loop amount is the amount of paper fed for a specified period of time with the leading edge of the paper in contact with the nip line of the registration roller. This forms a loop (bend) on the paper surface, and the leading edges of the paper are aligned. Therefore, the paper is sent out from the tray according to the setting of the control parameter for the transport timing.

[0046] Then, the paper is moved at a set conveying speed while being pinched by rotating at least some of the rollers using a motor. The nip pressure of the rollers can be controlled according to the paper type, such as the thickness and material of the paper. These are included in the control parameters related to conveyance.

[0047] The control parameters of the transfer conditions include a transfer current value for transferring toner from the intermediate transfer belt 32 to the paper. In addition, the transfer current has a transfer rear end correction current value and a transfer leading end correction current value determined in accordance with the different transfer states at the leading end and trailing end of the paper.

[0048] During transfer, a voltage is applied to the paper to receive the charged toner. A separation voltage is applied to the paper after transfer so that the paper after toner transfer is properly separated from the roller and intermediate transfer belt 32. The AC component and DC component of the voltage are the separation AC applied voltage and the separation DC applied voltage, respectively.

[0049] The control parameters of the fixing conditions include the heating temperature for the heat pressing, i.e., the set temperature of the fixing rollers (upper and lower), etc. In addition, the rotation speed of the fixing roller and the air volume of the fixing separation fan for separating the paper from the fixing roller are also set as the control parameters of the fixing conditions.

[0050] Before being discharged from the image forming device 3 or in the post-processing device 4, the paper is neutralized. This prevents the discharged paper from sticking to the tray or other papers due to static electricity. The current value related to this neutralization is also a control parameter to be set. Other control parameters related to post-processing may include setting conditions for the above-mentioned sorting, cutting, stapling, folding, etc.

[0051] These control parameters are optimally set based on a combination of multiple paper physical properties (characteristic information). The paper physical properties are detection results by the above-mentioned various sensors of the paper characteristic detection device 2 and characteristics that are uniquely identified from the detection results. In the image forming system U of this embodiment, the control unit 301 of the image forming device 3 acquires the detection results from the paper characteristic detection device 2 and sets the control parameters based on the detection results.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic flow of setting the control parameters. The image forming device 3 acquires the detection result from the paper characteristic detection device 2 (U1).

[0053] Of the multiple physical property measurement values ​​included in the detection results, those necessary for determining each control parameter are passed to the control parameter calculation process for each category (U2). The control parameter calculation processes include, for example, the transport / paper feed control parameter determination process, the transfer control parameter determination process, the fixing control parameter determination process, and the post-processing control parameter determination process.

[0054] When each control parameter is determined, the determined control parameters are updated and stored as settings for each driving process for each category (U3).

[0055] In the image forming system U, these control parameters can be set in two different setting patterns, which are different from each other. In the first setting pattern, the control parameter values ​​are determined in real time based on the physical property measurements of the paper measured by the paper property detection device 2 immediately before image formation on the paper. In this case, even if the physical property of the paper changes during continuous image formation on multiple sheets, the image is formed appropriately by setting the control parameters in real time to follow this change.

[0056] A machine learning model 392 may be used to set the value of the control parameter in the first setting pattern. The machine learning model 392 outputs the value (setting) of the control parameter in response to an input of a necessary physical property measurement value (characteristic information). The machine learning model 392 is previously trained using training data with teacher data. The training may be performed outside the image forming system U. Data of the trained machine learning model is acquired from the outside and stored in the image forming apparatus 3 in advance. The machine learning model 392 may be separate for each control parameter to be output. The machine learning model 392 may be updated at an appropriate timing. In this case, the physical property measurement value is directly converted into the value of the control parameter, so the type (paper type) of paper is not identified from the physical property measurement value.

[0057] For example, various algorithms of ensemble learning may be used for the machine learning model 392. The values ​​of the control parameters that obtain the optimal results for the combination of the multiple physical property measurement values ​​are selected. The machine learning model 392 may be trained and used independently for each control parameter. Alternatively, some of the multiple control parameters may vary in a correlated manner. A common machine learning model may be trained and used for such multiple control parameters.

[0058] Alternatively, the control parameters in the first setting pattern may be set by, for example, a statistical method without using a machine learning model. Alternatively, an optimal solution may be obtained more analytically using a polynomial regression equation, but in this case, the calculation process tends to be complicated. Therefore, the polynomial regression equation is likely to be used when the number of control parameters required in the first setting pattern is small.

[0059] In the second setting pattern, the value of the control parameter is initially determined according to the paper type or a combination of physical property reference values ​​corresponding to the paper type. In the storage unit 309, a list of type names (first type information) for classifying paper types, combinations of physical property reference values ​​corresponding to the paper types (characteristic information, second type information), and control parameters linked (associated) therewith are stored in advance as a paper type table 393 (paper type information). For example, a paper type having a combination of physical property reference values ​​closest to the combination of the obtained physical property measurement values ​​is specified. Whether or not they are closest may be determined by a distance (Euclidean distance) obtained by appropriately normalizing each physical property value and converting it into a multidimensional vector. Before calculating a specific distance, candidate paper types may be narrowed down based on the similarity of some control parameters. On the other hand, if there is a significant difference in physical properties between the physical property reference value and the physical property measurement value, it may be determined that the paper types are different without considering the distance. The setting contents of the control parameters corresponding to this type are determined as control parameters related to image formation. In this case, the paper is appropriately transported and an image is formed in the standard state of the paper. In these processes, the paper type itself does not need to be taken into consideration. Paper type information including control parameters is registered in advance in the paper type table 393 for each paper type. Furthermore, new paper type information may be added and registered in sequence. Additional registration may be performed manually by the user. Alternatively, additional registration may be performed automatically, either periodically or whenever additional information is received from a database server that consolidates various types of paper information.

[0060] The setting operation by the control unit 301 according to the first setting pattern corresponds to the first control parameter determination means of this embodiment. The setting operation by the control unit 301 according to the second setting pattern corresponds to the second control parameter determination means of this embodiment.

[0061] Some of the physical property measurements may change during the process of forming images on multiple sheets. For example, the moisture content may increase or decrease significantly due to the absorption of heat generated during the image forming operation or water vapor from the surroundings. Therefore, in the second setting pattern, images may not be formed properly on all sheets of paper.

[0062] On the other hand, it is difficult to perform all the physical property measurements and the setting of all the control parameters based on the physical property measurements in real time every time before the image forming operation on each sheet. It is not preferable to reduce the feed speed (time interval) of each sheet for the above measurements and settings, since this reduces productivity. In the image forming system U, some of the control parameters are adjusted in real time for each sheet based on the necessary measurement results using the first setting pattern, and are used for each sheet processing. The control parameters other than the above some of the control parameters are set using the second setting pattern before the start of the image forming operation, and are used continuously thereafter. That is, during the operation related to image formation, the multiple control parameters include both those set using the first setting pattern and those set using the second setting pattern. The control unit 301 can set, as a selection means in this embodiment, whether to use the first setting pattern or the second setting pattern to determine the value of each control parameter.

[0063] In setting example 1 and setting example 2 in Fig. 4, the control parameters marked with "1" are set in real time by the first setting pattern. The control parameters marked with "2" are set once initially by the second setting pattern. In this way, for each of the multiple control parameters, it is set whether the value is to be determined by the first control parameter determination means or the second control parameter determination means.

[0064] In setting example 1, the transfer current value in transfer, and the upper and lower fixing control temperatures in fixing are set in the first setting pattern. These are control parameters that are particularly important for image quality and stable transport in image formation processing. By setting these in real time, it becomes easier to continue stable image formation that emphasizes image quality while reducing the occurrence of paper jams and clogging. On the other hand, the control parameters related to paper feeding (paper transport processing) and post-processing are set in the second setting pattern.

[0065] In the setting example 2, the control parameters for fixing and paper static elimination include those set in the first setting pattern. All control parameters for paper feeding and transfer are set in the second setting pattern. In the image forming system U, fixing and paper static elimination are performed after transfer, so the grace period from measurement to setting the control parameters is longer than for transfer. Therefore, by limiting the settings in the first setting pattern to control parameters after fixing, the possibility of adversely affecting the image formation speed is reduced. In addition, the fixing process is more likely to affect the final appearance, such as gloss, than transfer. Therefore, by preferentially setting the control parameters related to fixing in the first setting pattern, deviations from the originally expected image quality are likely to be reduced.

[0066] The image forming system U may be switchable between setting example 1 and setting example 2. The switching may be performed in response to an input operation by the user.

[0067] 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the setting control process executed by the control unit 301 in the image forming apparatus 3 of this embodiment. This setting control process is executed at the start of an image forming operation.

[0068] The control unit 301 causes the paper feeder 1 to feed the first sheet from a tray that supplies sheets of paper on which an image is to be formed (S1). The control unit 301 causes the paper characteristic detection device 2 to measure the first sheet. The paper is sent to the second transport path 25S, where it is also measured by the second detection unit 24. The control unit 301 obtains the measurement results of the paper physical properties from the paper characteristic detection device 2 (S2).

[0069] The control unit 301 determines the paper type based on the measurement results (S3). The control unit 301 refers to the paper type table 393 and identifies the paper type associated with the combination of physical property reference values ​​that is closest to the measurement results. The control unit 301 also calculates the degree of agreement between the measurement results and the physical property reference values ​​of the identified paper type. The degree of agreement may be calculated by any calculation method as long as it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the magnitude of the agreement.

[0070] The control unit 301 sets the value of the control parameter determined to set the second control parameter according to the identified paper type and the degree of match (S4). Process S4 is included in the second control parameter determination means of this embodiment. Process S4 also corresponds to the function of the control unit 301 as the second control parameter determination means. The control unit 301 ejects the first sheet from the second transport path 25S to the purge tray 251. Note that process S7 may be performed in parallel with processes S3 and S4 at an appropriate timing.

[0071] The control unit 301 determines whether the set number of sheets for image formation (excluding the first sheet) has been fed from the sheet feeder 1 (S11). If it is determined that the set number of sheets has been fed from the sheet feeder 1 (S11; YES), the control unit 301 ends the setting control process.

[0072] If it is determined that the set number of sheets have not been fed from the sheet feeder 1 (S11; NO), the control unit 301 causes the sheet feeder 1 to feed the next sheet (S12). The control unit 301 causes the sheet characteristic detection device 2 to send the sheet from the first transport path 25M to the image forming device 3. The control unit 301 determines whether or not a first control parameter for real-time control is set (S13). If it is determined that the first control parameter is not set (S13; NO), the process of the control unit 301 returns to process S11.

[0073] When it is determined that real-time control is performed (S13; YES), the control unit 301 acquires the measurement results of the paper physical properties by the first detection unit 23 (S14). The control unit 301 inputs the contents selected from the measurement results for each of the first control parameters to be acquired to the corresponding machine learning model 392. The control unit 301 acquires the values ​​of the first control parameters output from each machine learning model 392 (S15). Process S15 constitutes a first control parameter determination step of this embodiment. Process S15 also corresponds to the function of the control unit 301 as a first control parameter determination means. The control unit 301 updates the setting of the control parameter with the acquired value of the first control parameter (S18). For the control parameters for which the value of the first control parameter was not acquired, the value of the second control parameter acquired in process S4 is maintained as it is. Then, the process of the control unit 301 returns to process S11. The steps S13 to S14 constitute the selection step of this embodiment. The steps S13 to S14 also correspond to the function of the control unit 301 as a selection unit.

[0074] [Variation 1] A first modified example of the setting control process will be described. In the above, the first control parameter and the second control parameter are initially set to be fixed, but they may be changed during the image forming operation.

[0075] The rightmost column in Fig. 4 shows examples of control parameters that can be changed between the first setting pattern and the second setting pattern. That is, the transfer current value can be changed between the setting according to the first setting pattern and the setting according to the second setting pattern depending on the situation. In this way, whether or not the setting pattern can be changed may be determined depending on whether or not it depends on the measured value of the physical property that is easily changed significantly. Alternatively, there may be no such setting, and the parameters set in the first setting pattern may be uniformly changed to the setting in the second setting pattern.

[0076] Furthermore, when the calculation process requires more time than initially expected, the setting of the first control parameter may not be completed in time for the actual process, contrary to the assumption. The image forming system U predetermines an upper limit time (reference time) for setting the first control parameter. For the control parameter whose value is not determined within the upper limit time, the value of the second control parameter may be set instead. Once the value of the second control parameter has been changed, this value may be used continuously.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the setting control process of the first modified example. In this setting control process, processes S5, S6, S16, S17, and S21 are added to the setting control process of the above embodiment. Also, processes S4 and S15 in the setting control process of the above embodiment are changed to processes S4a and S15a, respectively. Also, the position of process S11 is changed. The other processes are the same between the two setting control processes. The same process contents are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0078] After the process S3, the control unit 301 acquires all the second control parameters according to the paper type and the degree of match (S4a). That is, the control unit 301 acquires the second control parameters in advance for the control parameters for which the first control parameters are to be acquired.

[0079] The control unit 301 determines whether or not there is a control parameter for which the first control parameter is selected (S5). If it is determined that there is no control parameter for which the first control parameter is selected (S5; NO), the control unit 301 sets and updates the control parameter with the acquired second control parameter (S21). The process of the control unit 301 proceeds to process S11.

[0080] When it is determined that the first control parameter is a selected control parameter (S5; YES), the control unit 301 inputs the necessary measurement results to the machine learning model 392. The control unit 301 acquires the value of the selected first control parameter from the machine learning model 392 (S6). Then, the process of the control unit 301 proceeds to process S7.

[0081] When it is determined in step S13 that the first control parameter is acquired and real-time control is not to be performed (S13; NO), the control unit 301 proceeds to step S11. When real-time control is to be performed (S13; YES), the control unit 301 proceeds to step S14. After step S14, the control unit 301 starts a process of calculating the value of the selected first control parameter (S15a).

[0082] The control unit 301 determines whether a specified time has elapsed before the value of the selected first control parameter is calculated (S16). If it is determined that the specified time has elapsed before the value of the first control parameter is calculated (S16; YES), the control unit 301 replaces the uncalculated control parameter with the calculated second control parameter (S17). At this time, the control unit 301 changes the selection of the uncalculated first control parameter to the selection of the second control parameter. When all selections are changed to the second control parameters, real-time control is stopped. The process of the control unit 301 proceeds to process S18. If it is determined that the value of the first control parameter is calculated before the specified time has elapsed (S16; NO), the process of the control unit 301 proceeds to process S18.

[0083] In process S18, the control unit 301 updates the control parameters with the newly obtained first control parameters or the replaced second control parameters (S18). Then, the process of the control unit 301 proceeds to process S11.

[0084] [Variation 2] The second modified example of the setting control process will be described. In the above, the selection of the first control parameter may be changed to the selection of the second control parameter depending on the accuracy of the machine learning model 392.

[0085] When the physical property measurement value deviates significantly from the normal range, it may be difficult to set the appropriate control parameters by changing in real time. When the machine learning model 392 is used in the first setting pattern as described above, the learning data outside the normal range is generally small. In other words, outside the normal range, the machine learning model 392 is not accurately learned. The image forming apparatus 3 predefines an allowable range of the physical property measurement value in which the machine learning model 392 can be used with the required accuracy. This range may be predefined for each of the multiple control parameters. When input data outside the predefined range is acquired, the control unit 301 stops setting the control parameters in the first setting pattern. In this case, the control unit 301 uses the control parameters obtained in the second setting pattern. The control parameters obtained in the second setting pattern may be acquired in advance.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the setting control process of the second modification. This setting control process includes a process S20 instead of the process S16 in the setting control process of the modified example 1. Also, this setting control process includes the process S15 of the above embodiment instead of the process S15a in the modified example 1. Process S20 is executed before processes S15 and S16. The other processes are the same between the modified examples 1 and 2. The same process contents are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0087] After process S14, the control unit 301 determines whether the acquired measurement result is within a specified range (S20). If the measurement result is not within the specified range (S20; NO), the control unit 301 proceeds to process S17. If the measurement result is within the specified range (S20; YES), the control unit 301 proceeds to process S15. If it is determined that a plurality of control parameters are within the specified range, either process S15 or S17 may be performed for each control parameter. After process S15 and S17, the control unit 301 proceeds to process S18.

[0088] As described above, the image forming system U of this embodiment includes the image forming apparatus 3, and the image forming apparatus 3 is equipped with the control unit 301. The control unit 301, as a first control parameter determination means, determines the value of a control parameter for paper processing. The control unit 301, as a second control parameter determination means, determines the value of a control parameter for paper processing by a method different from that of the first control parameter determination means. The control unit 301, as a selection means, is capable of setting whether to use the first control parameter determination means or the second control parameter determination means to determine the value for at least one of a plurality of control parameters. In this way, the image forming system U can use two different methods of determining the control parameters and select which one to use. Therefore, the control parameters are more preferably determined depending on the importance of each control parameter and the degree of fluctuation of the physical property measurement values ​​used to determine the control parameters. This allows the image forming system U to output more accurate and stable images.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 301, as a first control parameter determination means, can determine the value of the control parameter for paper processing based on characteristic information corresponding to the paper physical properties, without specifying the paper type. This allows the control unit 301 to determine the control parameters by appropriately reflecting the variation within the paper type, particularly that which is prone to change over time, such as moisture content. Therefore, the image forming system U can suppress the occurrence of paper transport problems during image formation. Furthermore, the image forming system U can appropriately maintain the image quality of the formed image.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may determine the value of the control parameter for paper processing according to the paper type information corresponding to the paper type as a second control parameter determination means. In contrast to the above, the control parameter that is roughly fixed according to the paper type may be set to a value according to the paper type or a combination of physical property measurement values ​​associated with the paper type. This allows the control unit 301 to reduce the load and time required for setting the control parameters. At the same time, problems related to image formation can be easily prevented.

[0091] The paper type information may also include a paper type identified based on characteristic information that combines physical property measurement values, etc. If a combination of physical property measurement values ​​that uniquely determines a paper type is specified, the setting of the control parameters does not necessarily require name information of the paper type itself. By making it possible to identify the paper type itself, the user can easily determine whether the settings are appropriate when checking them, for example.

[0092] The paper type information may also include information linking the identified paper type with the value of a control parameter. By directly linking the appropriate control parameter value to the paper type, the image forming system U can easily and quickly obtain the control parameter corresponding to the paper type. In principle, the physical properties of paper do not vary continuously, but vary discontinuously between different paper types. Therefore, by linking the control parameter to each paper type, the image forming system U can appropriately set standard control parameters according to the paper type.

[0093] The paper type information may also include information linking the characteristic information with the values ​​of the control parameters. As described above, if a combination of physical property measurement values ​​that uniquely determines a paper type is specified, the name information of the paper type itself is not necessarily required for setting the control parameters. The image forming system U can easily obtain appropriate control parameters directly from the combination of physical property measurement values.

[0094] The paper processing includes at least one of an image forming process for forming an image on paper, a paper transport process for feeding or transporting paper, and post-processing performed on the paper after image formation. By setting appropriate control parameters for these processes, the image forming system U can effectively reduce the occurrence of problems related to paper. Furthermore, the image forming system U can form an image of appropriate image quality on the paper.

[0095] Moreover, the paper processing includes an image forming process for forming an image on a paper. The control unit 301, as a first control parameter determination means, determines control parameters for the image forming process. The control parameters for the image forming process have a large effect on image quality. At the same time, these control parameters are important for properly releasing the paper from rollers or the like while adhering coloring material to the paper. Therefore, the image forming system U can more reliably form an image with optimal control parameters. Furthermore, the image forming system U can more reliably discharge the paper on which the image has been formed.

[0096] In addition, the control parameters for the image forming process include at least one of a control parameter related to the fixing conditions of the coloring material to the paper and a control parameter related to the transfer conditions of the coloring material to the paper. The transfer and fixing of the coloring material to the paper are particularly important in image formation. By appropriately defining these, the image forming system U can stably form images of higher quality.

[0097] Moreover, the paper processing includes at least one of a paper transport process for feeding or transporting paper, and a post-processing performed on paper after image formation. The control unit 301, as a second control parameter determination means, determines a control parameter for the at least one process. This makes it possible to reduce the number of control parameters set by the first setting pattern. Therefore, the image forming system U can reduce the time and load required for setting the control parameters while maintaining proper image formation. This makes it possible for the image forming system U to allocate more effective control parameter settings to the first setting pattern. Furthermore, the image forming system U can form high-quality images without reducing the image formation speed, i.e., productivity.

[0098] Moreover, the control parameters determined by the control unit 301 as the second control parameter determination means include at least one of the paper transport speed, transport timing, loop amount, and nip pressure. For these control parameters, the accuracy of the values ​​according to the paper type information is generally sufficient. Therefore, by determining these using the second setting pattern, the setting load is reduced. Furthermore, since these control parameters are determined from the start of paper transport, they need to be determined already in a situation where the physical property measurement values ​​are being acquired by the paper characteristic detection device 2. In other words, control parameters that cannot be set in time using the first setting pattern may be preferentially assigned to setting using the second setting pattern.

[0099] Furthermore, the control parameters determined by the control unit 301 as the second control parameter determination means include at least one of conditions related to stapling, folding, and cutting. These post-processing processes are performed after an image is formed on paper. Therefore, these do not require detailed settings as compared with various control parameters related to image forming operations. By preferentially allocating these to the second setting pattern, the image forming system U can set more effective control parameters using the first setting pattern.

[0100] The characteristic information also includes information corresponding to at least one of the following: basis weight, thickness, moisture content, surface properties, electrical resistance, and size. These are important properties of the paper, particularly properties that are important for paper transport and for application and fixation of coloring material. Therefore, by determining the control parameters using characteristic information that includes as many of these properties as possible, the image forming system U can determine the optimal control parameters with greater accuracy.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may have a machine learning model 392 that outputs control parameters in response to input of characteristic information as a first control parameter determination means. The use of a machine learning model is useful for identifying an empirical optimal solution from a combination of many physical property measurement values. This allows the image forming system U to set control parameters based on many physical property measurement values ​​so that appropriate image formation can be performed without degrading image quality.

[0102] Alternatively, the control unit 301 may output the control parameters according to the characteristic information as the first control parameter determination means without using a machine learning model. If it is possible to determine appropriate control parameters from a combination of many physical property measurement values ​​by a statistical method or the like, there is no need to use a machine learning model. For example, in the case of an exceptional physical property measurement value, the machine learning model may result in a strange setting without simply extrapolating the control parameter value. By not using a machine learning model, the image forming system U can set the control parameters more stably.

[0103] Moreover, the control unit 301, as a second control parameter determination means, determines the control parameters based on the control parameters registered in advance corresponding to the paper type information. Since the relationship between the control parameters and the paper type information is registered in advance, appropriate control parameters can be reliably and easily obtained for the required paper type.

[0104] The paper type information also includes first type information classified by the type name of the paper. As described above, the standard physical properties vary discontinuously for each paper type. Therefore, by classifying according to the type name of the paper type, it is possible to appropriately classify the paper.

[0105] The paper type information also includes second type information in which the paper type is classified by a combination of multiple different types of characteristic information. On the other hand, the combination of physical property reference values ​​for each paper allows the paper to be properly classified without explicitly classifying the type name. In this case, the physical property reference value can also be specified as a range. By setting a broad range of physical property reference values ​​for papers with large variations, the paper can be classified more reliably.

[0106] Furthermore, the values ​​of the multiple control parameters to be determined may include both those determined by the first setting pattern and those determined by the second setting pattern. In other words, all control parameters do not have to be determined by only one of the first setting pattern or the second setting pattern. The image forming system U may selectively set control parameters that require fine control, such as those that fluctuate greatly during image formation, by the first setting pattern. This allows the image forming system U to prevent a decrease in productivity due to an increase in the setting time of the control parameters, and to reduce the occurrence of deterioration in the image quality of the formed image and paper transport problems.

[0107] Moreover, the control unit 301, as a first control parameter determination means, determines the value of the control parameter based on the characteristic information of the paper obtained for each fed paper. Paper processing is performed using the control parameter value determined for each paper. That is, the image forming system U may adjust the control parameter for each paper in real time. This allows the image forming system U to set the control parameter by appropriately reflecting the change in the physical property value such as the moisture content that is likely to vary significantly during image formation. Therefore, the image forming system U can obtain images formed on many papers with stable image quality.

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may be capable of changing the setting of the method for determining the control parameters in the middle of the image forming process as a selection means. For example, there may be a situation where the first setting pattern makes it difficult to obtain the accuracy of determining the control parameters. By switching the setting in such a case, the image forming system U can minimize the deterioration of image quality and the increase in paper transport problems.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may be able to set, as a selection means, whether to use the first setting pattern or the second setting pattern to determine the value of each of the multiple control parameters. Important control parameters may change depending on which part of the image quality of the formed image the user places particular importance on. The image forming system U can select, from the multiple control parameters, the control parameters to be determined by the first setting pattern. This allows the image forming system U to flexibly form an image of desired image quality in line with the user's intentions.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 301 may select a control parameter whose value cannot be determined within a reference time by the first setting pattern by switching to determining the value by the second setting pattern. Depending on the method of determining the control parameter by the first setting pattern, the time required to calculate the control parameter may change depending on the combination of the physical property measurement values. Even in such a case, the image forming system U can appropriately determine the control parameter without decreasing the productivity of the image formation.

[0111] Furthermore, the control parameter setting method of this embodiment includes the following steps: (1) a first control parameter determination step of determining a value of a control parameter for paper processing, (2) a second control parameter determination step of determining a value of a control parameter for paper processing by a method different from the first control parameter determination means, and (3) a selection step of making it possible to set whether the value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined by the first control parameter determination step or the second control parameter determination step. According to this control parameter setting method, two different control parameter determination methods can be used in combination, and one of them can be selected and set. Therefore, the control parameter setting method can determine the control parameters more preferably depending on the effort and time required for setting, the desired image quality, etc. As a result, the control parameter setting method of this embodiment can output a more accurate and stable image.

[0112] In addition, the program 391 of this embodiment for setting control parameters can be easily installed in a computer and executed. Therefore, by using the program 391, control parameters can be obtained easily, flexibly, and with higher accuracy without a special control configuration.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be modified in various ways. For example, in the above, in the paper type table 393, paper types (names), combinations of physical property reference values, and combinations of control parameters are associated with each other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the name of the paper type does not have to be specified. Also, a table that specifies combinations of paper types and physical property reference values ​​and a table that specifies combinations of paper types and control parameters may be stored as separate data.

[0114] In addition, the combination of the control parameters determined in the first setting pattern and the control parameters determined in the second setting pattern may not be specified in advance. The user may be able to set which setting pattern determines the control parameters in any combination. In this case, a machine learning model of the control parameters set in the first setting pattern may be acquired from the outside. In addition, the maximum number of control parameters that can be set in the first setting pattern may be set.

[0115] Furthermore, the selection between the first setting pattern and the second setting pattern may be changed collectively for all switchable parameters.

[0116] Furthermore, the control parameters are not limited to those exemplified above, and various other control parameters may be set in the paper processing.

[0117] Furthermore, some of the characteristic information relating to physical properties does not have to be directly measured by the paper characteristic detection device 2. Values ​​calculated based on measured values ​​may be included in the characteristic information. Furthermore, the characteristic information may include values ​​relating to physical properties not exemplified above. For example, the whiteness of the surface, the air permeability of the paper, etc. may be included.

[0118] In addition, in the above embodiment, the machine learning model 392 is described as being based on ensemble learning, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other learning algorithms may be used / combined with other learning algorithms.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the control parameters are determined based on the physical property measurement values ​​for each sheet of paper, but this is not limited to the above. The control parameters may be determined for a predetermined number of sheets of paper, for example, every two sheets. In this case, the control parameters may be determined based on a representative value such as an average of each physical property measurement value for the predetermined number of sheets of paper. In addition, depending on the control parameters, those determined for each sheet of paper and those determined for multiple sheets of paper may coexist.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the control parameters that have been changed from the first setting pattern to the second setting pattern are not returned to the first setting pattern thereafter. However, this is not limited to this. If the paper characteristic detection device 2 continues to obtain the physical property measurement value and the physical property measurement value falls outside the available range once and then returns, the control parameters may be returned to the first setting pattern.

[0121] In the above description, the values ​​of the control parameters according to the second setting pattern are also determined based on the physical property measurement values ​​of the paper characteristic detection device 2, but this is not limited to this. When the user specifies a paper type in response to an input operation, the values ​​of the control parameters according to the specified paper type may be determined.

[0122] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 3 acquires the physical property measurement values ​​from the paper characteristic detection device 2 and determines the values ​​of the control parameters, but this is not limited to the above. The control unit 21 of the paper characteristic detection device 2 may perform the process of determining the values ​​of the control parameters. Alternatively, the image forming system U may have a control unit for determining the values ​​of the control parameters, separate from the control unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 3.

[0123] In the above-described image forming system U, the paper characteristic detection device 2 is independently located between the paper feeder 1 and the image forming device 3, but this is not limited thereto. The first detection unit 23 and the second detection unit 24 may be part of the paper feeder 1 or the image forming device 3.

[0124] In the above description, the storage unit 309, which is made up of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or a flash memory, is taken as an example of a computer-readable medium for storing the program 391 relating to the setting control of the present invention, but is not limited to this. As other computer-readable media, other non-volatile memories such as MRAM and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD disks can be applied. In addition, a carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line. In addition, the specific configurations, contents and procedures of the processing operations, etc. shown in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1 Paper feeder 11 Paper feed tray 2. Paper characteristic detection device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 First detection section 231 Size Sensor 232 Paper thickness sensor 233 Basis weight sensor 234 Moisture Sensor 24 Second detection section 241 Stiffness Sensor 242 Surface Sensor 243 Resistance Sensor 25 Conveyor 251 Purge Tray 25M First conveyor route 25S Second conveyor path 26 Environmental Sensors 27 Communications Department 3. Image forming device 31 Writing section 31a Optical scanning unit 31b Photoreceptor 31c Developing section 31d Charging section 31e Cleaning Department 31f Primary transfer roller 32 Intermediate transfer belt 33 Secondary transfer roller 34 Fixing section 36 Reversal Path 4 Aftertreatment Device 301 Control Unit 302 Document reading unit 303 Operation reception section 304 Display section 309 Storage section 391 Programs 392 Machine Learning Models 393 Paper Type Table E Output Tray U Image Forming System

Claims

1. a first control parameter determining means for determining values ​​of control parameters for processing the sheet; a second control parameter determination means for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination means; a selection means for enabling a setting as to whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined using the first control parameter determination means or the second control parameter determination means; An image forming system comprising:

2. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the first control parameter determination unit determines the values ​​of the control parameters for paper processing based on characteristic information corresponding to paper physical properties, without specifying the paper type.

3. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein said second control parameter determining means determines the value of the control parameter for paper processing in accordance with paper type information corresponding to the paper type.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the paper type information includes a paper type specified based on the characteristic information.

5. The image forming system according to claim 4 , wherein the paper type information includes information linking the identified paper type with a value of a control parameter.

6. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the paper type information includes information linking the characteristic information with values ​​of control parameters.

7. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the paper processing includes at least one of an image forming process for forming an image on a paper, a paper transport process for feeding or transporting a paper, and a post-processing process for performing on the paper after the image is formed.

8. the paper processing includes an image forming process for forming an image on a paper; the first control parameter determination means determines the control parameters for the image forming process; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1.

9. 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the control parameters for the image forming process include at least one of a control parameter related to a fixing condition of a coloring material to a sheet of paper and a control parameter related to a transfer condition of a coloring material to a sheet of paper.

10. the paper processing includes at least one of a paper transport process for feeding or transporting paper and a post-processing process for performing on paper after image formation; the second control parameter determination means determines the control parameters for the at least one process; 2. The image forming system according to claim 1.

11. the paper processing includes a paper transport process for feeding or transporting paper, the control parameter determined by the second control parameter determination unit includes at least one of a paper transport speed, a transport timing, a loop amount, and a nip pressure; The image forming system according to claim 10.

12. The paper processing includes post-processing performed on the paper after the image formation, the control parameters determined by the second control parameter determination means include at least one of conditions relating to stapling, folding, and cutting; The image forming system according to claim 10.

13. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the characteristic information includes information corresponding to at least one of basis weight, thickness, moisture content, surface properties, electrical resistance, and size.

14. The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the first control parameter determination means has a machine learning model that outputs the control parameter in response to an input of the characteristic information.

15. The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the first control parameter determination unit outputs the control parameter according to the characteristic information without using a machine learning model.

16. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said second control parameter determining means determines said control parameters based on control parameters registered in advance in correspondence with paper type information.

17. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the paper type information includes first type information classified by the type name of the paper.

18. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the paper type information includes second type information in which the paper types are classified according to a combination of a plurality of different types of characteristic information.

19. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the determined values ​​of the plurality of control parameters include both those determined by the first control parameter determination means and those determined by the second control parameter determination means.

20. the first control parameter determination means determines values ​​of the control parameters based on the characteristic information of the paper obtained for each paper fed; the sheet processing is performed using values ​​of the control parameters determined for each sheet.

3. The image forming system according to claim 2.

21. the paper processing includes an image forming process for forming an image on a paper; the selection means is capable of changing the settings during the image forming process.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1.

22. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is capable of setting whether to use the first control parameter determination means or the second control parameter determination means to determine the value of each of the plurality of control parameters.

23. 21. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the selection means switches a control parameter whose value cannot be determined by the first control parameter determination means within the reference time to a value determined by the second control parameter determination means.

24. a first control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing; a second control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination step; a selection step of setting whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined by the first control parameter determination step or the second control parameter determination step; A control parameter setting method including:

25. On the computer, a first control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing; a second control parameter determination step for determining values ​​of control parameters for paper processing in a manner different from that of the first control parameter determination step; a selection step of setting whether a value of at least one of a plurality of control parameters is to be determined by the first control parameter determination step or the second control parameter determination step; A program that executes the following.

Images