Image formation device, method for controlling image formation device, and program

Abstract

To inhibit a type of a sheet from not being set at the time when an image formation device performs printing.SOLUTION: An image formation device 100 automatically selects one from a plurality of types of sheet P when there is a plurality of types of sheet P compatible with a feature amount detected by a medium sensor 270.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There are image forming apparatuses equipped with a sensor (media sensor) on a sheet transport path that measures characteristics of a sheet, such as the surface property and basis weight. Such image forming apparatuses measure the characteristics of a sheet being transported based on a print job using the media sensor, and identify the type of the sheet from a pre-stored sheet database (media library) based on the measured characteristics of the sheet. The image forming apparatus then prints on the sheet using print control parameters corresponding to the identified type of sheet.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for setting print control parameters for a user-defined paper (a paper type set by the user) by duplicating print control parameters for a basic paper prepared in advance and allowing the user to change the copied print control parameters. Patent Document 1 also discloses a method for creating a user-defined paper by measuring and identifying the type of the basic paper that is the source of the user-defined paper using a media sensor and allowing the user to set print control parameters for the information on that basic paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-26815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the image forming apparatus will not be able to determine the sheet type at the time of printing, due to the user setting the sheet type on his or her own.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to prevent an image forming apparatus from being unable to determine the type of sheet when printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present invention has a detection means for detecting the characteristics of a sheet being transported, and a selection means for selecting a type of sheet corresponding to the characteristics detected by the detection means, and is characterized in that, when there are multiple sheet types corresponding to the characteristics detected by the detection means, the selection means automatically selects one of the multiple sheet types. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an image forming apparatus from being unable to determine the type of sheet when printing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a media sensor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a paper setting screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a paper type list screen. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a print control process. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the feature amount and the type of paper. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a job status display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following embodiment, the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described. <Explanation of Image Forming Apparatus 100> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. In FIG. 1, a CPU 110 is an example of a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 may have one or more dedicated hardware units different from the CPU 110, and the dedicated hardware units may execute at least a part of the processing performed by the CPU 110. The dedicated hardware units are, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and a DSP (digital signal processor). The image forming apparatus 100 may have a hardware processor other than a CPU (for example, a GPU) instead of or in addition to the CPU 110.

[0012] The HDD (hard disk drive) 120 stores the control program according to this embodiment, initial values ​​of various setting values, etc. The CPU 110 executes the control program according to this embodiment read from the HDD 120 to realize the image formation procedure and the procedures of each flowchart described below. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may have a non-volatile storage medium other than the HDD 120 (for example, a ROM and an SSD (solid state drive)) in addition to or instead of the HDD 120. The RAM 130 stores various information under the control of the CPU 110.

[0013] In this embodiment, a case where the sheet to be printed is paper is exemplified. Therefore, in this embodiment, a case where a paper type database that stores paper information such as the name (type name) of paper, the size of paper, the characteristic amount of paper, the print control parameters, and the category of paper is stored in a storage medium is exemplified. In the paper type database, the name (type name) of paper, the size of paper, the characteristic amount of paper, the print control parameters (control parameters for image formation), and the category of paper are stored in a mutually associated state. The storage medium that stores the paper type database is, for example, at least one of the predetermined storage areas of the HDD 120 and the RAM 130. In addition, the paper type database may be stored in a storage device that is external to the image forming apparatus 100 and can be referenced by the image forming apparatus 100. The sheet is not limited to paper. For example, the sheet may be paper other than paper (e.g., an envelope), a plastic film such as an overhead projector (OHP) sheet, and a cloth.

[0014] The paper category is information that can at least identify whether the paper is a paper set as a default in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the paper category is information that indicates whether the paper is a basic paper or a user-defined paper, which will be described later. The print control parameters are control parameters for forming an image on paper. For example, the print control parameters include a fixing temperature, an adjustment value for a secondary transfer voltage, and an adjustment value for an image position on the paper. The feature amount of the paper may also be included in the print control parameters.

[0015] It is preferable that the RAM 130 is a rewritable memory that does not require the storage and retention of information. When a user changes the print control parameters corresponding to a certain paper type, the CPU 110 adds (stores) the changed print control parameters to the paper type database as print control parameters corresponding to the paper type. These print control parameters are print control parameters that are uniquely set by the user. In this embodiment, the type of paper is referred to as paper type or paper type as necessary.

[0016] The instruction / display unit 140 has a function of displaying various information and a function as a user interface. The instruction / display unit 140 includes a display (e.g., a touch panel) capable of displaying an operation screen, buttons, and the like. When a user inputs an instruction such as a print operation start by operating a button or the like provided on the instruction / display unit 140, the instruction / display unit 140 outputs instruction information indicating the content of the instruction to the CPU 110. Note that the form in which the instruction information such as a print operation start is input to the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to a form in which the user inputs the instruction information such as a print operation start to the image forming apparatus 100 by operating the instruction / display unit 140. For example, the instruction information such as a print operation start may be input to the image forming apparatus 100 from an external device (e.g., a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone) connected via a network (not shown) or the like.

[0017] The communication unit 150 has a hardware interface for the image forming apparatus 100 to communicate with an external device. Printer engine 160 performs various operations for forming an image on paper (i.e., printing) based on instructions from CPU 110. For example, when instruction information for starting a print operation is input, CPU 110 drives and controls a paper feed and transport motor of printer engine 160 according to the instruction information. Printer engine 160 feeds and transports paper placed in a paper feed section. CPU 110 also sets print control parameters for printer engine 160, thereby controlling the formation (printing) of an image by printer engine 160. Printer engine 160 prints on paper based on the print control parameters set by CPU 110.

[0018] The image reading device 170 optically reads information printed on paper and converts it into image data (digital data). The image reading device 170 has an image scanner. The CPU 110 performs processing for printing an image based on the image data obtained by the image reading device 170 on paper.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, image reading device 170 is installed approximately horizontally above image forming apparatus main body 201. A discharge space V for discharging printed paper P is formed between image reading device 170 and image forming apparatus main body 201. Printed paper P is stacked on a stacking section 202 protruding from the bottom surface of the discharge space V. Note that the configuration shown in image forming apparatus main body 201 in FIG. 2 is included in printer engine 160 shown in FIG. 1, excluding paper P.

[0020] The cassette feeding unit 210 feeds paper P from a paper feed cassette 211. The cassette feeding unit 210 has a pickup roller 212, a feed roller 213, and a retard roller 214. For convenience of notation, only one cassette feeding unit 210 is indicated with a reference symbol in FIG. 2. The pickup roller 212 feeds paper P from the paper feed cassette 211. The feed roller 213 and the retard roller 214 are rollers for separating the paper P fed from the pickup roller 212 and transporting it to paper transport path R1.

[0021] Manual feed section 220 feeds paper P from manual feed tray 221. Manual feed section 220 has paper feed roller 222 and pull-out roller 223. Similar to cassette feed section 210, manual feed section 220 sends out paper P from manual feed tray 221 to paper transport path R1, separates the sent-out paper P, and transports it to paper transport path R1. A pair of registration rollers 260 is provided on the paper transport path R1 between the cassette feed section 210 and the manual feed section 220, and the image forming section 230. The pair of registration rollers 260 corrects skew of the paper P (paper P moving obliquely with respect to the traveling direction of the paper transport path R1).

[0022] The image forming unit 230 is, for example, a four-drum full-color type. The image forming unit 230 has, for example, a laser scanner 231 and four process cartridges 232 that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). For convenience of notation, in FIG. 2, only the process cartridge 232 of one color (for example, yellow) is labeled with a reference symbol.

[0023] Each process cartridge 232 has a photosensitive drum 232a, a charger 232b serving as a charging means, and a developing unit 232c serving as a developing means. The image forming unit 230 has a secondary transfer unit 233 and a fixing unit 234 provided above the process cartridge 232. The toner cartridge 235 is a cartridge for supplying toner to the developing unit 232c.

[0024] The secondary transfer unit 233 has a drive roller 233a, a tension roller 233b, and a transfer belt 233c. The transfer belt 233c is wound around the drive roller 233a and the tension roller 233b. A primary transfer roller 236 is provided on the inner side of the transfer belt 233c. The primary transfer roller 236 abuts against the transfer belt 233c at a position facing the photosensitive drum 232a. For convenience of illustration, only one primary transfer roller 236 is indicated by a reference symbol in FIG. 2.

[0025] The transfer belt 233c is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive roller 233a driven by a drive unit (not shown). A secondary transfer roller 237 is provided at a position facing the drive roller 233a of the secondary transfer unit 233. The secondary transfer roller 237 transfers the color image formed on the transfer belt 233c onto the paper P. The fixing unit 234 is provided above the secondary transfer roller 237. The fixing unit 234 has a pressure roller 234a and a heating roller 234b.

[0026] Above the fixing unit 234, a first discharge roller pair 241a, a second discharge roller pair 241b, and a double-sided reversing unit 250 are provided. The double-sided reversing unit 250 has a reversing roller pair 251 that can rotate both forward and backward. The paper P with an image formed on one side is sent to a re-conveying path R2 by the reversing roller pair 251, and is transported to the image forming unit 230 again. An instruction / display unit 140 has a display provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0027] The media sensor 270 detects the characteristic quantities of the paper P from the paper P during transport (paper feeding) (in the example shown in FIG. 2, during transport along paper transport path R1). The characteristic quantities of the paper P are, for example, surface properties (surface shape characteristics) and basis weight. Note that the characteristic quantities of the paper are not limited to these. For example, instead of or in addition to basis weight, the characteristic quantities of the paper P may include size (length and width) and thickness. An example of the configuration of the media sensor 270 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3. Although the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has been described above, the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 described above is merely an example, and the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to the above-described configuration.

[0028] <Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 100> Next, an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when forming an image on a sheet P will be described. First, when the CPU 110 receives image data of an original to be printed, it performs image processing on the image data. The CPU 110 converts the image-processed image data into an electric signal and transmits it to the laser scanner 231 of the image forming unit 230. The surface of the photosensitive drum 232a, the surface of which is uniformly charged to a potential of a predetermined polarity by the charger 232b, is sequentially exposed to a laser output from the laser scanner 231. As a result, electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 232a of each process cartridge 232, respectively.

[0029] Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by being developed with toner of each color. The toner images of each color on each photoconductor drum 232a are transferred to the transfer belt 233c in a superimposed manner by the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 236. As a result, a toner image is formed on the transfer belt 233c. In parallel with the formation of the toner image, the paper P is conveyed one by one to the pair of registration rollers 260 by the cassette feeding section 210 or the manual feeding section 220. The pair of registration rollers 260 corrects the skew of the paper P. The paper P is then conveyed to the secondary transfer section 233 by the pair of registration rollers 260. A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 237. As a result, the toner images formed on the transfer belt 233c are transferred collectively to the paper P conveyed to the secondary transfer section 233. The paper P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing section 234.

[0030] The paper P conveyed to the fixing section 234 is subjected to heat and pressure in a roller nip formed by the pressure roller 234a and the heating roller 234b. As a result, the toners of each color on the paper P melt, the colors are mixed, and a color image is fixed on the paper P. At this time, there is a risk that the paper P will be attached to the heating roller 234b due to the adhesive force of the melted toner. If the stiffness (rigidity) of the paper P is weak, there is a risk that the paper P will be taken up by the rotating heating roller 234b as it is. For this reason, a separation plate (not shown) for separating the paper P is provided downstream of the heating roller 234b. After this, the paper P with the image fixed thereon is discharged to the discharge space V by the first discharge roller pair 241a and the second discharge roller pair 241b provided downstream of the fixing section 234. The paper P discharged to the discharge space V is stacked on the stacking section 202 protruding from the bottom surface of the discharge space V. When forming images on both sides of the paper P, the paper P is transported to a re-transport path R2 by a pair of reversing rollers 251 after an image is fixed on one side (front side) of the paper P. The paper P with the image formed on one side (front side) is transported to the image forming section 230 through the re-transport path R2. Then, an image is formed on the back side of the paper P in the same manner as described above.

[0031] The media sensor 270 is provided on the paper transport path R1. In this embodiment, the media sensor 270 detects the characteristic amount of the paper P being transported from the manual paper feed tray 221 to the image forming unit 230 on the paper transport path R1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the media sensor 270 detects the characteristic amount of the paper P transported from the manual feed unit 220 at a position on the paper transport path R1 between the paper feed roller 222 and the pull-out roller 223. In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU 110 determines the type of the paper P based on the characteristic amount of the paper P detected by the media sensor 270.

[0032] 1. For example, in order to detect the characteristic amount of the paper P transported from the paper feed cassette 211, the media sensor 270 may detect the characteristic amount of the paper P being transported downstream of the joining point of the paper transport path R1 from each paper feed cassette 211 toward the image forming unit 230. The media sensor 270 that detects the characteristic amount of the paper P transported from the manual paper feed tray 221 and the media sensor 270 that detects the characteristic amount of the paper P transported from the paper feed cassette 211 may be different media sensors 270. Also, the characteristic amount of the paper P transported from the paper feed cassette 211 and the manual feed unit 220 may be detected by a single media sensor 270. For example, the media sensor 270 may detect the characteristics of paper P being transported downstream of the confluence of paper transport path R1 from each paper feed cassette 211 toward the image forming unit 230 and paper transport path R1 from the manual feed unit 220 toward the image forming unit 230.

[0033] In this embodiment, detecting the characteristics of the paper using the media sensor 270 and determining the type of paper based on the detection results by the CPU 110 is expressed as determining the type of paper using the media sensor 270, as necessary. Although the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment has been described above, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 described above is merely an example, and the operation is not limited to the above-described operation.

[0034] <Description of Media Sensor 270> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the media sensor 270. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the media sensor 270 has a light emitting element 270a and a light receiving element 270b. The light emitting element 270a is, for example, an LED. The light receiving element 270b is, for example, a photodiode. The light emitting element 270a and the light receiving element 270b are installed so that the light receiving element 270b can detect the reflected light from the paper P of the light emitted by the light emitting element 270a. The light receiving element 270b detects the amount of reflected light from the paper P. The media sensor 270 is also provided with a guide portion 270c that guides the paper P to the transport path inside the media sensor 270.

[0035] The CPU 110 receives the input signal of the light receiving element 270b as the output value of the media sensor 270. The output value of the media sensor 270 varies depending on the characteristic amount of the paper P (for example, surface property and basis weight, etc.). The CPU 110 can specify the characteristic amount of the paper P based on the output value of the media sensor 270, and determine the type of the paper P based on the specified characteristic amount. For example, the CPU 110 determines the type of the paper P using a paper type database in which information capable of specifying the type of the paper P and the characteristic amount of the paper P, etc., are stored in association with each other. As information capable of specifying the type of the paper P, at least one of the name (type name) of the paper P and the category of the paper P described above is exemplified. The CPU 110 specifies the characteristic amount of the paper P based on the output value of the media sensor 270, and determines the type of the paper P by reading the type of the paper P associated with the specified characteristic amount from the paper type database.

[0036] Then, CPU 110 optimally controls the image formation speed and the target temperature of fixing unit 234 according to the determined type of paper P. As described above, in this embodiment, CPU 110 determines the type of paper P using media sensor 270, eliminating the need for the user to consciously set the type of paper P. For this reason, image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment has a mode (hereinafter referred to as automatic media setting mode) in which the type of paper P is determined using media sensor 270 and print control parameters and the like are automatically set according to the type of paper P. On the other hand, image forming apparatus 100 in this embodiment also has a mode (hereinafter referred to as manual media setting mode) in which the user manually sets the type of paper P to be used for printing.

[0037] By operating the instruction / display unit 140, the user can preset either the automatic media setting mode or the manual media setting mode for each of the paper feed cassette 211 and the manual feed tray 221. The default mode is, for example, the automatic media setting mode. A setting value indicating whether the setting mode is the automatic media setting mode or the manual media setting mode is stored in, for example, the RAM 130.

[0038] Although the configuration of the media sensor 270 of this embodiment has been described above, the above configuration of the media sensor 270 is merely an example and is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, the media sensor 270 may be configured by combining an ultrasonic sensor such as a piezoelectric element in addition to a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, or may have such a configuration.

[0039] The setting methods for the automatic media setting mode and the manual media setting mode, and the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the setting are realized, for example, by the contents described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, detailed explanation of the same parts as those described in Patent Document 1 will be omitted here. When the setting mode is the automatic media setting mode, the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment uses the media sensor 270 to determine the type of paper P to be used for printing. On the other hand, when the setting mode is the manual media setting mode, the image forming apparatus 100 sets the type of paper P to be used for printing to the type of paper P manually set by the user.

[0040] <Explanation of paper settings in the paper feed section> Next, an example of setting the paper P placed in the paper feed section will be described. In this embodiment, a case where the type of paper P transported from the manual paper feed tray 221 is determined using the media sensor 270 will be exemplified. Therefore, in this embodiment, a case where the setting of the paper P placed in the manual paper feed tray 221 is performed will be exemplified. However, as described above, for example, the type of paper P transported from the paper feed cassette 211 may be determined using the media sensor. In this case, in the following description, the paper P placed in the paper feed cassette 211 may be the setting target instead of or in addition to the manual paper feed tray 221.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of paper setting screens 401 and 411. Note that the paper setting screens 401 and 411 shown in Fig. 4 are displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 by, for example, the CPU 110 executing a control program stored in the HDD 120. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting screen 401 that is displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 when paper P is placed on the manual paper feed tray 221. The fact that paper P has been placed on the manual paper feed tray 221 is detected, for example, by a sensor (not shown) provided on the manual paper feed tray 221.

[0042] The user can set and change the paper size and paper type by operating the paper setting screen 401 shown in Fig. 4(a). The user can specify the paper type by pressing a paper type change button 402. Information indicating the currently set paper type is displayed in a paper type display field 403.

[0043] Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a paper setting screen 411 to which the paper setting screen 401 shown in Fig. 4(a) transitions after the paper type change button 402 is pressed. The automatic detection button 412 is a button pressed by the user when the user wishes to determine the type of paper P using the media sensor 270. The select in list button 413 is a button pressed by the user when the user wishes to select an arbitrary type as the type of paper P.

[0044] When the select in list button 413 is pressed, the CPU 110 displays the paper type list screen shown in FIG. 5 on the instruction / display unit 140. The user can select any type of paper P from the candidates for the type of paper P displayed on the paper type list screen. The paper type list screen displays a list of the types of paper P stored in the paper type database. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the user either presses the automatic detection button 412 or presses the select in list button 413 and then selects the type of paper. Then, the user presses the OK button 414. Then, the CPU 110 returns the paper setting screen 411 shown in FIG. 4(b) to the paper setting screen 401 shown in FIG. 4(a).

[0045] When the user presses the OK button 404 on the paper setting screen 401 shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 110 stores the setting information of the paper P placed on the manual paper feed tray 221 in the HDD 120. The setting information of the paper P placed on the manual paper feed tray 221 includes setting information on the type of paper P selected by operating the automatic detection button 412 or the select-in-list button 413. When the user presses the cancel button 415 shown in FIG. 4B, the CPU 110 returns the paper setting screen 411 shown in FIG. 4B to the paper setting screen 401 shown in FIG. 4A. In this case, even if the automatic detection button 412 and the select-in-list button 413 are operated, the CPU 110 discards the information stored in association with the operation, assuming that the operation was not performed.

[0046] 4(a), a frequently used button 405 is a button pressed by the user when printing on a user-defined paper that has been registered in advance by the user among existing user-defined papers. When the frequently used button 405 is pressed by the user, the CPU 110 displays a screen (not shown) on the instruction / display unit 140 for selecting the paper P to be printed on. Printing is performed on the paper P selected on the screen based on the print control parameters registered in the paper type database. Note that a basic paper may also be selectable on the screen.

[0047] The paper size change button 406 is a button that is pressed by the user when selecting the size of the paper P. When the paper size change button 406 is pressed by the user, the CPU 110 displays a screen (not shown) on the instruction / display unit 140 for selecting the size of the paper P. Note that on this screen, in addition to sizes determined by standards, a size defined by the user can be selected.

[0048] <Description of the paper type list> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of paper type list screens 501 and 511. Note that the paper type list screens 501 and 511 shown in Fig. 5 are displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 by, for example, the CPU 110 executing a control program stored in the HDD 120.

[0049] An example of a list of types of paper P and user-defined paper will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b). In this embodiment, the paper type list is a list of paper types that exist in the paper type database. The paper type list includes basic paper and user-defined paper. Basic paper refers to a type of paper P for which feature values ​​such as basis weight and surface properties that can be used in the image forming apparatus 100 and print control parameters such as fixing temperature are predefined by default. User-defined paper refers to a type of paper P that is uniquely set by the user. Unlike basic paper, the print control parameters set for user-defined paper can be changed individually.

[0050] In this embodiment, a case will be exemplified in which print control parameters for user-defined paper are created based on print control parameters for a predefined basic paper, as described below. The print control parameters for the basic paper are stored in a paper type database. The print control parameters for the user-defined paper are added to and stored in the paper type database by the CPU 110.

[0051] Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a paper type list screen 501. The paper type list screen 501 shown in Fig. 5(a) displays a list of paper types P that the user can select. The user can select one of three types: basic paper, user-defined paper, or all of them, by operating a pull-down menu 502 shown in Fig. 5(a). In response to the selection made on the pull-down menu 502, the CPU 110 reads out information about the paper type P stored in the paper type database, and displays it in a paper list 503.

[0052] When a basic paper is selected in the pull-down menu 502 as shown in FIG. 5(a), the CPU 110 reads out information on the paper P corresponding to the basic paper from among the paper P stored in the paper type database, and displays it in the paper list 503. The user selects an arbitrary basic paper from the types of paper P displayed in the paper list 503, and then presses the copy button 505. Then, the CPU 110 creates information on a new user-defined paper based on the information registered in the paper type database for the basic paper, and registers it in the paper type database. A new name is given to the new user-defined paper. A category is also given to the new user-defined paper. For example, based on at least one of the name and the category, it may be possible to specify whether the type of each paper P is a user-defined paper or a basic paper. The registration of new user-defined paper information by pressing the copy button 505 is performed, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0053] The user can check the details of the basic paper by selecting an arbitrary basic paper from the paper P displayed in the paper list 503 and pressing the details / edit button 504. The feature amount of the basic paper includes, for example, basis weight and size. In this embodiment, the feature amount of the basic paper cannot be changed. Therefore, even if the user selects an arbitrary basic paper from the types of paper P displayed in the paper list 503 and presses the details / edit button 504, the feature amount and the print control parameters of the basic paper cannot be changed. In this embodiment, the basic paper cannot be deleted. Therefore, when the basic paper is selected by the pull-down menu 502, the delete button 506 is shaded so that it cannot be pressed. When the OK button 507 is pressed, the CPU 110 ends the display of the paper type list screen 501. When one of the papers P displayed in the paper list 503 is selected, printing is performed using the print control parameters corresponding to the type of the paper P.

[0054] A paper type list screen 511 shown in FIG. 5(b) is a paper type list screen that is displayed when a user-defined paper is selected by pull-down menu 512. A list of user-defined papers is displayed in paper list 513. CPU 110 reads out information about the user-defined paper registered in the paper type database and displays it in paper list 513. The user can change the information (basis weight, size, etc.) of the user-defined paper registered in the paper type database by selecting any user-defined paper from the types of paper P displayed in paper list 513 and then pressing details / edit button 514.

[0055] Furthermore, the user selects any user-defined paper from the types of paper P displayed in paper list 513, and then presses copy button 515. This causes CPU 110 to create new user-defined paper information based on the user-defined paper already registered in the paper type database, and register the information in the paper type database. Registering new user-defined paper information by pressing copy button 515 is performed, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0056] The user also selects any user-defined paper from the paper types displayed in paper list 513 and presses delete button 516. Then, CPU 110 deletes the user-defined paper selected by the user from the paper type database. When the user presses OK button 517, CPU 110 ends the display of paper type list screen 511. When one of the papers P displayed in paper list 503 is selected, printing is performed using print control parameters corresponding to the type of paper P.

[0057] <Explanation of print control process when detecting paper type> Next, an example of print control processing when detecting the paper type will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 6. Each step of the flowchart of Fig. 6 is performed, for example, by CPU 110 executing a control program read from HDD 120 and loaded into RAM 130. This flowchart starts, for example, when paper P is placed in manual paper feed tray 221, the paper setting described with reference to Fig. 4 is completed, and then a print job is input to image forming apparatus 100.

[0058] The print job here may be, for example, a copy job in which the use of a paper feed unit set as a paper feed unit that automatically detects the type of paper P at the time of printing is specified by pressing the automatic detection button 412. The print job may also be, for example, a PDL print job in which the use of a paper feed unit set as a paper feed unit that automatically detects the type of paper P at the time of printing is specified by a printer driver installed in the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal is, for example, a personal computer connected to image forming apparatus 100 via a network.

[0059] In S601, the CPU 110 instructs the printer engine 160 to start conveying the paper P placed in the paper feed unit selected based on the contents of the print job input to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0060] Next, in S602, CPU 110 determines whether or not to automatically determine the characteristic amount of paper P conveyed in S601 during printing. For example, CPU 110 may determine to automatically determine the characteristic amount of paper P when the print job specifies the use of a paper feed unit that is set as a paper feed unit that automatically detects the characteristic amount of paper P. Also, for example, CPU 110 may determine to automatically determine the characteristic amount of paper P when the type of paper P is not explicitly specified in the print job. Also, for example, CPU 110 may determine to automatically determine the characteristic amount of paper P when both of these two conditions are met.

[0061] Whether or not the paper feed unit automatically detects the characteristic amount of the paper P may be determined using information stored in advance in the HDD 120, for example. For example, information indicating whether or not the characteristic amount of the paper P is automatically detected may be stored in the HDD 120 as setting information for the paper P placed in each paper feed unit. Specifically, as described above, in this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which setting information regarding the type of paper P selected by operating the automatic detection button 412 or the selection button in list 413 is stored in the HDD 120 as setting information for the paper P placed in the manual paper feed tray 221. In addition, information on the paper feed unit (manual paper feed tray 221 in this embodiment) in which the paper P that needs to be automatically detected for the characteristic amount of the paper P during printing is placed may be stored in the HDD 120 in advance.

[0062] If the result of the determination in S602 is that the feature amount of the paper P will not be automatically detected when printing (if No), the processes in S603 to S607 are not performed and the process in S608 described below is performed. On the other hand, if the feature amount of the paper P will be automatically detected when printing (if Yes), the process in S603 is performed.

[0063] In S603, the CPU 110 instructs the media sensor 270 to detect the characteristic amount of the paper sheet P. In response to this, the media sensor 270 detects the characteristic amount of the paper sheet P. Next, in S604, the CPU 110 acquires a paper type database.

[0064] Next, in S605, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the user-defined paper is registered in the paper type database acquired in S604. This determination may be made, for example, based on the paper category registered in the paper type database. This determination may also be made, for example, based on the paper name registered in the paper type database.

[0065] If the result of this determination is that the user-defined paper is not registered in the paper type database (if No), the process of S606 is skipped and the process of S607 described below is performed. On the other hand, if the user-defined paper is registered in the paper type database (if Yes), the process of S606 is performed.

[0066] In S606, the CPU 110 searches only basic paper for the type of paper P in the paper type database acquired in S604. Note that the basic paper is, for example, the type of paper P displayed in the paper list 503 shown in FIG.

[0067] Next, in S607, CPU 110 selects the type of paper P to be transported from the basic papers searched for in S606, the type of paper corresponding to the feature detected in S603. If the result of the determination in S605 is that no user-defined paper is registered in the paper type database (No), in S607 CPU 110 searches all types of paper P registered in the paper type database.

[0068] 7 is a diagram showing, in the form of a table, an example of the correspondence between the characteristic amounts of paper P detected by media sensor 270 and the type of paper P. FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the characteristic amounts are surface property and basis weight. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the correspondence shown in FIG. 7 is stored in advance in HDD 120. In this case, the type of paper corresponding to the characteristic amount detected in S603 is identified from the correspondence shown in FIG. 7.

[0069] In Fig. 7, row item 701 indicates basis weight, which indicates the thickness of paper P. Column item 702 indicates surface properties. Fig. 7 shows examples of surface properties, such as plain paper (without a coating layer on the surface) and coated paper (with a coating layer on the surface). In Fig. 7, a type of paper P with a relatively low density is indicated as basic paper. On the other hand, a type of paper P with a relatively high density is indicated as user-defined paper.

[0070] It is assumed that the type of paper P displayed in the paper list 503 shown in FIG. 5(a) is basic paper. For example, the basis weight classification is “106 to 128 g / m 2 " and the surface property is "plain paper", "thick paper 1 (106-128g / m 2 ) is searched for. Also, it is assumed that the type of paper P displayed in the paper list 513 shown in FIG. 5B is a user-defined paper. 2 The user-defined paper 704 for "xx business card" is "Thick paper 1 (106 to 128 g / m 2 In this case, the basic paper 703 and the user-defined paper 704 are types of paper P that belong to the same category as types of paper P that correspond to the characteristic quantities (basis weight and surface property). 2 )_xx Certificate" user-defined paper 705 and "Plain Paper 1 (64~79g / m 2 In the case of the user-defined paper 706 "for fax" (for example, "_xxFAX"), multiple types of user-defined paper may belong to the same category.

[0071] For example, in S603, the basis weight detected by the media sensor 270 is “106 to 128 g / m 2 In this case, in step S606, the CPU 110 selects "Thick Paper 1 (106 to 128 g / m 2 )_xx business card” from the search target. 2 )_xx Business Card" user-defined paper 704, but "Thick Paper 1 (106~128g / m 2 In addition, for example, the basis weight detected by the media sensor 270 in S603 is “64 to 79 g / m 2 " and the surface property is "plain paper". In this case, the CPU 110 selects "plain paper 1 (64 to 79 g / m 2 )_xx Certificate" and "Plain Paper 1 (64~79g / m 2)_xxFAX" user-defined paper 705, 706, but "Plain Paper 1 (64~79g / m 2 )" basic form 707.

[0072] In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which only user-defined paper is not searched for as the type of paper P corresponding to the feature (basis weight and surface property in the example shown in FIG. 7). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the type of paper P that belongs to the same category in both basis weight and surface property (i.e., the type of paper P included in one square shown in FIG. 7) is not the only user-defined paper. In other words, FIG. 7 illustrates a case in which only basic paper is included as the type of paper P that belongs to the same category in both basis weight and surface property, and a case in which both basic paper and user-defined paper are included. Therefore, when the type of paper P corresponding to the feature detected in S603 is user-defined paper and it is determined in S605 that the paper type database includes user-defined paper, the type of paper P is not not determined in S607.

[0073] However, only user-defined paper may be searched for as the type of paper P corresponding to the feature amount (basis weight and surface property in the example shown in FIG. 7). In this case, for example, if only user-defined paper is searched for as the type of paper P corresponding to the feature amount (basis weight and surface property in the example shown in FIG. 7), the print control parameters corresponding to the user-defined paper may be used. Also, for example, if only a plurality of user-defined papers are searched for as the type of paper P corresponding to the feature amount (basis weight and surface property in the example shown in FIG. 7), the print control parameters corresponding to a predetermined user-defined paper may be used.

[0074] 6, in S608, CPU 110 instructs printer engine 160 to resume the paper feed operation based on the type of paper P determined in S607. Printer engine 160 performs image formation processing including forming an image on paper P based on print control parameters corresponding to the type of paper P and discharging paper P on which the image has been formed. Note that the print control parameters corresponding to the type of paper P are identified by using, for example, a paper type database.

[0075] Next, in S609, CPU 110 determines whether or not all pages of the print job have been printed after image formation processing including ejection of paper P in S608 is completed. If the result of this determination is that all pages of the print job have not been printed (No), processing of S601 is performed again. Then, processing of S601 to S608 is performed for the next page. Then, if the result of the determination in S609 is that all pages of the print job have been printed, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, when there are multiple types of paper P corresponding to the feature amount detected by the media sensor 270, the image forming apparatus 100 automatically selects one of the multiple types of paper P. This makes it possible to prevent the image forming apparatus 100 from being unable to determine the type of paper when printing.

[0077] For example, as exemplified in this embodiment, when the type of paper P is determined using the media sensor 270, the type of paper P is identified from a paper type database pre-stored in the image forming apparatus 100 based on the feature amount of the paper P. There are cases where both a pre-defined basic paper and a user-defined paper defined by a user are registered in the paper type database as the type of paper P. In this way, if the user-defined paper is included in the search target as the type of paper P corresponding to the feature amount detected by the media sensor 270, there is a possibility that the image forming apparatus 100 cannot determine the type of paper P at the time of printing because there are multiple candidates as candidates for paper P. In this case, for example, multiple candidates may be presented to the user, and the type of paper P selected by the user from the multiple candidates may be identified. However, doing so may reduce usability for users who do not want to be aware of the type of paper P to be used. In contrast, in this embodiment, even if not only basic paper but also user-defined paper is included in the paper type database, the type of paper P to be estimated can be selected from the basic paper based on the feature amount detected by the media sensor 270. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the knowledge and effort required for a user to determine the type of paper P when using any paper P.

[0078] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, a case will be illustrated in which the type of paper P selected is displayed when the paper feed operation is resumed. Thus, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the display process when the paper feed operation is resumed. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 1 to 7, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, before the type of paper P is determined in S607 shown in Fig. 6, the CPU 110 displays information for the user to recognize that the type of paper P has not been determined on the instruction / display unit 140. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, when the type of paper P is determined in S607 shown in Fig. 6, the CPU 110 displays information for the user to recognize the determined type of paper P on the instruction / display unit 140.

[0080] 8 shows examples of job status display screens 801, 811, and 821. The job status display screens 801, 811, and 821 are displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 during printing. Here, a case where the job including printing is a copy job is shown as an example.

[0081] 8A is an example of a job status display screen that is displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 before the type of paper P is determined in S607 (until the processing of S606 is completed). Before the type of paper P is determined in S607, the CPU 110 causes an icon 802 indicating that the type of paper P is unknown to be displayed on the job status display screen 801, as shown in FIG.

[0082] Job status display screens 811 and 821 shown in FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) are examples of job status display screens that are displayed on the instruction / display unit 140 after the type of paper P is determined in S607.

[0083] In FIG. 8B, the type of paper P determined using the media sensor 270 is “Plain Paper 1 (64 to 79 g / m 2 8B, the job status display screen 811 is displayed when the type of paper P determined by the media sensor 270 is “Plain Paper 1 (64 to 79 g / m 2 An icon 812 indicating that the job is in progress is displayed on the job status display screen 811.

[0084] In FIG. 8(c), the type of paper P determined by the media sensor 270 is “Thick paper 1 (106 to 128 g / m 2 8C, the job status display screen 821 is displayed when the type of the paper P determined by the media sensor 270 is “Thick paper 1 (106 to 128 g / m 2 An icon 822 indicating that the job is in progress is displayed on the job status display screen 821.

[0085] 8 shows an example in which the type of paper P determined using the media sensor 270 is made known to the user by an icon. However, the information for making the user aware of the type of paper P determined using the media sensor 270 is not limited to an icon. For example, a pop-up display may be provided on the job status display screens 801, 811, and 812 to make the user aware of the type of paper P determined using the media sensor 270.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 displays information for the user to recognize the type of paper P selected from a plurality of types of paper P on the display device. Therefore, the user can recognize which type of paper P (which basic paper in this embodiment) has been selected. Therefore, for example, the knowledge and effort required for the user to determine the type of paper P when using any paper P can be reduced. For example, when paper P of unknown type is placed on the manual paper feed tray 221, the type of the paper P can be recognized by the user. This allows the user to know when the paper P placed on the manual paper feed tray 221 is different from the paper P he or she expected. In addition, after the type of paper P is selected, information for the user to recognize the type of the paper P is displayed during (a part or all of) the period during which printing according to the type of the paper P is being performed, thereby allowing the user to recognize the type of the paper P in real time.

[0087] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0088] The disclosure of the present embodiment also includes, for example, the following configurations, methods, and programs. [Configuration 1] A detection means for detecting a characteristic amount of a sheet being conveyed; a selection means for selecting a type of sheet corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detection means; having The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when there are multiple sheet types corresponding to the features detected by the detection means, the selection means automatically selects one of the multiple sheet types. [Configuration 2] 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a predetermined type of sheet. [Configuration 3] The sheet types include a default sheet type and a user-defined sheet type; The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection means selects the default sheet type when the sheet type corresponding to the feature detected by the detection means includes the default sheet type and a sheet type defined by the user. [Configuration 4] 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the type of sheet corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detection means is not limited to the type of sheet defined by the user. [Configuration 5] 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a printing unit that prints on a sheet using print control parameters corresponding to the type of sheet selected by the selection unit. [Configuration 6] 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a display processing means for displaying, on a display device, information for allowing a user to recognize the type of sheet selected by the selection means. [Configuration 7] The image forming apparatus according to configuration 6, characterized in that information for allowing a user to recognize the type of sheet selected by the selection means is displayed for at least a portion of the period after the type of sheet is selected and during which processing for printing using print control parameters corresponding to the type of sheet is being executed. [Configuration 8] 8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of types of sheets corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detection unit. [Method 1] a detection step of detecting a feature amount of a sheet being conveyed; a selection step of selecting a type of sheet corresponding to the feature amount detected by the detection step; having The control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the selection process automatically selects one of a plurality of sheet types when there are a plurality of sheet types corresponding to the features detected by the detection process. [Program 1] 9. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100: image forming apparatus, 110: CPU, 120: HDD, 130: RAM, 140: instruction / display unit, 270: media sensor

Claims

1. A detection means for detecting a characteristic amount of a sheet being conveyed; a selection means for selecting a type of sheet corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detection means; having The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when there are a plurality of types of sheets corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detection means, the selection means automatically selects one of the plurality of types of sheets.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a predetermined type of sheet.

3. The sheet types include a default sheet type and a user-defined sheet type; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the selection means selects the default sheet type when the sheet type corresponding to the feature detected by the detection means includes the default sheet type and a sheet type defined by the user.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the type of sheet corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by said detection means is not limited to the type of sheet defined by said user.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit which prints on a sheet using print control parameters corresponding to the type of sheet selected by the selection unit.

6. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display processing unit for displaying, on a display device, information for allowing a user to recognize the type of sheet selected by the selection unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that information for allowing a user to recognize the type of sheet selected by the selection means is displayed for at least a portion of the period after the type of sheet is selected and during which processing for printing using print control parameters corresponding to the type of sheet is being executed.

8. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determining unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of types of sheets corresponding to the characteristic amount detected by the detecting unit.

9. a detection step of detecting a feature amount of a sheet being conveyed; a selection step of selecting a type of sheet corresponding to the feature amount detected by the detection step; having A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that the selection process automatically selects one of a plurality of sheet types when there are a plurality of sheet types corresponding to the features detected by the detection process.

10. 3. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

Images