Discrimination device and image forming device

Abstract

To discriminate between paper which has a surface on which emboss processing is performed and paper which has a surface on which the processing is not performed.SOLUTION: A discrimination device includes: a processor used for discriminating between first paper which has a surface on which emboss processing is performed and second paper which has a surface on which the processing is not performed; a light source 30 for irradiating the surface of paper P with light; a light detector 31 for receiving the light which has transmitted the paper P and for detecting a light transmission amount; an ultrasonic transmitter 32 for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper P; and an ultrasonic receiver 33 for detecting the ultrasonic wave transmission amount by receiving the ultrasonic waves that have transmitted the paper P. The processor discriminates whether the paper P is the first paper or the second paper according to whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic wave transmission amount detected from the paper P are separated from the index by a predetermined threshold value or more, by using an index which is stored in a memory device beforehand and which shows correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic wave transmission amount in the second paper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a discrimination device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a media sensor device that automatically identifies the type of paper by reading the paper used for printing with a sensor. An image forming device is controlled based on the paper type identified by the media sensor device. For example, operations related to paper transport in the image forming device, a transfer device, a fixing device, etc. are controlled according to the paper type. This allows printing suited to the paper type to be achieved, resulting in the desired printed matter.

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-215338 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desirable to be able to distinguish between papers having an embossed surface and papers having a non-embossed surface.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a discrimination device that discriminates between paper having an embossed surface and paper having a non-embossed surface, or an image forming apparatus equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention of claim 1 is a discrimination device comprising a processor used to discriminate between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface, a light source which irradiates light onto the surface of the paper, a photodetector which receives the light that has passed through the paper and detects the amount of light transmission, an ultrasonic transmitter which transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper, and an ultrasonic receiver which receives the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the paper and detects the amount of ultrasonic transmission, wherein the processor uses an index which indicates a correlation between the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic transmission in the second paper and which is stored in advance in a storage device, to discriminate whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic transmission detected from the paper deviate from the index by more than a predetermined threshold value.

[0008] The invention of claim 2 is a discrimination device as described in claim 1, wherein the index is a relational equation showing the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in multiple types of the second paper.

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

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

[0011] The invention of claim 5 is a discrimination device comprising: a processor used to discriminate between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; a first electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a first electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper; a first electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the first electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount; a second electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper, the second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength than the first electromagnetic wave and a higher transmission power for the paper; and a second electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the second electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount, wherein the processor uses an index that indicates a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in the second paper, which is stored in advance in a storage device, to discriminate whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the index by a predetermined threshold value or more.

[0012] The invention of claim 6 is a discrimination device as described in claim 5, wherein the index is a relational equation showing the correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in multiple types of the second paper.

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

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

[0015] According to the invention as defined in claim 1 or 5, it is possible to distinguish between paper having an embossed surface and paper having an unembossed surface.

[0016] According to the invention as set forth in claim 2 or 6, the first and second papers are distinguished from each other by a relational expression that indicates the characteristics of the second paper.

[0017] According to the invention as defined in claim 3 or 7, the first and second papers are distinguished from each other by a reference value indicating a characteristic of the second paper.

[0018] According to the invention as defined in claim 4 or 8, the first and second paper discrimination results can be used in the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sensor device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted through multiple types of embossed paper and plain paper. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing another process of distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper in another embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing another process for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper in another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] <Summary> Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations described below are examples for the purpose of explanation and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, when multiple embodiments or modifications are included below, it is assumed from the beginning that the characteristic parts of these embodiments and modifications will be used in appropriate combination. In all drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0021] Below, we will explain a discrimination device that discriminates between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having an embossed surface, or an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.

[0022] The first paper having an embossed surface may be, for example, embossed paper or a similar paper, and the second paper having a non-embossed surface may be, for example, plain paper or a similar paper.

[0023] The light source may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode (LD), a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), or the like.

[0024] The light detector may be, for example, a photodiode.

[0025] For example, the discrimination device may be composed of only a sensor device separated from the main body of the image forming apparatus, or may be composed of a sensor device and the main body of the image forming apparatus in combination. Furthermore, the discrimination device may be provided in the paper transport path of the image forming apparatus.

[0026] The discrimination device may execute a discrimination process for another paper type at least either before or after executing the discrimination process for the paper type described below.

[0027] The image forming apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus that prints on a recording medium using a printing method such as an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, offset printing, gravure printing, etc. The image forming apparatus may apply image forming conditions corresponding to the paper identified by the identification device to devices and parts related to image formation, and execute a printing process on the paper.

[0028] The index used in the discrimination process indicates the tendency of the second paper having a surface that is not embossed. The second paper has a correlation between the roughness of the surface and the paper density. That is, when the surface is rough, the paper density tends to be low, the light transmission amount tends to be low, and the ultrasonic transmission amount tends to be high. On the other hand, when the surface is not rough, the paper density tends to be high, the light transmission amount tends to be high, and the ultrasonic transmission amount tends to be low. The index indicates the tendency of this second paper and indicates the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the second paper. As an example, the index may be a relational expression indicating the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in multiple types of second paper. Also, as an example, the index may be a reference value based on the ratio of the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in each of multiple types of second paper.

[0029] <Embodiment> In the following, an embodiment will be described in which embossed paper, which is paper having an embossed surface, is distinguished from plain paper, which is paper having an unembossed surface.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body 12 and a sensor device 16.

[0031] The main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 is a device that forms an image based on image information obtained from a computer (not shown) such as a PC connected thereto. In this embodiment, the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 is an electrophotographic printing device. The main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control device 50, a conveying device 52, a transfer device 54, and a fixing device 56.

[0032] 1, the sensor device 16 has an insertion opening 20 through which the paper P is inserted. The sensor device 16 is a device that detects the properties of the paper P inserted into the insertion opening 20. The sensor device 16 is connected to the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 via a cable 40. The cable 40 supplies power from the main body 12 to the sensor device 16, and transmits information about the paper detected by the sensor device 16 to a control device 50 of the main body 12.

[0033] 2, the sensor device 16 includes a control device 24, a light source 30, a photodetector 31, an ultrasonic transmitter 32, and an ultrasonic receiver 33. The control device 24 may include, for example, a microcontroller. The light source 30 is an LED. The photodetector 31 is a photodiode.

[0034] The control device 24 controls the light source 30 and the ultrasonic transmitter 32 according to commands from the control device 50 of the main body 12 or a computer (not shown) such as a PC connected to the main body 12 via the cable 40. The control device 24 then irradiates light from the light source 30 onto the paper P and obtains a detection value from the photodetector 31. The control device 24 also transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P and obtains a detection value from the ultrasonic receiver 33.

[0035] The control device 24 then transmits each of the acquired detection values ​​to the control device 50 of the main body 12. The control device 50 of the main body 12 determines the type of the paper P based on each of the detection values ​​from the control device 24 and the index and threshold value previously stored in a memory device within the control device 50. In this way, the sensor device 16 and the control device 50 of the main body 12 function as a paper type determination device 14.

[0036] An example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 to form an image will be described below. First, image information input from a computer such as a PC connected to the main body 12 is stored in a storage device in the control device 50. The user sets paper P in the insertion port 20 of the sensor device 16, determines the type of paper P, and then sets the paper P in a paper feed cassette of the main body 12.

[0037] As described above, the control device 50 of the main body 12 determines the type of the paper P based on the information sent from the sensor device 16. The control device 50 stores image formation conditions for each type of paper P. The image formation conditions are, for example, conditions related to the control of the conveying device 52, the transfer device 54, the fixing device 56, and the like. The control device 50 feeds the paper P from the paper feed cassette and performs printing processing according to the image information. At this time, the control device 50 applies the image formation conditions associated with the determined paper P to at least one of the conveying device 52, the transfer device 54, and the fixing device 56, and performs printing processing on the paper P. For example, in the transfer device 54, a secondary transfer voltage, which is an example of an image formation condition, is controlled according to the determined paper type.

[0038] Next, the discrimination between embossed paper and plain paper will be described in detail. The discrimination device 14 has a function of discriminating between embossed paper and plain paper. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sensor device 16. As described above, the sensor device 16 includes the light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32, and the ultrasonic receiver 33.

[0039] The light source 30 irradiates light onto the surface of the paper P. The photodetector 31 is positioned opposite the light source 30 across the paper P. The photodetector 31 receives the light from the light source 30 that has passed through the paper P and detects the amount of light transmission. The ultrasonic transmitter 32 transmits ultrasonic waves to the surface of the paper P. The ultrasonic receiver 33 is positioned opposite the ultrasonic transmitter 32 across the paper P. The ultrasonic receiver 33 receives the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 that have passed through the paper P and detects the amount of ultrasonic transmission.

[0040] Here, the principle of the method for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount of multiple types of embossed paper and plain paper. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 4 is the light transmission amount, and the vertical axis is the ultrasonic transmission amount. In FIG. 4, one plotted round black dot indicates the result of one type of embossed paper, and one plotted square black dot indicates the result of one type of plain paper. The line on the graph shows the relational equation for plain paper, which is obtained by the least squares method or the like with respect to the measured values ​​(square black dots) of multiple types of plain paper.

[0041] As can be seen from Figure 4, with plain paper, as the amount of light transmission increases, the amount of ultrasonic transmission tends to decrease. Also, with plain paper, the measured values ​​(square black dots) are relatively close to the relational equation (the line on the graph). On the other hand, with embossed paper, there is little relationship between the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic transmission, and the measured values ​​(round black dots) are relatively scattered. This is due to the difference in the properties of plain paper and embossed paper.

[0042] Plain paper has a high correlation between surface roughness and paper density. That is, with plain paper, if the surface is rough, the paper density tends to be low, and conversely, if the surface is not rough, the paper density tends to be high. On the other hand, embossed paper is paper with a pattern on its surface, so there is no correlation, or the correlation is not high, between surface roughness and paper density. With embossed paper, the surface roughness changes depending on the pattern on the paper surface.

[0043] Here, when light is irradiated from the light source 30 to the paper P, part of the light is scattered depending on the roughness of the surface of the paper P, so the amount of light transmission is the amount of light affected by the surface of the paper. Specifically, the rougher the surface of the paper, the lower the amount of light transmission. On the other hand, when ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P, the ultrasonic waves are not easily affected by the surface of the paper P, so the amount of ultrasonic transmission is approximately the amount of ultrasonic waves that corresponds to the paper density. Specifically, the higher the paper density, the lower the amount of ultrasonic transmission.

[0044] As mentioned above, with plain paper, if the surface is rough, the paper density tends to be low, so the light transmission is low and the ultrasonic transmission is high. Conversely, if the surface is not rough, the paper density tends to be high, so the light transmission is high and the ultrasonic transmission is low. Therefore, with plain paper, as shown in Figure 4, the relationship appears where the ultrasonic transmission decreases as the light transmission increases.

[0045] On the other hand, for embossed paper, the correlation between surface roughness and paper density is not high, so the correlation between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic transmission is also not high. Therefore, for embossed paper, as shown in Figure 4, there is almost no relationship between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic transmission.

[0046] Therefore, an index showing the correlation between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic transmission in plain paper (for example, the relational equation (line on the graph) in FIG. 4) is obtained in advance, and if the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic transmission detected from the paper are close to that index, the paper can be determined to be plain paper. If this is not the case, the paper can be determined to be embossed paper. Based on this principle, this embodiment distinguishes between these types of paper.

[0047] The index used for the discrimination may be, for example, the ratio of the amount of transmitted light to the amount of transmitted ultrasound in each of the multiple types of plain paper, for example, the average or median of the values ​​of (amount of transmitted ultrasound / amount of transmitted light) in each of the multiple types of plain paper, and this is defined as the reference value. The discrimination process using this reference value will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0048] In addition, the index used for the discrimination may be, for example, the relational expression (line on the graph) in Fig. 4, that is, a relational expression showing the correlation between the amount of light transmitted and the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted in multiple types of plain paper. The discrimination process using this relational expression will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6.

[0049] 5 is a flow chart showing the process of distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper. In step S100, the control device 24 of the sensor device 16 irradiates light from the light source 30 onto the paper P. The control device 24 also transmits ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transmitter 32 to the paper P. In step S102, the control device 24 acquires the amount of light transmission, which is the detection value of the photodetector 31. The control device 24 also acquires the amount of ultrasonic transmission, which is the detection value of the ultrasonic receiver 33. The control device 24 then transmits the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic transmission to the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10. The control device 50 of the main body 12 receives the amount of light transmission and the amount of ultrasonic transmission.

[0050] In step S104, the control device 50 of the main body 12 divides the amount of ultrasonic transmission by the amount of light transmission to calculate the light-ultrasound ratio (=amount of ultrasonic transmission / amount of light transmission). Next, in step S106, the control device 50 calculates the difference D between the light-ultrasound ratio and a reference value previously stored in its own storage device. Next, in step S108, the control device 50 checks whether the difference D is less than a predetermined threshold value Dth stored in its own storage device.

[0051] If step S108 is Yes, then in step S110, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper. On the other hand, if step S108 is No, then in step S112, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper.

[0052] According to the discrimination process described above, embossed paper and plain paper are discriminated.

[0053] 5, the light-ultrasonic ratio was calculated by using the amount of transmitted ultrasound as the denominator and the amount of transmitted ultrasound as the numerator. However, the light-ultrasonic ratio may also be calculated by using the amount of transmitted ultrasound as the denominator and the amount of transmitted ultrasound as the numerator (light-ultrasonic ratio=amount of transmitted ultrasound / amount of transmitted ultrasound). In this case, the reference value used in S106 is the average value or median value of the (amount of transmitted ultrasound / amount of transmitted ultrasound) values ​​for each of the multiple types of plain paper.

[0054] Next, another process for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing another process for distinguishing between embossed paper and plain paper. Steps S200 and S202 in Fig. 6 are the same as steps S100 and S102 in Fig. 5. Steps S204 and after in Fig. 6 are different from the flowchart in Fig. 5.

[0055] In step S204, the control device 50 of the main body 12 calculates the distance DS between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount and the relational expression stored in advance in its own storage device. The relational expression is the line on the graph in Fig. 4 or an equivalent thereof, that is, it shows the correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in multiple types of plain paper. The control device 50 calculates, for example, the shortest distance between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount and the value obtained from the relational expression.

[0056] Next, in step S208, the control device 50 checks whether the distance DS is less than a predetermined threshold value DSth stored in its own storage device.

[0057] If step S208 is Yes, then in step S210, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper. On the other hand, if step S208 is No, then in step S212, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper.

[0058] In the other discrimination process described above, the embossed paper and the plain paper are also discriminated.

[0059] <Another embodiment> Next, another embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 10A according to another embodiment. In this image forming apparatus 10A, the sensor device 16A is changed from the image forming apparatus 10A of Fig. 2 described above. Specifically, the light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32, and the ultrasonic receiver 33 of Fig. 2 are replaced with a first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130, a first electromagnetic wave receiver 131, a second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132, and a second electromagnetic wave receiver 133, respectively. In this other embodiment, the sensor device 16A and the control device 50 of the main body 12 also function as the paper type discrimination device 14A.

[0060] This embodiment uses a first electromagnetic wave having properties similar to light (easily affected by the surface of paper) and a second electromagnetic wave having properties similar to ultrasonic waves (not easily affected by the surface of paper). The first electromagnetic wave may be, for example, visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, etc. The second electromagnetic wave has a longer wavelength and a higher penetrating power for paper than the first electromagnetic wave. The second electromagnetic wave may be, for example, microwaves, radio waves, etc.

[0061] In this embodiment, the light source 30, the photodetector 31, the ultrasonic transmitter 32, and the ultrasonic receiver 33 in Fig. 3 are replaced with a first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130, a first electromagnetic wave receiver 131, a second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132, and a second electromagnetic wave receiver 133, respectively. The first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130 transmits a first electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper P. The first electromagnetic wave receiver 131 receives the first electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper P and detects the amount of the first electromagnetic wave transmitted. The second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 transmits a second electromagnetic wave to the surface of the paper P. The second electromagnetic wave receiver 133 receives the second electromagnetic wave transmitted through the paper P and detects the amount of the second electromagnetic wave transmitted.

[0062] The flowchart in Fig. 8 corresponds to the flowchart in Fig. 5, and uses a first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and a second electromagnetic wave transmission amount instead of the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic wave transmission amount. In S306 in Fig. 8, the reference value is an example of an index showing the correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in plain paper. The reference value may be the ratio of the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of multiple types of plain paper, for example, the average value or median value of the value of (second electromagnetic wave transmission amount / first electromagnetic wave transmission amount) in each of multiple types of plain paper.

[0063] The flowchart in Fig. 9 corresponds to the flowchart in Fig. 6, and instead of the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic wave transmission amount, the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount are used. In S404 in Fig. 9, the relational expression for plain paper is an example of an index showing the correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in plain paper, and corresponds to the relational expression (line on the graph) in Fig. 4. The relational expression for plain paper may be a line on a graph obtained by replacing the horizontal axis in the graph in Fig. 4 with the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount, replacing the vertical axis with the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount, plotting the measured values ​​of multiple types of plain paper, and using the least squares method or the like to obtain the relational expression.

[0064] The discrimination device 14A executes discrimination processing according to the flowchart of FIG.

[0065] The flow chart of FIG. 8 will be described. In step S300, the control device 24 of the sensor device 16A transmits a first electromagnetic wave from the first electromagnetic wave transmitter 130 to the paper P. The control device 24 also transmits a second electromagnetic wave from the second electromagnetic wave transmitter 132 to the paper P. In step S302, the control device 24 acquires a first electromagnetic wave transmission amount, which is a detection value of the first electromagnetic wave receiver 131. The control device 24 also acquires a second electromagnetic wave transmission amount, which is a detection value of the second electromagnetic wave receiver 133. The control device 24 then transmits the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts to the main body 12 of the image forming apparatus 10. The control device 50 of the main body 12 receives the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts.

[0066] In step S304, the control device 50 of the main body 12 divides the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount by the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to calculate the electromagnetic wave ratio (=second electromagnetic wave transmission amount / first electromagnetic wave transmission amount). Next, in step S306, the control device 50 calculates the difference D between the electromagnetic wave ratio and a reference value previously stored in its own storage device. Next, in step S308, the control device 50 checks whether the difference D is less than a predetermined threshold value Dth stored in its own storage device.

[0067] If step S308 is Yes, then in step S310, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper. On the other hand, if step S308 is No, then in step S312, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper.

[0068] In this manner, the discrimination process in FIG. 8 also discriminates between embossed paper and plain paper.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the flowchart of Fig. 9. Steps S400 and S402 in Fig. 9 are the same processes as steps S300 and S302 in Fig. 8. Steps S404 and onwards in Fig. 9 are different from the flowchart in Fig. 8.

[0070] In step S404, the control device 50 of the main body 12 calculates a distance DS between the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts and a relational expression previously stored in its own storage device. The control device 50 calculates, for example, the shortest distance between the first and second electromagnetic wave transmission amounts and a value obtained from the relational expression.

[0071] Next, in step S408, the control device 50 checks whether the distance DS is less than a predetermined threshold value DSth stored in its own storage device.

[0072] If step S408 is Yes, then in step S410, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is plain paper. On the other hand, if step S408 is No, then in step S412, the control device 50 determines that the paper P is embossed paper.

[0073] In this manner, the discrimination process in FIG. 9 also discriminates between embossed paper and plain paper.

[0074] <Control device configuration> The control device of the above embodiment may be configured using a computer. The control device may be constructed as, for example, a single computer or a system consisting of multiple computers linked to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the computer that is the base of the control device has a circuit configuration in which, for example, a processor 1002, a memory (main storage device) 1004 such as a random access memory (RAM), a controller that controls an auxiliary storage device 1006 that is a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, an SSD (solid state drive), or an HDD (hard disk drive), an interface with various input / output devices 1008, a network interface 1010 that controls connection to a network, and the like are connected via a data transmission path such as a bus 1012. A program in which the processing contents are described is installed in the computer via a network or the like and stored in the auxiliary storage device 1006. The program stored in the auxiliary storage device 1006 is executed by the processor 1002 using the memory 1004, thereby configuring the control device of this embodiment.

[0075] The above program can be provided via a network such as the Internet, or can be provided by storing it on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk or a USB memory.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0077] In addition, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0078] (Additional Note) (((1))) a processor adapted to distinguish between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; A light source that irradiates light onto a surface of the paper; a photodetector that receives the light that has passed through the paper and detects the amount of light transmitted; an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves to a surface of the paper; an ultrasonic receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the paper and detects the amount of ultrasonic transmission; The processor, using an index indicating a correlation between the amount of light transmitted through the second paper and the amount of ultrasonic transmission through the second paper, the index being stored in advance in a storage device; determining whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the indicator by a predetermined threshold value or more; Discrimination device. (((2))) The discrimination device according to (((1)), The index is a relational expression showing a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the second paper of multiple types. Discrimination device. (((3))) The discrimination device according to (((1)), The index is a reference value based on a ratio of the amount of light transmitted to the amount of ultrasonic transmission in each of the plurality of types of the second paper. Discrimination device. (((4))) A discrimination device according to any one of ((1))) to (((3))), Image forming device. (((5))) a processor adapted to distinguish between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; a first electromagnetic wave transmitter for transmitting a first electromagnetic wave to a surface of the paper; a first electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the first electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects an amount of the first electromagnetic wave transmitted; a second electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic wave, the second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength and a higher penetrating power for paper compared to the first electromagnetic wave, to a surface of the paper; a second electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the second electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects an amount of the second electromagnetic wave transmitted; The processor, using an index indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in the second paper, the index being stored in a storage device in advance; determining whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the indicator by a predetermined threshold value or more; Discrimination device. (((6))) The discrimination device according to (((5))), The index is a relational expression showing a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in a plurality of types of the second paper. Discrimination device. (((7))) The discrimination device according to (((5))), The index is a reference value based on a ratio of the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of the plurality of types of the second paper. Discrimination device. (((8))) A discrimination device according to any one of ((5))) to (((7))), Image forming device.

[0079] According to the invention related to (((1))) or (((5))), a distinction is made between paper having an embossed surface and paper having an unembossed surface. According to the invention related to (((2))) or (((6))), the first and second papers are distinguished from each other by a relational expression that indicates the characteristics of the second paper. According to the invention related to (((3))) or (((7))), the first and second papers are distinguished from each other by a reference value indicating a characteristic of the second paper. According to the invention related to (((4))) or (((8))), the results of the first and second paper discrimination can be used in the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10,10A image forming apparatus, 12 main body, 14,14A discrimination device, 16,16A sensor device, 20 insertion port, 24 control device, 30 light source, 31 photodetector, 32 ultrasonic transmitter, 33 ultrasonic receiver, 50 control device, 52 conveying device, 54 transfer device, 56 fixing device, 40 cable, 130 first electromagnetic wave transmitter, 131 first electromagnetic wave receiver, 132 second electromagnetic wave transmitter, 133 second electromagnetic wave receiver, 1002 processor, 1004 memory, 1006 auxiliary storage device, 1008 input / output device, 1010 network interface, 1012 bus, P paper.

Claims

1. a processor adapted to distinguish between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; A light source that irradiates light onto the surface of the paper; a photodetector that receives the light that has passed through the paper and detects the amount of light transmitted; an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves to a surface of the paper; an ultrasonic receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the paper and detects the amount of ultrasonic transmission; The processor, using an index indicating a correlation between the amount of light transmitted through the second paper and the amount of ultrasonic transmission through the second paper, the index being stored in advance in a storage device; determining whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the indicator by a predetermined threshold value or more; Discrimination device.

2. The discrimination device according to claim 1, The index is a relational expression showing a correlation between the light transmission amount and the ultrasonic transmission amount in the second paper of multiple types. Discrimination device.

3. The discrimination device according to claim 1, The index is a reference value based on a ratio of the amount of light transmitted to the amount of ultrasonic wave transmitted in each of the plurality of types of the second paper. Discrimination device.

4. A device comprising the discrimination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Image forming device.

5. a processor adapted to distinguish between a first paper having an embossed surface and a second paper having a non-embossed surface; a first electromagnetic wave transmitter for transmitting a first electromagnetic wave to a surface of the paper; a first electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the first electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects an amount of the first electromagnetic wave transmitted; a second electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic wave, the second electromagnetic wave having a longer wavelength and a higher penetrating power for paper compared to the first electromagnetic wave, to a surface of the paper; a second electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the second electromagnetic wave that has passed through the paper and detects an amount of the second electromagnetic wave transmitted; The processor, using an index indicating a correlation between the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in the second paper, the index being stored in a storage device in advance; determining whether the paper is the first paper or the second paper depending on whether the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount and the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount detected from the paper are different from the indicator by a predetermined threshold value or more; Discrimination device.

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

7. The discrimination device according to claim 5, the index is a reference value based on a ratio of the first electromagnetic wave transmission amount to the second electromagnetic wave transmission amount in each of the plurality of types of the second paper; Discrimination device.

8. A device comprising the discrimination device according to any one of claims 5 to 7. Image forming device.

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