Image formation system, image formation device, paper output method and program

Abstract

To provide an image formation system, an image formation device, a paper output method and a program which can efficiently execute paper output, without decreasing productivity as much as possible.SOLUTION: The image formation system comprises: a paper feeding part (a paper feeding device 10) that feeds a paper; a setting part (an operation display part 44) that sets paper information on a paper that is fed by the paper feeding part; a sensing part (a media sensor 22) that senses paper information on the paper fed by the paper feeding part; a determining part (a control part 41) that determines whether the paper information set by the setting part matches the paper information sensed by the sensing part or not; a paper ejection control part (a control part 41) that controls a destination to which the paper whose paper information is determined by the determining not to match is ejected; and an image forming part 43 that forms an image on the paper whose paper information is sensed by the sensing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, image forming apparatuses that form images on paper are known. Paper of various types (characteristics) is used for forming images by the image forming apparatus. In order to generate high-quality printouts, it is desirable to set conditions such as the paper conveying speed (linear speed) and fixing temperature according to the type of paper.

[0003] In order to accurately detect the type of paper, the paper needs to be stopped or conveyed at a slow speed when passing the sensor, which poses a problem of reduced productivity of the image forming apparatus. In view of this, a configuration has been disclosed that determines whether or not a fed paper sheet matches a specified paper sheet without reducing productivity (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The configuration described in Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which, when the type of fed paper sheet differs from the type of specified paper sheet, the different paper sheet is purged into a tray at the rear of the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-009237 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, postcards and other paper may be packaged with a separator sheet. A user may forget to remove the separator sheet and set the paper in the paper feeder tray. When the paper feeder outputs paper to the image forming device in this state, an image is formed on the separator sheet, even though it is not required to form an image on it. This results in waste paper, which requires the removal of the waste paper and the re-output of the image that was output on the waste paper. The configuration described in Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which paper of a different type from the specified paper is purged to a tray at the rear of the image forming device. Therefore, there is a problem that an image is formed on paper on which an image does not need to be formed, resulting in waste paper. Also, even if an image is not formed on paper of a different type from the specified paper, since the configuration is such that the paper passes through the image forming unit, there is a problem that the paper becomes bent or dirty and cannot be reused.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, a paper output method, and a program that are capable of performing efficient paper output without reducing productivity as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 has been made to achieve the above object, In an image forming system, a paper feed section that feeds paper; a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects paper information of the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet of paper about which the sheet information has been detected by the detection unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The printing apparatus further comprises a specification unit that specifies a paper type of the paper for which the determination unit has determined that the paper information does not match.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming system described in claim 2, The paper discharge control unit controls the paper discharge destination in accordance with the paper type specified by the specifying unit.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The paper discharge control unit is characterized in that, when the reuse priority mode is selected, the discharge destination of paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match is set to a first tray installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The paper information is characterized in that it is at least one of information on the paper type, basis weight, and size of the paper.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The printing apparatus further comprises a calculation unit that calculates a coincidence rate between the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming system described in claim 6, The printing apparatus further comprises a change unit that changes the linear velocity of the paper when the coincidence rate calculated by the calculation unit is less than a preset threshold value.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The paper discharge control unit is characterized in that, when the linear speed of the paper is slower than a reference speed, the discharge destination of the paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match is set to a first tray installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The paper discharge control unit is characterized in that, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed, the discharge destination of the paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match is set to a second tray installed downstream of the image forming unit.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming system described in claim 9, The paper discharge control unit is characterized in that, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed and the image formation by the image forming unit can be canceled in time, image formation is performed on the paper next to the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match.

[0017] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming system described in claim 9, The paper discharge control unit is characterized in that when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed and the image formation by the image forming unit cannot be canceled in time, it performs the same image formation on the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match and on the next paper.

[0018] The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming system described in claim 7, The linear speed is determined based on at least one of the paper type, basis weight, and size of each sheet.

[0019] The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming system described in claim 1, The printing apparatus further comprises a storage unit that stores paper information of a paper sheet determined by the determination unit that the paper information does not match.

[0020] The invention described in claim 14 is In an image forming apparatus, a paper feed section that feeds paper; a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects paper information of the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet of paper about which the sheet information has been detected by the detection unit; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0021] The invention described in claim 15 is A paper output method for an image forming system including a paper feed unit that feeds paper, a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit, a detection unit that detects the paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper for which the paper information has been detected by the detection unit, a determination step of determining whether or not the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control step of controlling a paper discharge destination of the paper determined in the determination step to be inconsistent with the paper information; Includes.

[0022] The invention described in claim 16 is a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects the paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper for which the paper information has been detected by the detection unit, a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; This is a program that functions as a Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, efficient paper output can be achieved without reducing productivity as much as possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the image forming system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a correspondence relationship between paper information and linear speed. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper discharge destination setting process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image formation determination process. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of image formation in a case where image formation on a sheet determined to have mismatched sheet information can be canceled in time; [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of image formation in a case where cancellation of image formation on a sheet determined to have mismatched sheet information cannot be made in time; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] 1 and 2, an image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feeder 10, a paper information detection device 20, a paper discharge device 30, an image forming device 40, an image reading device 50, and a post-processing device 60. In the image forming system 1, the paper feeder 10, the paper information detection device 20, the paper discharge device 30, the image forming device 40, the image reading device 50, and the post-processing device 60 are connected in this order along the transport direction of paper (recording medium) P.

[0027] The paper feeder 10 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 11 and a paper feed means (not shown), and feeds the paper P stored in the paper feed trays 11 to the paper information detection device 20. That is, the paper feeder 10 functions as a paper feed section of the present invention. The paper feed means includes, for example, a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a feed roller, etc. Each paper feed tray 11 stores paper P according to the type of paper P (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.). The paper feeder 10 transports the paper P from the top of the paper P stored in each paper feed tray 11 to the paper information detection device 20 one sheet at a time.

[0028] The paper information detection device 20 is connected to the rear stage of the paper feeder 10. The paper information detection device 20 includes a control unit 21 and a media sensor 22.

[0029] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of each unit of the paper information detection device 20.

[0030] The media sensor 22 reads the paper P conveyed from the paper feeder 10 and detects paper information of the paper P. The paper information is, for example, at least one of the paper type, basis weight, and size of the paper P. The detected paper information is output to the control unit 41 of the image forming apparatus 40. In other words, the media sensor 22 functions as a detection unit of the present invention that detects the paper information of the paper P fed by the paper feeder 10.

[0031] The paper discharge device 30 is connected to the rear stage of the paper information detection device 20 , and includes a control unit 31 and a transport unit 32 .

[0032] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of each part of the paper discharge device 30.

[0033] The transport section 32 is composed of a plurality of roller pairs. The transport section 32 transports the paper P transported from the paper information detection device 20 to the image forming device 40 or the purge tray T30. The transport section 23 is composed of a purge path R32 that branches off from a transport path R31 connected to the image forming device 40 and connects to the purge tray T30.

[0034] The image forming device 40 is connected to the rear stage of the paper discharge device 30. The image forming device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, an image forming unit 43, an operation display unit 44, a conveying unit 45, and a communication unit 46. The image forming device 40 forms an image on the paper P conveyed from the paper discharge device 30.

[0035] The control unit 41 has a CPU and a memory, and controls the entire image forming apparatus 40. The CPU is a control circuit composed of a multi-core processor and the like that controls each of the above-mentioned units and executes various arithmetic processing according to a program. Each function of the image forming apparatus 40 is realized by the CPU executing the corresponding program. The memory is a high-speed accessible main storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a working area. For example, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, etc. are used as the memory.

[0036] The storage unit 42 is a large-capacity auxiliary storage device that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. For example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, a flash memory, a ROM, etc. are used as the storage. The storage unit 42 stores, for example, the paper information of the paper P whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent.

[0037] The image forming unit 43 forms an image on the paper P conveyed from the paper discharge device 30 or on the paper P fed and conveyed from the paper feed tray T40 of the image forming unit 43. The image forming unit 43 forms an image on the paper P by using a well-known image creation process of an electrophotographic system including, for example, the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing.

[0038] The operation display unit 44 includes a touch panel, a numeric keypad, a start button, a stop button, etc., and is used to display various information and input various instructions. The user can set paper information (paper type, basis weight, size, etc.) of the paper P stored in each paper feed tray T40 via the operation display unit 44. In other words, the operation display unit 44 functions as a setting unit of the present invention that sets the paper information of the paper P fed by the paper feeder 10.

[0039] The transport unit 45 includes a plurality of transport rollers and the like arranged on a transport path. The transport unit 45 first transports the paper P transported from the paper information detection device 20 or the paper P fed from the paper feed tray T40 to the image forming unit 43. Next, the transport unit 45 discharges the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 43 to the image reading device 50.

[0040] The communication unit 46 transmits and receives various information required for various setting values ​​and operation timing control between other devices.

[0041] The image reading device 50 is connected to the rear stage of the image forming device 40, and includes a control unit 51, an image reading unit 52, and an image processing unit 53.

[0042] The control unit 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the overall operation of each unit of the image reading device 50.

[0043] The image reading unit 52 includes, for example, a linear image sensor (for example, a CCD line sensor), an optical system, a light source, etc. The image reading unit 52 reads the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 43, and outputs the obtained read image to the control unit 41 of the image forming device 40. The paper read by the image reading unit 52 is transported to the post-processing device 60.

[0044] The post-processing device 60 is connected to the rear stage of the image reading device 50. The post-processing device 60 includes a control unit 61, a post-processing unit 62, and a conveying unit 63.

[0045] The control unit 61 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and controls the overall operation of each unit of the post-processing device 60.

[0046] The post-processing unit 62 performs designated post-processing on the paper P conveyed from the image reading device 50. The post-processing includes, for example, stapling, cutting, and punching (punching holes). The paper P that has been subjected to the post-processing is discharged to the paper discharge tray T61.

[0047] The transport section 63 is composed of a plurality of roller pairs. The transport section 63 transports the paper P transported from the image reading device 50 to the post-processing section 62 or the purge tray T62. The transport section 63 includes a transport path R61 that is connected to the paper discharge tray T61 via the post-processing section 62. The transport section 23 is composed of a purge path R62 that branches off from the transport path R61 and is connected to the purge tray T62.

[0048] Next, the control of the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 3. The control of Fig. 3 is started when the control unit 41 of the image forming device 40 acquires a print job from an external device or the like via the communication unit 46. The control unit 41 controls the paper information detection device 20 via the control unit 21. The control unit 41 also controls the paper discharge device 30 via the control unit 31. The control unit 41 also controls the image reading device 50 via the control unit 51. The control unit 41 also controls the post-processing device 60 via the control unit 61.

[0049] First, the control unit 41 acquires the paper settings of the paper feeder 10 (step S101). The paper settings of the paper feeder 10 are paper information of the paper P fed from the paper feeder 10. Specifically, the control unit 41 acquires the paper settings of the paper feeder 10 that are set by the user via the operation display unit 44.

[0050] Next, the control unit 41 executes a print job input from an external device (not shown) via the communication unit 46 (step S102).

[0051] Next, the control unit 41 acquires the paper information detected by the media sensor 22 of the paper information detection device 20 (step S103).

[0052] Next, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the paper information acquired in step S101 matches the paper information acquired in step S103 (step S104). That is, the control unit 41 functions as a determination unit of the present invention that determines whether or not the paper information set by the operation display unit 44 matches the paper information detected by the media sensor 22. If the control unit 41 determines that there is a match (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 41 determines that they do not match (step S104: NO), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0053] For example, when determining whether the paper information matches in step S104, the control unit 41 determines whether the linear speeds determined from the respective paper information match. In this embodiment, the linear speed is determined based on the paper type, basis weight, and size (length in the conveying direction) of the paper P. 4 shows an example of a table TA1 showing the correspondence between paper information and linear speed. The control unit 41 checks each piece of acquired paper information against the table TA1 to determine the linear speed. For example, if the paper type of paper P is “plain paper” and the basis weight is “40-60 g / m 2 If the paper type of paper P is "envelope", the size is "less than X mm", and the basis weight is "61-74 g / m 2 ", the linear speed is determined to be "medium speed." If the linear speeds determined from each piece of paper information match, it is determined that the paper information matches. If the linear speeds determined from each piece of paper information do not match, it is determined that the paper information does not match. For example, if the linear speed determined from the paper information acquired in step S101 is "high speed" and the linear speed determined from the paper information acquired in step S103 is "medium speed," it is determined that the paper information does not match.

[0054] The control unit 41 calculates the matching rate between the paper information acquired in step S101 and the paper information acquired in step S103. The paper information acquired in step S101 is the paper information set by the user via the operation display unit 44. The paper information acquired in step S103 is the paper information detected by the media sensor 22. That is, the control unit 41 functions as a calculation unit of the present invention. The control unit 41 changes the linear speed of the paper P when the calculated matching rate is less than a preset threshold. That is, the control unit 41 functions as a change unit of the present invention. For example, when the linear speeds determined from the paper information differ, the control unit 41 determines that the matching rate is less than the preset threshold and changes the linear speed of the paper P. For example, when the linear speed determined from the paper information acquired in step S101 is "high speed" and the linear speed determined from the paper information acquired in step S103 is "medium speed", the control unit 41 determines that the matching rate is less than the preset threshold and changes the linear speed of the paper P from "high speed" to "medium speed".

[0055] In step S105, the control unit 41 controls the image forming unit 43 to form an image on the sheet P for which it has been determined in step S104 that the sheet information matches.

[0056] Next, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it is determined that the sheet information matches, to a sheet discharge tray at the rear of the image forming device 40 (step S106). Specifically, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it is determined that the sheet information matches, to a sheet discharge tray T61 of the post-processing device 60. Then, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0057] In step S107, the control unit 41 performs a paper discharge destination setting process. The paper discharge destination setting process is a process for setting a paper discharge destination for the paper P whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent in step S104. That is, the control unit 41 functions as a paper discharge control unit of the present invention. The paper discharge destination setting process will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0058] First, the control unit 41 judges whether or not the mode is the reuse priority mode (step S201). The reuse priority mode is a mode in which the reuse of the paper P is prioritized. When the control unit 41 determines that the mode is the reuse priority mode (step S201: YES), the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the mode is not the reuse priority mode (step S201: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S202.

[0059] In step S202, the control unit 41 determines whether the linear speed of the paper P is slower than the reference speed. The reference speed is a speed that is a guideline for ensuring that the paper P can be discharged (purged) in time to the purge tray (purge tray T30 of the paper discharge device 30) at the previous stage of the image forming device 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 first identifies the paper type of the paper P for which it is determined that the paper information does not match. That is, the control unit 41 functions as the identification unit of the present invention. Next, the control unit 41 determines the linear speed based on the identified paper type. Next, the control unit 41 determines whether the determined linear speed is slower than the reference speed. When the control unit 41 determines that the speed is slower than the reference speed (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S203. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed (step S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0060] In step S203, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the paper P to the purge tray in the previous stage of the image forming device 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the paper P to the purge tray T30 of the paper discharge device 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG. 3. That is, when the reuse priority mode is selected, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the paper P determined to be inconsistent with the paper information to the first tray. Also, when the linear speed of the paper P is slower than the reference speed, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the paper P determined to be inconsistent with the paper information to the first tray. The first tray is a tray (purge tray T30) installed between the media sensor 22 and the image forming unit 43.

[0061] In step S204, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the sheet P to the purge tray at the rear stage of the image forming device 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the sheet P to the purge tray T62 of the post-processing device 60. Then, the process proceeds to step S108 in FIG. 3. That is, when the linear speed of the paper P is equal to or faster than the reference speed, the control unit 41 sets the discharge destination of the paper P determined to be inconsistent with the paper information to the second tray. The second tray is a tray (purge tray T62) installed after the image forming unit 43.

[0062] As described above, the control unit 41 determines the linear speed based on the identified paper type, and controls the paper discharge destination according to the determined linear speed. Therefore, when the linear speed of the paper P is slower than the reference speed, the discharge destination of the paper P can be set to the first tray (purge tray T30). This allows the paper P determined to have an inconsistent paper information to be discharged without passing through the image forming unit 43. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of waste paper.

[0063] 3, the control unit 41 determines whether the discharge destination set in step S107 is a upstream stage of the image forming device 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 determines whether the discharge destination set is the purge tray T30 of the discharge device 30. When the control unit 41 determines that the image forming apparatus 40 is located upstream of the image forming apparatus 40 (step S108: YES), the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, when the control unit 41 determines that the image forming apparatus 40 is not located upstream of the image forming apparatus 40 (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to the next step S109.

[0064] In step S109, the control unit 41 performs an image formation determination process. The image formation determination process is a process for determining whether or not to perform image formation on the sheet P for which it is determined in step S104 that the sheet information does not match. Hereinafter, the image formation determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0065] First, the control unit 41 determines whether or not it is possible to cancel image formation on the sheet P for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match (step S301). When the control unit 41 determines that the image formation can be canceled in time (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S302. On the other hand, if the control unit 41 determines that the image formation cannot be canceled in time (step S301: NO), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0066] In step S302, the control unit 41 cancels image formation on the sheet P for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match, and then proceeds to step S304.

[0067] In step S303, the control unit 41 determines to perform image formation on the sheet of paper next to the sheet of paper P on which image formation was canceled in step S302. The image formed on the next sheet of paper is the image canceled in step S302. Then, the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

[0068] In step S304, the control unit 41 controls the image forming unit 43 to form an image on the sheet P for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match.

[0069] In step S305, the control unit 41 determines to perform image formation on a sheet of paper following the sheet of paper P on which the image was formed in step S304. The image formed on the next sheet of paper is the same as the image formed in step S304. Then, the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

[0070] The process of steps S302 to S305 in FIG. 5 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. Fig. 7 shows an example of image formation when it is possible to cancel image formation on a sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent in time. In Fig. 7, reference symbol P1 indicates the first sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent, ... reference symbol P6 indicates the sixth sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. Also, reference symbol PD in Fig. 7 indicates a sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. If it is possible to cancel image formation on a sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent in time, image formation on that sheet PD is canceled (see FIG. 7(A)). That is, no image is formed on the sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. If it is determined that the paper information does not match for multiple consecutive sheets, image formation on all sheets PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent is canceled (see FIG. 7(B)). That is, no image is formed on all sheets PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. Then, it is decided to perform image formation on the sheet (P4 in the figure) next to the sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent, and image formation is performed.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows an example of image formation when it is not possible to cancel image formation on a sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent in time. In Fig. 8, symbol P1 indicates the first sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent, ... symbol P6 indicates the sixth sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. Also, symbol PD in Fig. 8 indicates a sheet of paper whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. If it is not possible to cancel image formation on a sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent in time, an image is formed on that sheet PD (see FIG. 8(A)). That is, an image is formed on the sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. If it is determined that the paper information is inconsistent for multiple consecutive sheets, an image is formed on all sheets PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent (see FIG. 8(B)). That is, an image is formed on all sheets PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent. Furthermore, it is decided to perform the same image formation on the sheet (P4 in the figure) next to the sheet PD whose paper information is determined to be inconsistent, and the same image is formed on that sheet.

[0072] 3, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match, to a purge tray at the rear of the image forming apparatus 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match, to a purge tray T62 of the post-processing apparatus 60.

[0073] In step S111, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match, to a purge tray in the previous stage of the image forming device 40. Specifically, the control unit 41 discharges the sheet P, for which it has been determined that the sheet information does not match, to the purge tray T30 of the sheet discharge device 30.

[0074] In step S112, the control unit 41 determines whether the submitted print job is completed. When the control unit 41 determines that the submitted print job is completed (step S112: YES), the control unit 41 ends the control. On the other hand, if the control unit 41 determines that the input print job is not completed (step S112: NO), the process proceeds to step S103, and then the process from step S103 onwards is repeated.

[0075] As described above, the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feed section, a setting section, a detection section, a determination section, a paper discharge control section, and an image forming section 43. The paper feed section (paper feeder 10) feeds paper. The setting section (operation display section 44) sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed section. The detection section (media sensor 22) detects the paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed section. The determination section (control section 41) determines whether the paper information set by the setting section matches the paper information detected by the detection section. The paper discharge control section (control section 41) controls the discharge destination of the paper for which the determination section determines that the paper information does not match. The image forming section 43 forms an image on the paper for which the detection section detects the paper information. Therefore, according to the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the generation of waste paper without stopping paper output. Therefore, it is possible to perform efficient paper output without reducing productivity as much as possible.

[0076] The control unit 41 also includes a specification unit that specifies the paper type of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to be inconsistent with the paper information. The paper discharge control unit controls the paper discharge destination according to the paper type specified by the specification unit. Therefore, the paper discharge destination can be controlled in accordance with the linear speed corresponding to the paper type, and the generation of waste paper can be suppressed without stopping paper output.

[0077] Furthermore, when the reuse priority mode is selected, the discharge control unit sets the discharge destination of the paper, for which the determination unit determines that the paper information does not match, to the first tray. The first tray (purge tray T30) is installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit 43. Therefore, when the user selects to reuse the paper, the paper can be discharged without forming an image on it, thereby ensuring the reuse of the paper.

[0078] The apparatus also includes a calculation unit (control unit 41) that calculates a matching rate between the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit, and a change unit (control unit 41) that changes the linear speed of the paper when the matching rate calculated by the calculation unit is less than a preset threshold value. Therefore, when the paper information is set incorrectly, the linear speed of the paper can be changed to an appropriate speed, thereby making it possible to prevent conveyance failures caused by deviations in the linear speed.

[0079] Furthermore, when the linear speed of the paper is slower than the reference speed, the paper discharge control unit sets the first tray as the discharge destination for the paper determined by the determination unit to have inconsistent paper information. The first tray (purge tray T30) is installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit 43. Therefore, the paper P for which it is determined that the paper information does not match can be discharged without passing through the image forming unit 43. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of waste paper.

[0080] Furthermore, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or faster than the reference speed, the paper discharge control unit sets the second tray as the discharge destination for the paper determined by the determination unit to have inconsistent paper information. The second tray (purge tray T62) is installed after the image forming unit 43. Therefore, even if the paper P determined to be mismatched cannot be discharged to the first tray, it can be discharged to the second tray. This eliminates the need to stop paper output, allowing for efficient paper output.

[0081] In addition, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or faster than the reference speed and the image forming unit 43 is able to cancel image formation in time, the paper discharge control unit performs image formation on the paper next to the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match. Therefore, even if a sheet P for which it is determined that the sheet information does not match is discharged to the first tray, the image that was to be formed on that sheet P can be formed on the next sheet. Therefore, efficient sheet output can be achieved without reducing productivity as much as possible.

[0082] In addition, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or faster than the reference speed and the image forming unit is unable to cancel image formation in time, the paper discharge control unit performs the same image formation on the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match and the next paper. Therefore, even if an image is formed on a sheet P for which it is determined that the sheet information does not match, the image formed on the sheet P can be formed on the next sheet of paper as well. Therefore, the image to be formed can be reliably formed on a sheet P for which the sheet information matches.

[0083] Also, a storage unit 42 is provided for storing the paper information of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match. Therefore, it is possible to extract the tendency of paper for which the paper information is determined to be inconsistent, and therefore it is possible to anticipate situations in which paper for which the paper information is determined to be inconsistent is likely to be set and take measures against such situations.

[0084] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on an embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the linear speed is determined based on the paper type, basis weight, and size (length in the conveying direction) of the paper P, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the linear speed may be determined based on at least one of the paper type, basis weight, and size of each paper P.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the image forming system 1 is described as an example of a configuration for implementing the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming device 40 can be implemented by itself by adding the functions of a paper feed unit, a detection unit, and a first tray to the image forming device 40. In other words, the image forming device 40, the paper feed device 10, the paper information detection device 20, and the paper discharge device 30 are integrated into an image forming device, so that the present invention can be implemented by itself.

[0087] In addition, the detailed configurations and operations of each device constituting the image forming system may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Image forming system 10 Paper feed device (paper feed section) 11 Paper feed tray 20 Paper information detection device 21 Control section 22 Media sensor (detection part) 30 Paper ejection device 31 Control Unit 32 Conveyor T30 Purge Tray (1st Tray) R31 Transport route R32 purge path 40 Image forming device 41 control unit (determination unit, calculation unit, change unit, paper discharge control unit, identification unit) 42 Storage section 43 Image forming section 44 Operation display section (setting section) 45 Conveyor 46 Communications Department T40 Paper Tray 50 Image reader 51 Control section 52 Image reading unit 53 Image processing section 60 Aftertreatment device 61 Control section 62 Post-processing section 63 Conveyor T61 Output Tray T62 Purge Tray (Second Tray) R61 Transport route R62 Purge route P Paper (recording medium)

Claims

1. a paper feed section that feeds paper; a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects paper information of the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet of paper about which the sheet information has been detected by the detection unit; An image forming system comprising:

2. The image forming system according to claim 1 , further comprising a specification unit that specifies a paper type of the paper for which the determination unit has determined that the paper information does not match.

3. 3. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the paper discharge control unit controls the paper discharge destination in accordance with the paper type specified by the specifying unit.

4. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the reuse priority mode is selected, the paper discharge control unit sets the discharge destination of paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match to a first tray installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit.

5. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the paper information is at least one of information on the type, basis weight, and size of the paper.

6. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates a coincidence rate between the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit.

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a change unit that changes the linear speed of the paper when the coincidence rate calculated by the calculation unit is less than a preset threshold value.

8. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the linear speed of the paper is slower than a reference speed, the paper discharge control unit sets the discharge destination of the paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match to a first tray installed between the detection unit and the image forming unit.

9. The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed, the paper discharge control unit sets the discharge destination of the paper for which the judgment unit determines that the paper information does not match to a second tray installed downstream of the image forming unit.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, characterized in that the paper discharge control unit performs image formation on the paper next to the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed and the image formation by the image forming unit can be canceled in time.

11. The image forming system of claim 9, characterized in that when the linear speed of the paper is equal to or greater than a reference speed and the image forming unit is unable to cancel the image forming in time, the paper discharge control unit performs the same image forming on the paper for which the judgment unit has determined that the paper information does not match and on the next paper.

12. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the linear speed is determined based on at least one of the paper type, basis weight, and size of each sheet.

13. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the paper information of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match.

14. a paper feed section that feeds paper; a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects paper information of the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet of paper about which the sheet information has been detected by the detection unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

15. A paper output method for an image forming system including a paper feed unit that feeds paper, a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit, a detection unit that detects the paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper for which the paper information has been detected by the detection unit, a determination step of determining whether or not the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control step of controlling a paper discharge destination of the paper determined in the determination step to be inconsistent with the paper information; Paper output method including.

16. a setting unit that sets paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; a detection unit that detects the paper information for the paper fed by the paper feed unit; and an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper for which the paper information has been detected by the detection unit, a determination unit that determines whether the paper information set by the setting unit and the paper information detected by the detection unit match; a paper discharge control unit that controls a paper discharge destination of the paper that is determined by the determination unit to not match the paper information; A program to function as a

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