Sheet processing device, sheet processing method, and program

Abstract

To appropriately stack sheets while shortening time until sheet discharging.SOLUTION: This sheet processing device which includes a binding processing unit and a sheet discharge tray and can convey sheets having images based on image data printed thereon in an image forming device to the binding processing unit and the sheet discharge tray comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires image data of an image printed on the upstream side part of a sheet in a conveying direction among the images; an estimation unit that adds the image data acquired by the acquisition unit as an input to a learning model which has learned data obtained by adding a curling amount and a curling direction of a sheet to the image data as teacher data, and obtains the curling amount and the curling direction of the sheet as an output to estimate the curling amount and the curling direction of the sheet on which the image has been printed; and a conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the sheet to at least one of the binding processing unit and the sheet discharge tray on the basis of at least one of the curling amount and the curling direction of the sheet which have been estimated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper processing apparatus, a paper processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, paper with printed images can curl. The degree of paper curl varies depending on factors such as the size of the image printed on the paper. Curled paper can lead to poor alignment accuracy and paper curling. This can result in misaligned or missing binding, or the paper not being able to be stacked properly.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that detects curl in paper and corrects the curl using an AI learning model, while Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that predicts the amount of toner per unit area of ​​paper and determines whether or not to start printing based on the amount of toner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 read the image information printed on the entire paper and then perform curl correction and determine whether printing can begin based on the read information, which results in the problem of it taking a long time for the paper to be ejected.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a paper processing device, a paper processing method, and a program that can properly stack paper while shortening the time until paper discharge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a paper processing device that is equipped with a binding processing unit and a paper output tray and is capable of transporting paper on which an image based on image data is printed in an image forming device to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, and is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the image data of the image that is printed on the upstream portion of the image in the transport direction of the paper; an estimation unit that estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper after the image has been printed by providing the image data acquired by the acquisition unit as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data that has been given the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as training data, and obtaining the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as output; and a transport control unit that controls the transport of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper output tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for paper discharge and to stack the paper appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the paper processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating image data to be acquired by the acquisition unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of training data used in the curl state estimation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the paper processing apparatus according to the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of an image forming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a paper feed tray of an image forming apparatus included in an image forming system according to a third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the third modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A paper processing device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image forming system 1a according to the first embodiment. The image forming system 1a is a multi-function printer (MFP) having multiple functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a print function. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1a includes an image forming device 2a and a paper processing device 3a. The image forming device 2a and the paper processing device 3a are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] In the image forming system 1a, the image forming apparatus 2a forms an image on a sheet PA, and the sheet processing apparatus 3a receives the sheet PA from the image forming apparatus 2a and performs various post-processing on the sheet PA, including binding and ejection.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 2a includes one or more paper feed trays 16, a scanner 20, a display unit 24, and a main body unit .

[0013] The display unit 24 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 24 displays information stored in the image forming apparatus 2a, such as an image for print settings.

[0014] The paper feed tray 16 is provided, for example, below the main body 28, upstream of the main body 28 in the transport path of the paper PA. The paper feed tray 16 stores multiple types of paper PA before printing. The paper feed tray 16 feeds the paper PA to the main body 28.

[0015] The scanner 20 is provided, for example, on the top of the main body 28. The scanner 20 has an automatic document feeder (ADF) 22 and the like. The scanner 20 reads the document fed by the ADF 22 with a document reading unit such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and generates image data. The scanner 20 transmits the generated image data to the main body 28. Note that the scanner 20 may have a thick plate, instead of the ADF 22, that can fix the paper PA to the document reading unit.

[0016] The main body 28 is provided in approximately the center of the image forming apparatus 2a. The main body 28 prints an image on a sheet PA fed from the paper feed tray 16 based on image data received from the scanner 20. The main body 28 may print an image on a sheet PA based on image data received from an external computer or the like. The main body 28 stores the image data received from the scanner 20 in a storage unit (not shown) of the main body 28.

[0017] The main body 28 is equipped with toner. The main body 28 uses the toner to print an image on the paper PA based on image data. The image may include objects such as a photograph or text. The image may be printed on one side or both sides of the paper PA. The main body 28 transports the paper PA on which the image has been printed to the paper processing device 3a. At this time, the paper PA may be curled.

[0018] The main body 28 also stores mode information indicating information related to post-processing of the sheets PA. The mode information includes, for example, information indicating whether or not to perform binding processing on the sheets PA, and information specifying the location of the binding processing.

[0019] The main body 28 also stores paper information about the paper PA, which includes information such as the size, thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the paper PA.

[0020] The sheet processing device 3a is, for example, incorporated into a part of the main body 28 and is arranged downstream of the main body 28 on the transport path. The sheet processing device 3a includes at least a paper output tray 32 and a binding processing unit. As post-processing, for example, the sheet processing device 3a outputs the sheets PA received from the main body 28 to the paper output tray 32. As post-processing, for example, the sheet processing device 3a also performs binding processing on the sheets PA received from the main body 28 and outputs the bound sheets PA to the paper output tray 32.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a paper-sheet processing apparatus 3a according to the first embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the paper processing device 3a includes a paper discharge outlet 31, a paper discharge tray 32, a conveying unit 33, an entrance sensor 34, a path switching unit 35, a conveying unit 36, a binding processing unit 37, and a control device 38.

[0023] The sheet processing device 3a also has two transport paths along which the sheet PA received from the image forming device 2a is transported. Specifically, the first transport path (hereinafter referred to as transport path 1) is a normal path along which the sheet PA received from the main body 28 is discharged from the sheet discharge port 31 to the sheet discharge tray 32 without being bound, and is stacked on the sheet discharge tray 32. A transport unit 33, an entrance sensor 34, and a path switching unit 35 are provided on transport path 1.

[0024] The conveying unit 33 is configured to include rollers installed from the upstream portion to the downstream portion of the conveying path 1, and motors for driving the rollers. The conveying unit 33 can change the discharge speed of the paper PA to the paper output tray 32 and the height position of the paper output tray 32 by controlling the motors, etc.

[0025] An entrance sensor 34 is provided upstream of the transport path 1. The entrance sensor 34 detects that a sheet of paper PA has been transported from the image forming device 2a into the sheet processing device 3a. The entrance sensor 34 detects the presence or absence of the leading and trailing ends of the transported sheet of paper PA.

[0026] A path switching unit 35 is provided downstream of the transport path 1. The path switching unit 35 switches the transport path of the paper PA from the transport path 1 to the transport path 2. For example, the path switching unit 35 has a function of switching back the paper PA that has been transported along the transport path 1 and transporting the paper PA from the rear end side into the second transport path.

[0027] The second conveying path (hereinafter referred to as conveying path 2) is a path for stapling the sheets PA, discharging the bound sheets PA to the paper output tray 32, and stacking them on the paper output tray 32. The conveying path 2 also includes the portion of the conveying path 1 downstream of the path switching unit 35, to which the sheets PA are conveyed after being switched by the path switching unit 35. The conveying path 2 is provided with a conveying unit 36 ​​and a binding processing unit 37.

[0028] The conveying unit 36 ​​receives the paper sheets PA carried in from the conveying path 1 and conveys them to the binding processing unit 37. Then, the conveying unit 36 ​​discharges the paper sheets PA after binding processing onto the paper output tray 32 via the paper output port 31. The conveying unit 36 ​​is configured to include, for example, rollers and motors that drive the rollers. The conveying unit 36 ​​can change the paper output speed of the paper sheets PA to the paper output tray 32 and the height position of the paper output tray 32 by controlling the motors and the like.

[0029] The binding processing unit 37 binds multiple sheets of paper PA at any position. The binding processing unit 37 executes the binding processing based on mode information acquired from the main body unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 2a. Specifically, for example, the binding processing unit 37 binds the end surfaces of multiple sheets of paper PA as an end binding processing. Also, for example, the binding processing unit 37 binds the centers of multiple sheets of paper PA as a saddle binding processing. The binding processing unit 37 is an example of a binding processing unit.

[0030] Hereinafter, the method of discharging the paper sheets PA without binding them and stacking them on the paper output tray 32 may be referred to as the discharge mode, and the method of binding the paper sheets PA and stacking the bound paper sheets PA on the paper output tray 32 may be referred to as the binding mode. The paper processing device 3a is configured to be able to execute processes related to the discharge mode and the binding mode.

[0031] The control device 38 is a computer that controls each part of the sheet processing apparatus 3a, and is connected to the main body 28 of the image forming apparatus 2a so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The control device 38 acquires mode information, paper information, and image data from the main body 28. The control device 38 controls each unit based on the acquired mode information, paper information, and image data to execute processing related to each mode. Specifically, for example, the control device 38 estimates the curl state of the paper PA fed into the paper processing device 3a based on the image data. The control device 38 executes a series of processing related to each mode based on the estimated curl state and the mode information.

[0033] Hereinafter, the process of estimating the curl state of the paper PA in the control device 38 will be referred to as the curl state estimation process. Also, the series of processes related to each mode executed in the control device 38 based on the curl state may be referred to as the transport control process.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 38 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] 3, the control device 38 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301 that serves as a control unit. The control device 38 includes a read only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, a hard disk drive (HDD) 304, a solid state drive (SSD) 305, and an interface (I / F) 306, and each of these components is connected to the CPU 301 via a bus 309.

[0036] The CPU 301 uses the RAM 303 as a work area and executes a curl state estimation program and a transport control program stored in the ROM 302, HDD 304, SSD 305, etc., to implement various controls of the control device 38. The HDD 304 and SSD 305 function as a storage unit 384 that stores training data and the like. They may also store programs executed by the CPU 301. The I / F 306 communicatively connects the CPU 301, the HDD 304, the SSD 305, etc., to the image forming device 2a.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 38 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The control device 38 includes an acquisition unit 381, an estimation unit 382, ​​a transport control unit 383, and a storage unit 384. The functions of these functional units are realized by the CPU 301 executing a program stored in the ROM 302 or the like.

[0039] The acquisition unit 381 acquires image data of an image to be printed on the paper sheet PA from the main body unit 28. Specifically, the acquisition unit 381 acquires image data of an image to be printed on the upstream portion of the paper sheet PA in the transport direction. The acquired image data is used in the curl state estimation process. By using image data of the upstream portion of the paper sheet PA in the curl state estimation process, the amount of data is reduced, thereby making it possible to increase the calculation processing speed in the CPU 301. This also makes it possible for even a CPU with a slow calculation processing speed to easily execute the curl state estimation process.

[0040] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating image data to be acquired by the acquisition unit 381 according to the first embodiment. 5A to 5C show the state of the paper PA when it is discharged from the paper discharge port 31.

[0041] 5(a) to 5(c), the direction of the arrow is the transport direction of the paper PA. When viewed from the paper PA, the side of the paper discharge port 31 is the upstream side in the transport direction, and the opposite side is the downstream side. An image is printed on the paper PA.

[0042] 5A, the acquiring unit 381 acquires image data of an image to be printed on the portion SA, which is the upstream portion of the sheet PA in the conveyance direction. The upstream end of the portion SA of the sheet PA includes a portion that is the target of the edge binding process in the binding processing unit 37.

[0043] 5(b) and 5(c), the acquiring unit 381 may acquire image data of an image to be printed on a portion SB or a portion SC, which is an upstream portion of the sheet PA in the transport direction and has a predetermined width in the width direction of the sheet PA that intersects with the transport direction. The portion SB is the center portion of the sheet PA in the width direction, and the portion SC is an edge portion. The widths of the portions SB and SC in the width direction of the sheet PA are each 10 mm. The upstream end of the portion SB includes a portion that is to be saddle-stitched in the binding processing unit 37, and the upstream end of the portion SC includes a portion that is to be edge-stitched in the binding processing unit 37.

[0044] The estimation unit 382 estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA after the image is printed based on the acquired image data. In estimating the curl amount and curl direction, the estimation unit 382 refers to a learning model that has been trained using image data to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added as training data.

[0045] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of training data used in the curl state estimation process according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6A shows the training data when printing on one side of the paper PA, and Fig. 6B shows the training data when printing on both sides of the paper PA.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the training data corresponds the amount and direction of curl of the paper to information identifying the position of a specific part of the paper, information regarding the object to be printed on the specific part, and the thickness of the paper as a paper type.

[0047] Specifically, examples of the predetermined portion of the paper include a portion corresponding to the "center 10 mm" in the width direction of the paper (a portion corresponding to portion SB in FIG. 5), a portion corresponding to the "edge 10 mm" in the width direction of the paper (a portion corresponding to portion SC in FIG. 5), and a portion corresponding to the "full width" in the width direction of the paper PA (a portion corresponding to portion SA in FIG. 5). Information about the object also includes, for example, a case where the image contains only "text," a case where the image contains "text and photos," and a case where the image contains only "photos." Examples of the paper type also include thin paper, regular paper, recycled paper, thick paper, etc.

[0048] Prior to the curl state estimation process, the sheet-processing apparatus 3a constructs a learning model by machine learning based on the teacher data shown in FIGS.

[0049] The estimation unit 382 provides the learning model with the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 381 as input, and obtains the curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA as output. Specifically, the estimation unit 382 uses, for example, image data of the image to be printed on the portion SA shown in FIG. 5(a) as the input image data. As described above, the portion SA includes a portion to be bound. That is, the estimation unit 382 estimates the curl state of the paper PA in the vicinity of the portion to be bound.

[0050] The transport control section 383 executes the transport control process based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA and the mode information.

[0051] Specifically, the conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA estimated by the estimation unit 382 satisfy a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, 15 mm as a threshold value for the curl amount. The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the curl amount of the sheet PA is below 15 mm. The conveyance control unit 383 also determines whether binding processing is required based on the mode information acquired by the acquisition unit 381. Based on the determination result, the conveyance control unit 383 executes conveyance control processing related to the discharge mode or the binding processing mode.

[0052] Furthermore, the conveyance control section 383 may determine whether or not the curl direction of the sheet PA is an upward curl (face-up curl), for example, as a predetermined condition.

[0053] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus 3a according to the first embodiment. Note that, prior to the process of step S1, a learning model based on the training data in FIG. 6 is constructed and stored in the storage unit 384.

[0054] The acquisition unit 381 acquires, from the main body unit 28, image data of an image to be printed on the upstream portion of the paper PA in the transport direction (step S11).

[0055] The estimation unit 382 inputs the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 381 into the learning model (step S12).

[0056] The estimation unit 382 obtains the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA as output from the learning model, thereby estimating, for example, the curl amount of the sheet PA (step S13).

[0057] The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the curl amount is less than 15 mm (step S14).

[0058] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not less than 15 mm (S14: No), it transmits the determination result to the image forming apparatus 2a and executes a process to display the determination result on the display unit 24 (step S15). The user who is notified of the determination result via the display unit 24 can operate the image forming apparatus 2a to perform a process such as changing the image to be printed on the paper PA, for example.

[0059] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is less than 15 mm (S14: Yes), it determines whether or not binding processing is required based on the mode information received from the main body unit 28 (step S16).

[0060] When it is determined that binding processing is required (S16: Yes), the conveyance control unit 383 controls the conveyance unit 36 ​​to convey the sheets PA to the binding processing unit 37 (step S17). The conveyance control unit 383 discharges the sheets PA that have been bound to the discharge tray 32 (step S18).

[0061] On the other hand, if the conveyance control unit 383 does not determine that binding processing is required (S16: No), it discharges the paper PA to the paper discharge tray 32 (step S18). The discharged paper PA is stacked on the paper discharge tray 32. This completes the operation including the curl state estimation processing and the conveyance control processing according to the first embodiment.

[0062] The paper processing device 3a of the embodiment acquires image data of an image printed on the paper PA in the upstream portion of the paper PA in the transport direction, estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA after the image is printed using a learning model, and performs transport control to transport the paper PA to at least one of the binding processing unit 37 and the paper output tray 32 based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA.

[0063] In this way, by estimating the curl state of the sheet PA using image data corresponding to half of the sheet PA and controlling the conveyance based on the estimation result, it is possible to shorten the time until the sheet is discharged. Also, by using image data corresponding to the upstream portion of the sheet PA that includes the portion to be bound, it is possible to more accurately estimate the curl state of the portion to be bound. This makes it possible to properly bind the sheet PA and more appropriately stack the sheet PA on the discharge tray 32.

[0064] (Modification of the first embodiment) A modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The modified sheet processing device differs from the first embodiment in the processing that is performed when the estimated curl amount and curl direction do not satisfy predetermined conditions. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including curl state estimation processing and transport control processing in a paper-sheet processing device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Note that the processing of steps S21 to S24 and steps S26 to S28 in Fig. 8 corresponds to the processing of steps S11 to S14 and steps S16 to S18 in Fig. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] In step S24, based on the estimated curl amount, the conveyance control unit 383 executes control to change the linear speed of the sheet PA relative to the sheet discharge tray 32. Specifically, for example, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not below the threshold value of 15 mm (S24: No), it controls the conveyance unit 33 to execute control to change the discharge speed of the sheet PA relative to the sheet discharge tray 32 to a slower speed (step S25). This allows the sheet PA to be properly stacked on the sheet discharge tray 32 even if the curl amount of the sheet PA is 15 mm or more.

[0067] This completes the operation including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

[0068] (Second embodiment) A sheet processing device 3b according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The sheet processing device 3b of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a plurality of sheet output trays 32 to which sheets PA are discharged. Note that, in the following, the same components as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an image forming system 1b according to the second embodiment.

[0070] The image forming system 1b includes an image forming apparatus 2b and a paper processing apparatus 3b. In the image forming system 1b, the image forming apparatus 2b forms an image on a paper PA, and the paper processing apparatus 3b receives the paper from the image forming apparatus 2a and performs various post-processing operations on the paper.

[0071] The sheet processing device 3b is connected to the main body 28. The sheet output tray 32 of the sheet processing device 3b includes at least a plurality of sheet output trays 32A to 32C. The sheet output trays 32A to 32C each have a function for stacking sheets PA. For example, the sheet output tray 32B is configured to be able to move up and down by a motor or the like of the conveying unit 33 or the conveying unit 36.

[0072] The transport control unit 383 determines whether or not at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA estimated by the estimation unit 382 satisfies a predetermined condition. Based on the determination result, the transport control unit 383 determines which of the sheet output trays 32A to 32C is the destination to which the sheet PA is to be transported.

[0073] Specifically, for example, when the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount of the sheet PA is not below the first threshold value of 15 mm, it determines the conveyance destination of the sheet PA to be the sheet discharge tray 32B. Then, the conveyance control unit 383 controls the conveyance unit 33 to set the height position of the sheet discharge tray 32B to a position Pc that is lower than the normal position Pb. By lowering the position of the sheet discharge tray 32B relative to the sheet discharge outlet 31, it is possible to prevent the sheet discharge outlet 31 from being blocked by the curled sheet PA.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the curl direction of the sheet PA is a face-down curl as a predetermined condition. If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl direction is a face-down curl, it determines the conveyance destination of the sheet PA to, for example, the discharge tray 32A. If the conveyance control unit 383 does not determine that the curl direction of the sheet PA is a face-down curl, it determines the conveyance destination of the sheet PA to the discharge tray 32B. At this time, the conveyance control unit 383 controls the conveyance unit 33 to set the height position of the discharge tray 32B to position Pb, which is the normal position.

[0075] In this way, by determining the discharge destination of the sheet PA from among the plurality of discharge trays 32A to 32C based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA, it becomes possible to stack the sheet PA appropriately on the discharge tray 32.

[0076] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S31 to S34 in Fig. 10 correspond to the processes of steps S11 to S14 in Fig. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines in step S34 that the curl amount is not less than 15 mm (S34: No), it controls the conveyance unit 33 to set the height position of the paper discharge tray 32B to position Pc, which is lower than the normal position Pb (step S35).The conveyance control unit 383 then discharges the paper PA onto the paper discharge tray 32B (step S36).

[0078] On the other hand, in step S34, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is less than 15 mm (S34: Yes), it determines whether binding processing is required based on the mode information received from the main body unit 28 (step S37).

[0079] When it is determined that binding processing is required (S37: Yes), the conveyance control unit 383 controls the conveyance unit 36 ​​to convey the sheets PA to the binding processing unit 37 (step S38). The conveyance control unit 383 discharges the bound sheets PA to the discharge tray 32C (step S39).

[0080] When it is determined that binding processing is not performed (S37: No), the conveyance control section 383 determines whether the curl direction of the sheet PA is a face-down curl (step S40).

[0081] When the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl direction of the sheet PA is a face-down curl (step S40: Yes), the conveyance control unit 383 discharges the sheet PA onto the sheet discharge tray 32A (step S41).

[0082] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl direction of the sheet PA is not a face-down curl (step S40: No), the conveyance control unit 383 discharges the sheet PA to the discharge tray 32B set at the normal position Pb (step S36).

[0083] This completes the operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the second embodiment.

[0084] (Modification 1 of the second embodiment) A first modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The sheet processing device of the first modification differs from the second embodiment in that it determines the binding method based on the estimated curl amount and curl direction. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0085] In the paper processing device of the first modification, the binding processing unit 37 has a stapler unit that can perform staple-based binding on paper sheets PA, and a stapleless stapler unit that can perform stapleless binding. The binding processing unit 37 also refers to paper information acquired from the main body unit 28 when performing staple-based binding and stapleless binding.

[0086] The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether or not at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA estimated by the estimation unit 382 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0087] Specifically, for example, when the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount of the sheet PA is below the second threshold value of 10 mm, it controls the conveyance unit 36 ​​to convey the sheet PA to the stapleless stapler unit of the binding processing unit 37. On the other hand, when the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount of the sheet PA is not below 10 mm, it controls the conveyance unit 36 ​​to convey the sheet PA to the stapler unit with staples of the binding processing unit 37. In this way, it is possible to selectively use the stapler unit with staples and the stapleless stapler unit.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing device according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S41 to S44 in Fig. 11 correspond to the processes of steps S11 to S14 in Fig. 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] In step S44, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not less than 15 mm (S44: No), it transmits the determination result to the image forming apparatus and executes processing to display the determination result on the display unit 24 (step S45). The user who has been notified of the determination result via the display unit 24 can, for example, operate the image forming apparatus to select whether or not to continue the process.

[0090] The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether or not an instruction to continue processing has been received from the image forming apparatus (step S46).

[0091] If the transport control unit 383 determines that an instruction to continue processing has not been received (S46: No), the processing returns to step S41.

[0092] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that it has received an instruction to continue processing (S46: Yes), it controls the conveyance unit 33 to set the height position of the paper discharge tray 32B to a position Pc that is lower than the normal position Pb (step S47).The conveyance control unit 383 then discharges the paper PA to the paper discharge tray 32B (step S48).

[0093] In step S44, when the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is below the first threshold value of 15 mm (S44: Yes), it determines whether or not binding processing is required based on the mode information (step S49).

[0094] When it is determined that binding processing is not required (S49: No), the conveyance control unit 383 conveys the sheet PA to the sheet discharge tray 32A.

[0095] When it is determined that binding processing is required (S49: Yes), the conveyance control section 383 determines whether the curl amount of the sheet PA is below the second threshold value of 10 mm (step S50).

[0096] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not less than 10 mm (S50: No), it conveys the sheet PA to the stapler unit of the binding processing unit 37 (step S51). In this way, staple binding processing is performed on sheets PA with a medium amount of curl.

[0097] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is below the threshold value of 10 mm (S50: Yes), it conveys the sheet PA to the stapleless stapler unit of the binding processing unit 37 (step S52). In this way, stapleless binding processing is performed on sheets PA with an extremely small amount of curl.

[0098] The transport control unit 383 discharges the bound sheets PA onto the discharge tray 32A (step S53).

[0099] This completes the operation including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the first modified example of the second embodiment.

[0100] (Modification 2 of the second embodiment) A second modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The sheet processing device of the second modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA are estimated based on image data and sheet information. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0101] In the paper processing device of Modification 2, the acquisition unit 381 acquires image data of an image to be printed on the upstream portion of the paper PA in the transport direction, and paper information about the paper PA. As described above, the paper information is information including the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content. In addition to the image data, the acquisition unit 381 acquires information indicating at least one of the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content.

[0102] The estimation unit 382 estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA after the image has been printed, based on the acquired image data and information indicating at least one of the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper. In estimating the curl amount and curl direction, the estimation unit 382 references a learning model that has been trained using as training data the image data and paper information including the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper, to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added.

[0103] The transport control section 383 executes the transport control process based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA and the mode information.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing apparatus according to the second modification of the second embodiment.

[0105] The acquiring unit 381 acquires image data of the sheet PA from the main body 28 (step S61). The acquiring unit 381 also acquires paper information of the sheet PA from the main body 28 (step S62). The paper information includes the thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the sheet PA.

[0106] The estimation unit 382 inputs the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 381 and at least one of the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper PA into the learning model (step S63).

[0107] The estimation unit 382 obtains the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA as output from the learning model, and thereby estimates, for example, the curl amount of the sheet PA (step S64).

[0108] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines in step S65 that the curl amount is not less than 15 mm (S65: No), it controls the conveyance unit 33 to set the height position of the paper discharge tray 32B to position Pc, which is lower than the normal position Pb (step S66).The conveyance control unit 383 then discharges the paper PA onto the paper discharge tray 32B (step S67).

[0109] In step S65, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is less than 15 mm (S65: Yes), it determines whether or not binding processing is required based on the mode information received from the main body unit 28 (step S68).

[0110] When it is determined that binding processing is required (S68: Yes), the conveyance control unit 383 controls the conveyance unit 36 ​​to convey the sheets PA to the binding processing unit 37 (step S69). The conveyance control unit 383 discharges the bound sheets PA to the discharge tray 32A (step S70).

[0111] This completes the operation including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the second modification of the second embodiment.

[0112] (Modification 3 of the second embodiment) 13 and 14, a third modification of the second embodiment will be described. The sheet processing device of the third modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that it has a function to reduce curl of the sheet PA by controlling a sheet heating mechanism provided in the sheet feed tray 16 of the image forming device based on the estimated curl amount and curl direction. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0113] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a paper feed tray 16 of an image forming apparatus provided in an image forming system according to Modification 3 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, paper feed tray 16 as a paper feed unit stores multiple types of paper PA before printing. Above paper PA in paper feed tray 16, a dehumidifying heater TH is provided as a heating mechanism capable of heating paper PA. The dehumidifying heater TH is controlled by main body unit 28.

[0114] The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether or not at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet PA estimated by the estimation unit 382 satisfies a predetermined condition. Based on the determination result, the conveyance control unit 383 transmits dehumidifying heater ON information to the main body unit 28, instructing the dehumidifying heater TH to operate.

[0115] Specifically, for example, when the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount of the sheet PA is not less than 15 mm, the conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the image forming apparatus has a dehumidifying heater TH. For example, the conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the dehumidifying heater TH is present by communicating with the main body unit 28. When the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the image forming apparatus has a dehumidifying heater TH, the conveyance control unit 383 transmits dehumidifying heater ON information to the main body unit 28.

[0116] Upon receiving the dehumidifying heater ON information, the main body 28 activates the dehumidifying heater TH. Activating the dehumidifying heater TH dehumidifies the paper PA, reducing the amount of moisture in the paper PA. This reduces curling that may occur when an image is printed on the paper PA. As a result, the paper PA can be stacked appropriately.

[0117] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing device according to Modification 3 of the second embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S71 to S75 and steps S76 to S78 in Fig. 14 correspond to the processes of steps S61 to S65 and steps S68 to S70 in Fig. 12, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] In step S75, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not less than 15 mm (S75: No), it communicates with the main body unit 28 to determine whether the dehumidifying heater TH is present (step S79).

[0119] If the conveyance control unit 383 determines that the image forming apparatus has a dehumidifying heater TH (S79: Yes), it transmits dehumidifying heater ON information to the main body unit 28 (step S80). As a result, the dehumidifying heater TH operates for a predetermined time, and the process proceeds to step S76.

[0120] On the other hand, if the transport control unit 383 determines that the image forming apparatus does not have a dehumidifying heater TH (S79: No), it transmits the determination result to the image forming apparatus and executes processing to display the determination result on the display unit 24. The transport control unit 383 determines whether or not an instruction to continue processing has been received from the image forming apparatus (step S81).

[0121] If the transport control unit 383 determines that it has not received an instruction to continue the process (step S81: No), it displays this on the display unit (step S84) and the process ends.

[0122] On the other hand, if the conveyance control unit 383 determines that it has received an instruction to continue processing (step S81: Yes), it sets the height position of the paper discharge tray 32B to position Pc, which is lower than the normal position Pb (step S82).The conveyance control unit 383 then discharges the paper PA to the paper discharge tray 32B (step S83).

[0123] This completes the operation including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the third modification of the second embodiment.

[0124] (Variation 4) A fourth modification of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The sheet processing device of the fourth modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that it estimates the curl amount and curl direction based on image data and sheet information. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0125] In the paper-sheet processing device of Modification 4, the acquisition unit 381 acquires image data of an image to be printed on the upstream portion of the paper sheet PA in the transport direction, and paper information of the paper sheet PA. Specifically, the acquisition unit 381 acquires information indicating at least one of the paper sheet thickness, paper sheet hardness, and moisture content, in addition to the image data.

[0126] The estimation unit 382 estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper PA after the image is printed based on the acquired image data and information indicating at least one of the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper.

[0127] In estimating the curl amount and curl direction, the estimation unit 382 refers to a learning model that uses image data that has been trained with the relationship between the curl amount and curl direction of the paper and the temperature rise value inside the paper processing device as training data. Specifically, the estimation unit 382 provides the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 381 as input to the learning model, and obtains the temperature rise value inside the paper processing device as output, thereby estimating the curl amount and curl direction of the paper that correspond to the temperature rise value.

[0128] The conveyance control unit 383 executes control to change the linear speed of the paper PA relative to the paper discharge tray 32 based on, for example, the estimated amount of curl.

[0129] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operations including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process in the sheet processing device according to the fourth modified example of the second embodiment. Note that the processes of steps S91 to S93 in Fig. 15 correspond to the processes of steps S61 to S63 in Fig. 12, and the processes of steps S97 to S99 correspond to the processes of steps S16 to S18 in Fig. 7, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0130] Prior to processing step S91, the paper processing device of variant example 4 constructs a learning model by learning image data that is given the relationship between the amount and direction of curl of the paper and the temperature rise value inside the paper processing device as training data, and stores the model in memory unit 384.

[0131] The estimation unit 382 obtains the temperature rise value in the paper-sheet processing apparatus as an output from the learning model, and estimates the curl amount of the paper sheet PA corresponding to the temperature rise value in the paper-sheet processing apparatus (step S94).

[0132] The conveyance control unit 383 determines whether the curl amount is less than 15 mm (step S95).

[0133] If the conveying control unit 383 determines that the curl amount is not below 15 mm, i.e., that the temperature inside the paper processing device is high (S95: No), it controls the conveying unit 33 to change the discharge speed of the paper PA to the discharge tray 32 to a slower speed (step S96).

[0134] If the conveyance control section 383 determines that the curl amount is less than 15 mm, that is, that the temperature inside the paper processing apparatus is low (S95: Yes), the process proceeds to step S97.

[0135] This completes the operation including the curl state estimation process and the transport control process according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment.

[0136] The curl state estimation program and the transport control program executed by the sheet processing apparatus of this embodiment are provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD). The curl state estimation program and the transport control program executed by the sheet processing apparatus of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The curl state estimation program and the transport control program executed by the apparatus of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The curl state estimation program and the transport control program of this embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0137] The curl state estimation program and the conveying control program executed by the paper processing device of this embodiment are modularly structured to include the above-mentioned sections (acquisition section 381, estimation section 382, ​​conveying control section 383, memory section 384), and in actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads and executes the curl state estimation program and the conveying control program from the above-mentioned storage medium, thereby loading the above-mentioned sections onto the main memory device, and the acquisition section 381, estimation section 382, ​​conveying control section 383, and memory section 384 are generated on the main memory device.

[0138] The aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A paper processing device that is equipped with a binding processing unit and a paper output tray and is capable of transporting paper on which an image based on image data is printed in an image forming device to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, and that is equipped with: an acquisition unit that acquires the image data of the image that is printed on the upstream portion of the image in the transport direction of the paper; an estimation unit that estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper after the image has been printed by providing the image data acquired by the acquisition unit as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data that has been given the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as training data, and obtaining the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as output; and a transport control unit that controls the transport of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper output tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper. <2> the acquiring unit acquires image data of the image to be printed in a portion of the paper that is located upstream in the transport direction and has a predetermined width in a width direction of the paper that intersects with the transport direction. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <3> the sheet output tray is configured to include a plurality of sheet output trays having different shapes of portions for stacking the sheets, and the transport control unit determines, from the plurality of sheet output trays, a sheet output tray to which the sheets are to be transported based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheets estimated by the estimation unit. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <4> The binding processing unit has a function of being able to selectively execute either a stapleless binding process or a stapled binding process on the paper sheets, and the conveyance control unit determines a method of the binding process based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the paper sheets estimated by the estimation unit. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <5> The learning model is trained using training data that is image data and paper information including the thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the paper, to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added; the acquisition unit acquires the image data of the image printed on the upstream portion of the image in the paper transport direction, and information indicating at least one of the thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the paper; and the estimation unit estimates the curl amount of the paper by providing the learning model with the image data acquired by the acquisition unit and at least one of the thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the paper as input. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <6> the conveyance control unit executes control to change the linear velocity of the paper relative to the paper discharge tray based on the amount of curl estimated by the estimation unit. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <7> The learning model is trained using as training data image data and paper information including the thickness and hardness of the paper, to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added, the acquisition unit acquires information indicating at least one of the thickness and hardness of the paper, the estimation unit estimates the curl amount of the paper by providing at least one of the thickness and hardness of the paper acquired by the acquisition unit as input to the learning model, and the conveyance control unit transmits information to the image forming device, based on the curl amount estimated by the estimation unit, to operate a heating mechanism capable of heating the paper, the heating mechanism being provided in a paper feed unit that stores the paper before the image of the image forming device is printed. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <8> The learning model is trained using as training data image data and paper information including the thickness and hardness of the paper, to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added, the acquisition unit acquires information indicating at least one of the thickness and hardness of the paper, the estimation unit estimates the curl amount of the paper by providing at least one of the thickness and hardness of the paper acquired by the acquisition unit as input to the learning model, and the conveyance control unit transmits information to the image forming device, based on the curl amount estimated by the estimation unit, to activate a heating mechanism capable of heating the paper, the heating mechanism being provided in a paper feed unit that stores the paper before the image of the image forming device is printed. <1> The paper processing device according to claim 1. <9> A paper processing method executed by a paper processing device, the paper processing device having a binding processing unit and a paper output tray, and capable of transporting paper on which an image based on image data has been printed in an image forming device to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, the paper processing method comprising: a step of acquiring image data of an image that is printed on an upstream portion of the image in the transport direction of the paper; a step of estimating the amount of curl and the direction of curl of the paper after the image has been printed by providing the acquired image data as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data that has been given the amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper as training data, and obtaining the amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper as output; and a step of controlling the transport of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper output tray based on at least one of the estimated amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper. <10> A program to be executed by a computer of a paper processing device, the paper processing device having a binding processing unit and a paper output tray, and capable of transporting paper on which an image based on image data has been printed in an image forming device to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, the program causing a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring image data of an image that is printed on the upstream portion of the image in the transport direction of the paper; estimating the amount of curl and the direction of curl of the paper after the image has been printed by providing the acquired image data as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data to which the amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper have been added as training data, and obtaining the amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper as output; and controlling the transport of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper output tray based on at least one of the estimated amount of curl and direction of curl of the paper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1a, 1b Image forming system 2a,2b Image forming device 3a, 3b Paper processing device 16 Paper tray 33, 36 Conveyor section 37 Binding processing section 38 Control Device 381 Acquisition Department 382 Estimation Department 383 Transport control unit 384 Storage section PA paper [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0140] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-193045 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-150005

Claims

1. A paper processing apparatus including a binding processing unit and a paper output tray, capable of conveying paper on which an image based on image data is printed in an image forming apparatus to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, an acquisition unit that acquires the image data of an image that is printed on an upstream side portion of the image in the conveyance direction of the paper; an estimation unit that estimates the curl amount and curl direction of the paper after the image is printed by providing the image data acquired by the acquisition unit as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added as training data, and obtaining the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as output; a conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper discharge tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper, Paper handling equipment.

2. The acquisition unit acquiring image data of the image to be printed in a portion of the paper that is located upstream in the transport direction and has a predetermined width in a width direction of the paper that intersects with the transport direction; The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The paper output tray is configured to include a plurality of paper output trays having different shapes of portions for stacking the paper sheets, The transport control unit determining a sheet output tray to which the sheet is to be conveyed from among the plurality of sheet output trays based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the sheet estimated by the estimation unit; The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the binding processing unit has a function of selectively executing either a stapleless binding process or a stapled binding process on the sheets, The transport control unit determining a binding method based on at least one of the curl amount and curl direction of the paper sheets estimated by the estimation unit; The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The learning model is trained using training data that is image data, paper information including the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper, and the curl amount and curl direction of the paper, The acquisition unit acquiring the image data of the image to be printed on the upstream side of the paper in the transport direction of the paper, and information indicating at least one of the paper thickness, paper hardness, and moisture content of the paper; The estimation unit The image data acquired by the acquisition unit and at least one of the thickness, hardness, and moisture content of the paper are input to the learning model to estimate the curl amount of the paper. The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The transport control unit and performing control to change the linear velocity of the paper relative to the paper discharge tray based on the curl amount estimated by the estimation unit. The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The learning model is trained using training data obtained by adding the curl amount and curl direction of the paper to the image data and paper information including the paper thickness and paper hardness of the paper, The acquisition unit acquiring information indicating at least one of the thickness and hardness of the paper; The estimation unit The learning model is provided with at least one of the paper thickness and the paper hardness of the paper acquired by the acquisition unit as an input, thereby estimating the curl amount of the paper; The transport control unit Based on the curl amount estimated by the estimation unit, transmitting information to the image forming apparatus to activate a heating mechanism capable of heating the paper, the heating mechanism being included in a paper feeding unit that stores the paper before the image is printed on the image forming apparatus; The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The learning model is The image data is trained using training data that includes the relationship between the amount and direction of curl of the paper and the temperature rise value inside the paper processing device. The estimation unit The image data acquired by the acquisition unit is input to the learning model, and a temperature rise value in the paper processing device is obtained as an output, thereby estimating the curl amount and curl direction of the paper corresponding to the temperature rise value; The transport control unit and executing control to change the linear velocity of the paper relative to the paper discharge tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper. The paper processing device according to claim 1 .

9. A paper processing method executed by a paper processing device, comprising: The paper processing device includes: A paper processing apparatus including a binding processing unit and a paper output tray, capable of conveying paper on which an image based on image data is printed in an image forming apparatus to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, acquiring the image data of the image to be printed on the upstream side of the paper in the transport direction; a step of estimating the curl amount and curl direction of the paper after the image is printed by providing the acquired image data as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added as training data, and obtaining the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as output; a step of controlling conveyance of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper discharge tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper; A paper processing method comprising:

10. A program to be executed by a computer of a paper processing apparatus, The paper processing device includes: A paper processing apparatus including a binding processing unit and a paper output tray, capable of conveying paper on which an image based on image data is printed in an image forming apparatus to the binding processing unit and the paper output tray, acquiring the image data of the image to be printed on the upstream side of the paper in the transport direction; a step of estimating the curl amount and curl direction of the paper after the image is printed by providing the acquired image data as input to a learning model that has been trained using image data to which the curl amount and curl direction of the paper have been added as training data, and obtaining the curl amount and curl direction of the paper as output; a step of controlling conveyance of the paper to at least one of the binding processing unit and the paper discharge tray based on at least one of the estimated curl amount and curl direction of the paper; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

Images