Image forming system

Abstract

To provide an image forming system capable of suppressing deterioration in productivity as much as possible when a paper sheet different from a paper sheet designated by a user is detected and image formation is stopped.SOLUTION: An image forming system includes a receiving part 16, a paper sheet characteristic detection part 12a, a paper sheet determination part 21, and an image forming part 13b. The receiving part 16 receives paper sheet identification information for identifying a paper sheet M. The paper sheet characteristic detection part 12a detects the characteristics of the paper sheet M that has been fed. The paper sheet determination part 21 determines whether the detection result by the paper sheet characteristic detection part 12a corresponds to the paper sheet identification information on the paper sheet M specified by a user. The image forming part 13b forms an image on the paper sheet M. When the determination that a consecutive predetermined number of paper sheets M do not correspond to the paper sheet identification information is made by the paper sheet determination part 21, image formation is stopped. On the other hand, when such a determination is not made for a consecutive predetermined number of paper sheets, image formation is continued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image forming system that stops image formation when the fed paper differs from the paper specified by the user. For example, the image forming device described in Patent Document 1 stops image formation when it determines that the paper information specified by the user does not match the detection results of the physical properties of the fed paper, or that the detection results of the previous paper do not match the detection results of the subsequently fed paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-92783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the device described in Patent Document 1 found a mismatch between the paper information specified by the user and the detection result of the supplied paper, it determined that all subsequent papers were mismatched. Therefore, the device described in Patent Document 1 stopped image formation at the time it detected a mismatch.

[0005] However, there are cases where the paper fed after the mismatch is detected is correct. In such cases, stopping image formation leads to a decrease in productivity.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an image forming system that can minimize declines in productivity when paper different from the paper specified by the user is detected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image forming system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit, a paper characteristic detection unit, a paper determination unit, and an image forming unit. The reception unit receives paper identification information for identifying a designated paper sheet designated by a user. The paper characteristic detection unit detects the characteristics of the fed paper sheet. The paper determination unit determines whether the detection result by the paper characteristic detection unit corresponds to the paper identification information. The image forming unit forms an image on the fed paper sheet.

[0008] The image forming system stops image formation when a predetermined number of sheets of paper are consecutively fed and determined by the paper determination unit not to correspond to the paper identification information, whereas the image forming system continues image formation when the predetermined number of sheets are not consecutive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the image forming system of the present invention, when a sheet different from the sheet specified by the user is detected, it is possible to minimize the decrease in productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a reception unit of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the discharge destination of a sheet determined not to correspond to the sheet characteristics at the time of sheet reception in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating other discharge destinations for a sheet determined not to correspond to the sheet characteristics at the time of sheet reception in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of forming an image again after purging a sheet in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of forming an image again after purging a sheet in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of forming an image again after purging a sheet in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a stack of sheets with an interleave sheet sandwiched therebetween in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a paper inspection process executed in the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10 includes a paper feeder 11, a media detection device 12, an image forming device 13, and a post-processing device 14. The image forming system 10 also includes a reception unit 16, a display unit 17, a conveyance unit 18, and the like, which are provided in common to each device, and further includes a control system having a control unit 20.

[0012] The paper feeder 11 has a plurality of paper feed trays 11a in which paper sheets M are set. The paper feeder 11 feeds paper sheets M one by one from each paper feed tray 11a to the transport section 18.

[0013] The media detection device 12 has a paper characteristic detection unit 12a. The paper characteristic detection unit 12a detects the paper characteristics of the paper M fed from the paper feeder 11. The paper characteristics include the paper type, paper basis weight, and other paper physical properties such as moisture content, surface properties, and surface color, and are properties that allow the paper to be distinguished based on various detected quantities. Among the paper characteristics, surface properties include, for example, the surface properties such as smoothness.

[0014] The characteristics of the paper M detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a in this embodiment include at least one of information on the paper type, basis weight, moisture content, surface texture, and surface color. The characteristics of the paper M detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a are sent to the control unit 20 and the paper determination unit 21 (described later).

[0015] The image forming device 13 includes a registration section 13a, an image forming section 13b, and a fixing section 13c. The registration unit 13a is provided on a paper feed path 18a (described later) inside the image forming device 13. The registration unit 13a performs skew correction and the like on the paper M conveyed from the media detection device 12. The skew correction is performed by aligning the leading edge of the paper M with the leading edge of the image output to the image forming unit 13b.

[0016] Image forming unit 13b forms an image on paper M fed from paper feed device 11 based on image data read by an image reading unit (not shown) or image data received from an external device (not shown). For example, image forming unit 13b forms an image by electrophotography using toner of each color: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The fixing unit 13c fixes the image formed on the paper.

[0017] The post-processing device 14 performs various post-processing operations on the sheet M from the image forming device 13, and discharges the sheet M to a sheet discharge unit 19a. In this embodiment, the sheet discharge unit 19a is a sheet discharge tray.

[0018] The reception unit 16 is a part that receives information required for each device, and includes, for example, a touch panel, etc. The reception unit 16 receives input of various instructions, characters, numbers, and other data from the user.

[0019] The receiving unit 16 of this embodiment receives paper identification information for identifying paper M. The paper identification information may have a range set for each of the paper characteristics such as the paper type, basis weight, moisture content, surface properties, and surface color described above. The receiving unit 16 may input the paper identification information of the paper M specified by the user, or may select the paper identification information of various types of paper M stored in advance in the storage unit.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the reception unit 16. The reception unit 16 in FIG. 2 is made up of a touch panel, and a screen for receiving paper identification information is displayed on the reception unit 16. For example, the user selects "coated paper" from the paper type selection unit 16a and "62-74 g / m" from the basis weight selection unit 16b. 2 By selecting ", paper identification information is input.

[0021] Note that the reception unit 16 does not have to be one that receives input from a user. For example, the range of paper characteristics may be set by reflecting the results of detection of paper characteristics by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a of the media detection device 12 while the paper M is being transported.

[0022] The display unit 17 shown in FIG. 1 is a part that displays the settings, status, notifications, etc. of each device, and is, for example, a display or an indicator lamp.

[0023] The transport unit 18 includes a paper feed path 18a, a paper discharge path 18b, a first purge path 18c, and a second purge path 18d. The paper feed path 18a transports the paper M fed from the paper feed device 11 to the image forming device 13. The paper discharge path 18b conveys the paper M from the image forming device 13 to the paper discharge section 19a.

[0024] First purge path 18c is provided by branching off from paper feed path 18a at first branch point 18e. Paper feed path 18a in this embodiment has first branch point 18e at a position downstream of paper characteristic detection unit 12a in media detection device 12. First purge path 18c discharges paper M to first paper discharge tray 19b, which is separate from paper discharge unit 19a. The second purge path 18d is provided by branching off from the paper discharge path 18b at a second branch point 18f. The paper discharge path 18b of this embodiment has the second branch point 18f inside the post-processing device 14. The second purge path 18d discharges the paper M to a second paper discharge tray 19c that is separate from the paper discharge unit 19a and the first paper discharge tray 19b.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system 10 of this embodiment. The control system of the image forming system 10 of this embodiment has a control unit 20. The control unit 20 includes computer hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 20 comprehensively controls the processing operations of each device in the image forming system 10, such as the paper feeder 11, the media detection device 12, the image forming device 13, and the post-processing device 14. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the loaded programs. The ROM is used as an example of a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium that stores the programs executed by the control unit 20.

[0026] The image forming device 13 in the control system of this embodiment has an image forming unit 13b, a paper determination unit 21, a continuation judgment unit 22, a reception unit 16, a display unit 17, a memory unit 23, and a communication unit 24, and the media detection device 12 has a paper characteristic detection unit 12a, etc. The control system of this embodiment is constructed so that various processes can be performed by transmitting and receiving information, signals, etc. between each part of these devices and the control unit 20. The control system of this embodiment can also execute a paper inspection process, which determines whether image formation can be continued based on the suitability of the paper fed from the paper feeder 11, and determines whether to continue or stop image formation. In the control system of this embodiment, the image forming unit 13b, the reception unit 16, and the display unit 17 are as described above.

[0027] The paper determination unit 21 determines whether the paper conveyed from the paper feeder 11 is paper with matching characteristics or paper with mismatched characteristics. In this specification, "paper with matching characteristics" refers to paper M with paper characteristics that match or correspond to the paper identification information of the paper M specified by the user. "paper with mismatched characteristics" refers to paper M with paper characteristics that do not match or correspond to the paper identification information of the paper M specified by the user.

[0028] The paper determination unit 21 determines whether the paper characteristics detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a of the media detection device 12 correspond to the paper identification information of the paper M designated by the user. The paper determination unit 21 determines at least the paper type. The paper type is determined based on the physical property information detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a. Here, the physical property information is information on various physical property values ​​of the paper.

[0029] The paper type may be determined from the value of the surface property. For example, the paper determination unit 21 may detect the surface property of the paper, and determine the paper as coated paper if the surface property is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and determine the paper as uncoated paper if the surface property is less than the predetermined value. Furthermore, the paper type may be determined by combining the surface properties with basis weight or other physical property values. The correspondence between each physical property value and paper type may be determined, for example, using a table stored in advance in the storage unit 23. Furthermore, the paper determination unit 21 may determine whether the paper is a characteristic-matching paper or a characteristic-mismatching paper based on paper properties other than the paper type.

[0030] The paper determination unit 21 determines the paper M using paper identification information previously received by the reception unit 16. The paper identification information is previously selected or input by the user at the reception unit 16. In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, determination can be made if some paper identification information, such as paper type, has been received.

[0031] If the paper identification information received by the receiving unit 16 includes physical property information of the designated paper M, the paper determination unit 21 determines the paper M based on the physical property information. If the paper identification information received by the receiving unit 16 does not include physical property information of the designated paper M, the paper determination unit 21 determines the paper M based on the paper type.

[0032] The determination made by the paper determination unit 21 will be explained using the example shown in Table 1. Here, it is assumed that the paper characteristic detection unit 12a detects the paper type, basis weight, moisture content, surface property, and surface color of all fed sheets. Also, it is assumed that the user inputs to the reception unit 16 that the paper type is coated paper and the basis weight is 62-74 g / m 2 It is assumed that the moisture content is set to 2 to 3% and that the paper identification information is registered. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user has registered that the moisture content is to be used in the judgment by the paper judgment unit 21.

[0033] When the image forming system 10 is operated, the paper characteristic detection unit 12a detects the paper characteristics shown in Table 1, for example. In this case, the paper type of the first sheet does not match, but the moisture content of the first sheet matches, so the paper judgment unit 21 does not judge it to be paper with mismatched characteristics. The paper type of the second sheet is coated paper, which matches, but the moisture content of the second sheet is 5% or more, which does not match, so the paper judgment unit 21 judges it to be paper with mismatched characteristics. [Table 1]

[0034] Based on the determination result of the paper determination unit 21, the continuation determination unit 22 determines whether or not to continue image formation by the image forming unit 13b. The continuation judgment unit 22 stops image formation by the image forming unit 13b when a predetermined number of sheets of paper M determined by the paper judgment unit 21 to be paper with mismatched characteristics that do not correspond to the paper identification information occur in succession. On the other hand, the continuation judgment unit 22 continues image formation by the image forming unit 13b when the predetermined number of sheets of paper M determined to be paper with mismatched characteristics do not occur in succession. The continuation determination unit 22 can set the predetermined number of consecutive sheets M determined to be characteristic mismatched sheets to two or more.

[0035] Next, the determination made by the continuation determination unit 22 will be explained using examples in Tables 2 to 4. For example, as shown in Table 2, if the user selects "coated paper" as the paper type and "62-74 g / m 2 " and the specified number of sheets is set to 2. When the three fed sheets of paper M are detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a as shown in Table 2, the paper determination unit 21 determines that all three sheets are characteristic-matching sheets. Therefore, the continuation determination unit 22 determines to continue image formation. [Table 2]

[0036] Furthermore, if the three fed sheets of paper M are detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a as shown in Table 3, the paper determination unit 21 determines the first and third sheets as characteristic-matching paper and the second sheet as characteristic-mismatching paper. In this case, because the determination of characteristic-mismatching paper does not occur consecutively, the continuation determination unit 22 determines to continue image formation. [Table 3]

[0037] On the other hand, if the three fed sheets of paper M are detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a as shown in Table 4, the paper determination unit 21 determines the first sheet as a characteristic-matching sheet and the second and third sheets as characteristic-mismatching sheets. In this case, the characteristic-mismatching sheets are consecutive, reaching the predetermined number of two sheets, so the continuation determination unit 22 determines to stop image formation. [Table 4]

[0038] In the continuation determination unit 22 of this embodiment, the predetermined number is switchable, and for example, the user can switch the predetermined number. The continuation determination unit 22 can also switch the predetermined number of sheets depending on the paper type, paper feed tray, and physical property information of the paper M, such as basis weight, moisture content, surface texture, and surface color. In this case, the continuation determination unit 22 can also count the predetermined number of sheets for each paper type, paper feed tray, and physical property information of the paper M.

[0039] Such a determination by the continuation determination unit 22 will be explained using examples of Tables 5 and 6. For example, as shown in Table 2, if the user selects "coated paper" as the paper type and "62-74 g / m 2 " and the specified number of sheets is set to 3 for coated paper and 2 for other paper types. If the four sheets of paper M fed are detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a as shown in Table 5, the paper determination unit 21 determines the second and third sheets as high-quality paper, and determines two consecutive sheets as paper with mismatched characteristics that do not correspond to the paper type in the receiving unit. However, the paper determination unit 21 determines the fourth sheet as the correct coated paper. In this case, the number of sheets with mismatched characteristics is less than the predetermined number, so the continuation determination unit 22 determines to continue image formation. [Table 5]

[0040] It is assumed that the four fed sheets of paper M are detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a as shown in Table 6. It is assumed that the user's settings when receiving the paper are "high quality paper" and the predetermined number of sheets is two. The paper determination unit 21 determines that the first sheet is fine paper when the paper is received, and determines that the second and third sheets are coated paper. In this case, the continuation determination unit 22 determines to stop image formation because two consecutive sheets have been determined to be paper with mismatched characteristics that do not correspond to the paper type of the receiving unit 16. Even if the fourth sheet is correctly determined to be coated paper, the continuation determination unit 22 stops image formation. [Table 6]

[0041] In this embodiment, when the paper determination unit 21 determines that the paper M is paper with mismatched characteristics that does not correspond to the paper identification information, and the continuation determination unit 22 determines whether or not to continue image formation, the control unit 20 performs a purge process on the paper M. At this time, if the number of sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatched paper does not reach the predetermined number in succession, the control unit 20 causes the conveying unit 18 to purge the sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatched paper and discharge them to the discharge trays 19b and 19c. Then, based on the determination of the continuation determination unit 22, the control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 13b to continue image formation on the subsequent sheets M.

[0042] On the other hand, if the number of sheets M determined to be incompatible continues to be equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the control unit 20 purges the sheets M determined to be incompatible and the subsequent sheets M fed from the paper feeder 11, and discharges them to the paper discharge trays 19b and 19c. Then, based on the determination of the continuation determination unit 22, the control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 13b to stop image formation.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 20 can switch the discharge destination for the purge depending on the timing of determination of the paper M that is determined to be incompatible by the paper determination unit 21. The control unit 20 preferably switches the discharge destination for the purge depending on the positional relationship between the leading edge position of the paper M and the first branch point 18e at the time when the paper determination unit 21 determines that the paper is incompatible.

[0044] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams for explaining the discharge destination of a sheet determined not to correspond to the sheet characteristics at the time of sheet reception. 4, the leading edge of the sheet M is located upstream of the first branch point 18e when the sheet determination unit 21 determines that the sheet characteristics do not correspond to those at the time of receiving the sheet. In this case, the control unit 20 can cause the conveyance unit 18 to discharge the sheet M from the first purge path 18c to the first discharge tray 19b and purge it.

[0045] 5, the leading edge of the sheet M is located downstream of the first branch point 18e when the sheet determination unit 21 determines that the sheet does not correspond to the sheet characteristics at the time of receiving the sheet. In this case, the control unit 20 can purge the sheet M by causing the conveyance unit 18 to discharge the sheet M from the second purge path 18d to the second sheet discharge tray 19c. Furthermore, when the paper is discharged from the second purge path 18d, the control unit 20 causes the registration unit 13a of the image forming device 13 to discharge the paper without performing registration adjustment.

[0046] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, after purging a sheet M determined to be characteristic-mismatched by the sheet determination unit 21, if a sheet M determined to be characteristic-matched by the sheet determination unit 21 is transported, the image forming system 10 causes the image forming unit 13b to again form an image on the sheet M. In other words, the control unit 20 causes the image forming unit 13b to again form an image on the purged sheet M, which is a subsequent sheet M determined to be characteristic-matched.

[0047] 6, 7, and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of purging a sheet determined not to correspond to the sheet characteristics at the time of sheet reception, and then forming an image again. 6, when the paper determination unit 21 detects paper with mismatched characteristics, an image for that paper is formed on the transfer body 13d of the image forming unit 13b. Therefore, the image forming unit 13b cleans the image on the transfer body 13d with the cleaning unit 25.

[0048] At this time, the image forming unit 13b can clean the paper determined to be characteristic mismatch paper while it is waiting in the registration unit 13a. If it is before an image is formed on the transfer body 13d, the image forming unit 13b does not need to wait. Furthermore, the control unit 20 may cause the next sheet to wait in the sheet feeder 11 or the media detection device 12 .

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, after the cleaning is completed, the image forming unit 13b and the conveying unit 18 discharge the characteristic-mismatched paper that has been waiting in the registration unit 13a onto the second discharge tray 19c of the post-processing device 14. The control unit 20 also causes image formation to be performed again on the next sheet M determined to be a characteristic-matching sheet. This sheet may be a sheet that has been kept waiting in the sheet feeder 11 or the media detection device 12 and determined to be a characteristic-matching sheet by the sheet determination unit 21.

[0050] 8, after the image is formed on the next sheet, the control unit 20 controls the conveying unit 18 to eject the image-formed sheet from the post-processing device 14 to the sheet ejection unit 19a. This sheet M is a sheet determined to be a characteristic-matching sheet, onto which the image on the transfer body 13d has been transferred in the image forming unit 13b and fixed in the fixing unit 13c.

[0051] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, when a predetermined number of sheets M are consecutively determined to be characteristic-mismatched sheets by the sheet determination unit 21, the control unit 20 performs a tray check notification process. The tray check notification process may be performed, for example, by displaying a message requesting tray check on the display unit 17, or by sending a notification to the user's terminal via the communication unit 24.

[0052] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, the sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatched sheets by the sheet determination unit 21 also include separator sheets present in a stack of characteristic-matched sheets. In the case of separator sheets, the sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatched sheets do not consecutively number the predetermined number of sheets, so the continuation determination unit 22 continues image formation by the image forming unit 13b.

[0053] The image forming system 10 of this embodiment can discharge the separator paper as a characteristic-mismatched paper from the first purge path 18c or the second purge path 18d to the first paper discharge tray 19b or the second paper discharge tray 19c. This eliminates the need for the user to remove the separator paper, saving time and effort.

[0054] On the other hand, the image forming system 10 can also discharge the partition paper to the paper discharge unit 19a in the same way as the paper M on which an image has been formed. In this case, when the paper determination unit 21 determines that the paper is a paper with mismatched characteristics, the control unit 20 does not cause the image forming unit 13b to form an image on the determined paper M. Then, the control unit 20 causes the conveyance unit 18 to discharge the determined paper M to the normal paper discharge unit 19a. In this way, the divider paper is arranged in a sandwiched state at a predetermined position among the multiple sheets of paper on which images have been formed and discharged to the paper discharge section 19a, and therefore the divider paper can be used as various markers among the multiple sheets of paper on which images have been formed and discharged.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a stack of sheets with a predetermined number of interleave sheets sandwiched between them. This stack of paper 30 has divider paper 31 sandwiched between every five sheets. There are two possible cases for forming images using this stack of paper 30 by image forming system 10. One is that the user manually removes divider paper 31 beforehand and then sets the stack of paper in paper feeder 11, and the other is that the user sets the stack of paper in paper feeder 11 without removing divider paper 31.

[0056] In the former case, if the user forgets to remove the separator paper 31 and sets a stack 30 of paper M in the paper feed device 11, the image forming system 10 can purge the separator paper 31 as paper with mismatched characteristics and form images on each sheet of the stack 30.

[0057] On the other hand, in the latter case, when a user sets a stack of paper 30 in the paper feeder 11 and operates the image forming system 10, the paper characteristic detection unit 12a detects the paper characteristics as shown in Table 7, for example. [Table 7]

[0058] At this time, the image forming system 10 of this embodiment may output the image-formed paper excluding the partition paper 31 to the paper discharge section 19a, or may output the image-formed paper with the partition paper 31 inserted to the paper discharge section 19a. If the separator paper 31 is removed from the sheets to be output, the paper determination unit 21 determines that the sixth and twelfth separator paper 31 are mismatched in characteristics. Therefore, the image forming system 10 can purge the separator paper 31 and continue image formation, just as if the separator paper 31 had been forgotten to be removed.

[0059] When an image-formed sheet of paper is output to the paper output unit 19a with the separator paper 31 still inserted, the image forming system 10 can perform image formation without purging the separator paper 31. For example, the separator paper 31 may be distinguished by its surface color, etc. In this case, since the user has not intentionally removed the separator paper 31, it is desirable that the image forming system 10 discharge the separator paper 31 to the same paper output tray of the paper output unit 19a as the other image-formed sheets without performing image formation.

[0060] Next, the paper inspection process of the image forming system 10 described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the paper inspection process executed in the image forming system. First, when starting the paper inspection process, the image forming system 10 checks whether the receiving unit 16 has received paper identification information from the user (S1). After receiving the paper information, the image forming system 10 starts a paper feeding operation from the paper feed tray 11a of the paper feed device 11 (S2).

[0061] The fed paper M is transported by the paper feed path 18a to the paper characteristic detection unit 12a of the media detection device 12. The paper characteristic detection unit 12a checks whether the paper M (for example, the leading edge of the paper) has reached the paper characteristic detection unit (S3). When the paper M is confirmed, the paper characteristic detection unit 12a detects the paper characteristics of the paper M (S4). The detected paper characteristics include the paper type, basis weight, and other physical property values ​​of the paper, such as moisture content, surface properties, and surface color. The detected paper characteristics are transmitted to the control unit 20 and the paper determination unit 21 of the image forming device 13 .

[0062] Next, paper determination unit 21 determines whether or not physical property information is included in the paper identification information received by reception unit 16 from the user (S5). If paper physical property information is included in step S5 (Yes in S5), paper determination unit 21 determines whether or not the paper physical properties detected by paper characteristic detection unit 12a are appropriate (S6). That is, in the determination in step S6, it is confirmed whether or not the information on the paper physical properties detected by paper characteristic detection unit 12a matches the range of paper physical properties in the paper identification information received by reception unit 16.

[0063] Next, if the paper identification information does not include physical property information in step 5 (No in S5), paper determination unit 21 checks (S7) whether the paper type detected by paper characteristic detection unit 12a matches the paper type in the paper identification information received by reception unit 16. Note that the paper type detected by paper characteristic detection unit 12a may be converted from physical properties such as surface properties detected by paper characteristic detection unit 12a, for example. The determination result of the paper determination unit 21 is transmitted to the continuation determination unit 22 .

[0064] If the paper properties of the paper characteristic detection unit 12a do not match in step S6 (No in S6), and if the paper type of the paper M does not match the paper identification information in step S7 (No in S7), the continuation judgment unit 22 counts the number of sheets of paper with mismatched properties (S8). On the other hand, if the information on the paper physical properties of the paper characteristic detection unit 12a matches in step S6 (Yes in S6), or if the paper type of the paper M matches the paper identification information of the reception unit 16 in step S7 (Yes in S7), the continuation judgment unit 22 clears the count of the number of sheets of paper with mismatched properties (S9).

[0065] Then, when the control unit 20 counts the number of sheets of paper with mismatched characteristics, it checks with the conveying unit 18 whether the position of the leading edge of the paper at the time when it was determined to be paper with mismatched characteristics is beyond the first branch point 18e (S10).

[0066] In step S10, if the position of the leading edge of the paper when it is determined to be characteristic-mismatch paper does not exceed the first branch point 18e (No in S10), the control unit 20 controls the conveying unit 18 to eject the paper M from the media detection device 12 to the first paper ejection tray 19b via the first purge path 18c (S11).

[0067] On the other hand, if the position of the leading edge of the paper when it is determined to be paper with mismatched characteristics in step S10 exceeds the first branch point 18e (Yes in S10), the control unit 20 causes the conveying unit 18 to eject the paper M from the post-processing device 14 to the second ejection tray 19c via the second purge path 18d (S12).

[0068] Next, the continuation decision unit 22 checks whether the number of sheets of paper with mismatched characteristics counted in step S8 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S13). In step S13, if the number of sheets of paper with mismatched characteristics is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (Yes in S13), the continuation determination unit 22 stops image formation (S14). Then, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 17 or the communication unit 24 to execute a tray confirmation notification process (S15), and ends the paper inspection process.

[0069] On the other hand, if the number of sheets of paper with mismatched characteristics is less than the predetermined number in step S13 (No in S13), the continuation determination unit 22 causes the image forming unit 13b to continue image formation. The control unit 20 repeatedly executes the paper inspection process for each sheet of paper. Then, the process continues until the job is completed, and then the paper inspection process is terminated (S16).

[0070] According to the image forming system 10 described above, the paper determination unit 21 determines whether the paper characteristics detected by the paper characteristic detection unit 12a correspond to the paper identification information of the paper specified by the user. In other words, the paper determination unit 21 determines whether the paper has matching characteristics or mismatching characteristics. When a predetermined number of sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatch paper are consecutively printed, the image forming system 10 stops image formation by the image forming unit 13b. When a predetermined number of sheets M determined to be characteristic-mismatch paper are not consecutively printed, the image forming system 10 continues image formation.

[0071] Therefore, the image forming system 10 can continue image formation even when the paper has large variations in paper characteristics. On the other hand, the image forming system 10 can stop image formation if the user sets the wrong paper.

[0072] Furthermore, even if divider sheets 31 are inserted every predetermined number of sheets in the paper stack 30 of characteristic-matching papers, the image forming system 10 can continue image formation with the divider sheets 31 still inserted. Therefore, the user does not need to take the trouble of removing the divider sheets 31 before setting the paper or after image formation. As a result, the image forming system 10 can minimize the decrease in productivity when a paper sheet different from the one specified by the user is detected.

[0073] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, if the number of sheets of paper M determined to be incompatible by the paper determination unit 21 does not reach a predetermined number in succession, the sheets of paper M determined to be incompatible are purged and image formation of the subsequent sheets of paper M continues. Therefore, the image forming system 10 can ensure the quality of the paper M that has been image-formed and discharged by purging the paper with mismatched characteristics. In this case, even if the control unit 20 purges the paper with mismatched characteristics, it continues image formation on the subsequent paper M, so productivity does not decrease.

[0074] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, if the number of sheets of paper M that are determined to be incompatible by the paper determination unit 21 exceeds a predetermined number, the sheets of paper M that are determined to be incompatible and the subsequent sheets of paper M are purged and image formation is stopped.

[0075] As a result, characteristic-mismatched paper fed from paper feeder 11 does not remain in paper feed path 18a. Therefore, when characteristic-matched paper is set in paper feeder 11 and operation of image forming apparatus 13 is resumed, characteristic-mismatched paper can be prevented from being discharged. This makes it easy for the user to manage image forming system 10.

[0076] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, the predetermined number can be switched depending on the paper type, the paper feed tray, or the physical property information of the paper M. In addition, the predetermined number is counted for each paper type, the paper feed tray, and the physical property information of the paper M. Therefore, if there is a large variation in the physical property values ​​of the fed paper M, the user can set the number of sheets that can be tolerated for each physical property value. This allows the user to flexibly adjust the conditions for stopping image formation, improving the usability of the image forming device.

[0077] The image forming system 10 of this embodiment switches the discharge destination of the purged sheet according to the determination timing of the sheet M determined by the sheet determination unit 21 to be incompatible. When the leading edge of the sheet M is located upstream of the first branch point 18e at the time when the sheet determination unit 21 determines that the sheet M is not compatible, the image forming system 10 purges the sheet M from the first purge path 18c.

[0078] Furthermore, when the leading edge of the sheet M is located downstream of the first branch point 18e when the sheet determination unit 21 determines that the sheet M is not compatible, the image forming system 10 purges the sheet M from the second purge path 18d. This makes it easier for the image forming system 10 to smoothly discharge out of the system the characteristic-mismatched paper determined by the paper determination unit 21. This makes it less likely that the transport unit 18 for the paper M or each device will experience various operational abnormalities, such as paper jams.

[0079] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, the paper feed path 18a has a registration unit 13a that performs registration adjustment of the paper M, and when the paper is discharged from the second purge path 18d, registration adjustment is not performed. In this way, the control unit 20 does not cause the registration unit 13a to perform registration adjustment for the sheet M that the sheet determination unit 21 has determined to be property-mismatched paper, making it easier to control property-mismatched paper.

[0080] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, after purging a sheet M that has been determined to be incompatible by the sheet determination unit 21, if a sheet M that is compatible by the sheet determination unit 21 is transported, image formation corresponding to the purged sheet M is performed again. As a result, even if the image forming system 10 continues image formation after purging the paper with mismatched characteristics, it is possible to form images on a predetermined number of sheets of paper M without any missing images.

[0081] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, if the paper identification information received by the receiving unit 16 includes the physical property information of the designated paper M, the paper determination unit 21 makes a determination based on the physical property information. On the other hand, if the physical property information of the designated paper M is not included, the paper determination unit 21 makes a determination based on the paper type. This saves the user the trouble of inputting paper identification information for identifying the designated paper M into the reception unit 16. On the other hand, by inputting physical property information into the reception unit, the user can obtain more accurate determination results. This makes it easier for the user to use.

[0082] The image forming system 10 of this embodiment performs a tray check notification process when a predetermined number of sheets of paper M are consecutively determined by the paper determination unit 21 not to correspond to the paper identification information. In this way, even if image formation continues after the mismatched characteristic paper has been purged, the user can confirm that the mismatched characteristic paper has been purged, which improves the ease of use of the image forming system.

[0083] In the image forming system 10 of this embodiment, if the paper determination unit 21 determines that the paper does not correspond to the paper identification information, the determined paper M is discharged to the normal paper discharge unit without performing image formation on the determined paper M.

[0084] In this way, when a partition sheet is included among the multiple sheets of paper M fed from the paper feed device 11, the image forming system 10 can discharge the sheets to the discharge section 19a in the same way as normal sheets of paper M, without forming an image on the partition sheet. Therefore, the partition sheet is arranged in a state where it is sandwiched between multiple sheets of paper M on which images have been formed. As a result, when multiple sheets of paper M on which images have been formed are stacked, the partition sheet is arranged as a marker, making it easier to handle the multiple sheets of paper M on which images have been formed.

[0085] The above-described embodiment can be modified in other respects as well, as long as the modifications do not depart from the gist of the invention as defined in the claims of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the medium on which an image is formed is paper, but the present invention can also be applied to other media such as film. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10...image forming system, 11...paper feeding device, 12...media detection device, 12a...paper characteristic detection unit, 13...image forming device, 13a...registration unit, 13b...image forming unit, 16...reception unit 17...display unit, 18...transport unit, 18c...first purge path, 18d...second purge path, 18e...first branch point, 18f...second branch point, 19a...paper discharge unit, 19b...first paper discharge tray, 19c...second paper discharge tray, 20...control unit, 21...paper determination unit, 22...continuation determination unit, 23...storage unit, 31...separator paper, M...paper

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives paper identification information for identifying the paper; a paper characteristic detection unit that detects characteristics of the fed paper; a paper determination unit that determines whether or not the detection result by the paper characteristic detection unit corresponds to the paper identification information of the paper designated by a user; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper, In an image forming system, if a predetermined number of sheets of paper are determined by the paper determination unit not to correspond to the paper identification information, the image forming unit stops the image formation, and if the predetermined number of sheets are not determined to correspond to the paper identification information, the image forming unit continues the image formation.

2. When the number of sheets of paper determined by the paper determination unit not to correspond to the paper identification information does not reach the predetermined number, the image forming unit purges the sheets of paper determined not to correspond to the paper identification information and continues the image formation on the subsequent sheets of paper. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

3. When the number of sheets of paper determined by the paper determination unit not to correspond to the paper identification information is equal to or exceeds the predetermined number, the image forming unit purges the sheets of paper determined not to correspond to the paper identification information and the subsequent sheets, and stops the image formation. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

4. The predetermined number is two or more. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

5. The predetermined number is switchable. The image forming system according to claim 4 .

6. The predetermined number of sheets can be switched depending on the paper type, the paper feed tray, or the physical property information of the paper. The image forming system according to claim 5 .

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined number of sheets is counted for each paper type, paper feed tray, and physical property information of the paper.

8. a control unit that switches a paper discharge destination of the paper to be purged in accordance with a determination timing of the paper that is determined by the paper determination unit not to correspond to the paper identification information, 4. The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3.

9. a paper feed path that transports the paper from a paper feed device to the image forming unit; and a first purge path that branches off from the paper feed path at a first branch point, When the leading edge position of the paper sheet at the time when the paper sheet determination unit determines that the paper sheet does not correspond to the paper sheet identification information is upstream of the first branch point, the control unit purges the paper sheet from the first purge path. The image forming system according to claim 8 .

10. a paper discharge path that transports the paper from the image forming unit to a paper discharge unit; and a second purge path that branches off from the paper discharge path at a second branch point, When the leading edge of the paper is located downstream of the second branch point at the time when the paper determination unit determines that the paper does not correspond to the paper identification information, the control unit purges the paper from the second purge path. The image forming system according to claim 8 .

11. a paper feed path for transporting the paper from a paper feed device to the image forming unit, the paper feed path having a registration unit for performing registration adjustment of the paper, and when the paper is discharged from the second purge path, the registration adjustment is not performed; The image forming system according to claim 10.

12. after purging the sheet determined by the sheet determination unit to be incompatible, if a sheet corresponding to the sheet determined by the sheet determination unit is conveyed, image formation corresponding to the purged sheet is performed again. The image forming system according to claim 2 .

13. the characteristics of the paper detected by the paper characteristic detection unit include at least one of information on paper type, basis weight, moisture content, surface properties, and surface color; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

14. The paper type determination unit determines the paper type. The image forming system according to claim 13 .

15. the paper type determination unit determines the paper type converted based on the physical property information detected by the paper characteristic detection unit. The imaging system of claim 14.

16. the paper determination unit, when the paper identification information received by the reception unit includes paper physical property information, makes a determination based on the paper physical property information, and when the paper physical property information is not included, makes a determination based on the paper type. The image forming system according to claim 1 .

17. a control unit that performs a tray check notification process when a predetermined number of sheets are consecutively determined by the sheet determination unit not to correspond to the sheet identification information; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

18. a control unit configured to, when the paper determination unit determines that the paper does not correspond to the paper identification information, not perform the image formation on the paper determined to not correspond and discharge the paper to a normal paper discharge unit; The image forming system according to claim 1 .

Images