Image forming device, paper control method and program

Abstract

To provide an image forming device, a paper control method and a program that can form images based on accurate paper sizes without impairing user convenience.SOLUTION: An image forming device 1 includes a paper feed part 10 with paper feed trays T which are storage parts in which paper sheets P are stored, an image forming part 30 which forms images on paper sheets P fed from the paper feed part 10, a first acquisition part which acquires first paper information including first paper size from an upstream reading sensor 21 which is a detection part, a second acquisition part which acquires second paper information including second paper size based on input by users with one of the paper feed trays T, and a control part 60 which functions as memory control part which correlates the first paper information and the second paper information and stores the information in a memory part 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus that transports a suitable sheet from a plurality of types of sheets set in a plurality of paper feed trays to an image forming unit and forms an image thereon.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a paper size is acquired by a reading device, and the acquired paper size is stored in association with a predetermined paper feed tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-284764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, for example, if a user cuts paper to A4 size, the actual size may differ from the A4 size specified by the JIS standard. In such a case, with the invention of Patent Document 1, even though the user wants to treat the paper as A4 size, the paper is stored in the storage unit as a non-standard size and is also treated as a non-standard size in the print job, which reduces user convenience.

[0006] On the other hand, if the paper is stored as A4 size, the exact size information for the paper is lost, which can cause errors when processing that requires accurate size information.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus, a paper management method, and a program that are capable of forming images based on an accurate paper size without impairing user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit; a first acquisition unit that acquires first paper information including a first paper size from the detection unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of a user; The storage unit includes one of the storage units, and a storage control unit that associates the first paper information and the second paper information and stores them in a storage unit.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The apparatus includes a process control unit that performs a first process based on the first paper information and a second process based on the second paper information.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, The first process includes at least one of setting a cutting position for the paper, aligning a first surface of the paper with a second surface opposite the first surface, and adjusting a paper-to-paper patch to be formed in the image forming unit.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 2, The second processing includes at least one of setting the distance between the multiple sheets of paper fed to the image forming unit, setting the magnification of the image to be formed in the image forming unit, and controlling the display of information about the sheets of paper on the display unit.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first standard size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size input by the user and the first paper size is within a predetermined range.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, The second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first standard size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size input by the user and the first paper size is within a predetermined value defined by a predetermined standard.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 5, When the difference between a first standard size input by a user and the first paper size is outside the specified range, and the difference between a second standard size closest to the first standard size and the first paper size is within the specified range, the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the second standard size as the second paper size.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 7, The second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first paper size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size input by the user and the first paper size is outside the specified range and when the difference between the second standard size closest to the first standard size and the first paper size is outside the specified range.

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 7 or 8, The printer includes a notification unit that notifies when the difference between the first standard size or the second standard size and the first paper size is outside the predetermined range.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 9, The notification unit notifies at least the first paper information.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, When the difference between a first irregular size input by a user and the first paper size is outside a predetermined range, the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first irregular size as the second paper size.

[0019] The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, the storage unit includes a measuring unit that measures the size of the paper; When the size of the paper measured by the measurement unit differs from the first paper size, the second acquisition unit acquires the second paper size based on the first paper size.

[0020] The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, the storage unit stores a maximum value and a minimum value of the size of the paper that can be stored in the storage unit; If the first paper size is larger than the maximum value or smaller than the minimum value and the difference is within a predetermined value, the second acquisition unit acquires the maximum value or the minimum value as the second paper size.

[0021] The invention described in claim 14 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The first paper information and the second paper information include at least one of the thickness, paper type, and fiber orientation of the paper.

[0022] The invention described in claim 15 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 14, the first acquisition unit acquires the first paper information including a first paper thickness from the detection unit; the second acquisition unit acquires the second paper information including a second paper thickness based on a user input; When the first paper thickness is within a predetermined range of the second paper thickness, the memory control unit links the one storage unit with the first paper information including the first paper thickness and the second paper information including the second paper thickness and stores them in the memory unit.

[0023] The invention described in claim 16 is the image forming apparatus described in any one of claims 5 to 8, 11 and 15, The device includes an adjustment unit that allows the user to arbitrarily adjust the predetermined range.

[0024] The invention described in claim 17 is the image forming apparatus described in claim 1, The device further includes an output unit capable of outputting the contents stored in the storage unit.

[0025] The invention described in claim 18 is a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit, a first acquisition step of acquiring first paper information including a first paper size from a detection unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of the user; The method includes a storage control step of storing the first paper information and the second paper information in a storage unit in association with each other.

[0026] The invention described in claim 19 is a program, a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit, a first acquisition unit that acquires first paper information including a first paper size from the detection unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of a user; The storage unit functions as a storage control unit that associates the first paper information and the second paper information with each other and stores them in a storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to form an image based on an accurate paper size without impairing user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a paper information DB. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a paper information registration process. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a paper information registration screen. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of an irregular form registration screen. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an irregular registration confirmation screen. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a standard registration confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In the following description, components having the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0030] [Overall configuration of image forming device] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and FIG.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 forms a color image on paper P by an intermediate transfer method using electrophotographic process technology. The image forming apparatus 1 includes, in order from the upstream side in the transport direction, a paper feed unit 10, an upstream reading unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a downstream reading unit 40, a post-processing unit 50, and a control unit 60.

[0032] In the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are the directions shown in Fig. 1. In addition, in the following description, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are also referred to as the width direction, conveyance direction, and height direction, respectively.

[0033] (Paper feed section) The paper feed unit 10 includes a plurality of paper feed trays T on which various types of paper P classified by basis weight, size, etc. are loaded. The paper feed unit 10 transports the designated paper P to the upstream reading unit 20 under the control of the control unit 60.

[0034] {Paper feed tray} The paper feed tray T is a plate-shaped member and is a storage section for storing paper sheets P. Each paper feed tray T is provided with a predetermined measuring section for measuring the size of the paper sheets P stored therein.

[0035] The measurement unit is, for example, a sliding partition plate. The user measures the size of the paper P by aligning the partition plate with the vertical and horizontal edges of the paper P placed on the paper feed tray T. The measurement unit transmits the measurement results of the size of the paper P to the control unit 60. The measurement unit may also be a known sensor or the like.

[0036] (Upstream reading section) The upstream reading unit 20 is placed on the upstream side of the image forming unit 30 in the transport direction and on the downstream side of the paper feeding unit 10 in the transport direction. The upstream reading unit 20 includes an upstream reading sensor 21 and a first paper discharge unit 22.

[0037] {Upstream reading sensor} The upstream reading sensor 21 is, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD), a contact image sensor (CIS), or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The upstream reading sensor 21 functions as a detection unit that detects first paper information including a first paper size from the transported paper P, and transmits the detected first paper information to the control unit 60. The upstream reading sensor 21 may detect various information related to the paper P as the first paper information, such as the thickness, paper type, stiffness, moisture content, electrical resistance, and fiber orientation of the paper P, in addition to the paper size.

[0038] {First paper output section} The first paper discharge section 22 is provided downstream in the transport direction from the upstream reading sensor 21, branching off from the transport path to the image forming section 30. In the image forming process, the control section 60 transports the paper P that has passed the upstream reading sensor 21 to the image forming section 30. On the other hand, in the paper information registration process described below, the control section 60 transports the paper P that has passed the upstream reading sensor 21 to the first paper discharge section 22.

[0039] (Image forming section) The image forming section 30 forms an image based on a print order on a sheet of paper P conveyed from the paper feed section 10. The image forming section 30 includes an image forming unit 31, a fixing section 32, a conveying section 33, an operation display section 34, and a control section 60.

[0040] {Image forming unit} The image forming unit 31 forms a toner image by an electrophotographic process and transfers it to paper P. For example, the image forming unit 31 uses photosensitive drums (Y, M, C, K) and an intermediate transfer belt B as image carriers. The intermediate transfer belt B is an endless belt that is wound around multiple rollers and supported so that it can run. The toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums (Y, M, C, K) are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B. A toner image (color image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B, with layers of each color (Y, M, C, K) superimposed. Then, a bias voltage of the opposite polarity to the toner is applied by the transfer roller R, so that the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred onto paper P. The transfer roller R is pressed against or separated from the intermediate transfer belt B at predetermined timing under the control of the control unit 60.

[0041] {Fixing part} The fixing unit 32 fixes the toner image transferred onto the paper P. For example, the fixing unit 32 includes a pair of rollers, consisting of a heating roller 321 and a pressure roller 322, for sandwiching the paper P. The heating roller 321 is heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater serving as a heat source. The pressure roller 322 is pressed against or separated from the heating roller 321 at predetermined timing under the control of the control unit 60. Heat and pressure are applied to the paper P as it passes through the nip between the heating roller 321 and the pressure roller 322. As a result, the transferred toner image is fused and fixed to the paper P. In addition, a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided near the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roller 322, and the temperature near the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roller 322 can be measured as the temperature of the fixing unit 32.

[0042] {Transportation section} The transport section 33 is a transport mechanism within the image forming section 30. The transport section 33 includes, for example, a plurality of rollers. The transport section 33 transports the paper P transported from the paper feed section 10 to the image forming unit 31. The transport section 33 also transports the paper P that has passed through the image forming unit 31 and the fixing section 32 to the downstream reading section 40.

[0043] {Operation display section} The operation display unit 34 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The control unit 60 causes the display unit to display various information. The operation unit is composed of operation keys and a touch panel placed over the screen of the display device. The operation unit converts input operations by the user into operation signals and outputs them to the control unit 60.

[0044] (Downstream reading section) The downstream reading unit 40 is placed on the downstream side in the transport direction of the image forming unit 30. The downstream reading unit 40 includes a downstream reading sensor 41.

[0045] The downstream reading sensor 41 is a CCD, a CIS, or the like, similar to the upstream reading sensor 21. The downstream reading sensor 41 reads the top surface of the paper P being transported, acquires the image formed on the paper P, and transmits it to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the operation of the image forming unit 30 based on the reading result.

[0046] More specifically, for example, the downstream reading sensor 41 reads the gradation correction patches formed on the paper P by the image forming unit 30, sends the reading results to the control unit 60, and corrects the image quality of the image formed by the image forming unit 30. The image quality can be corrected by adjusting the charging bias of the charging device, the exposure light amount and exposure position of the exposure device, the development bias of the developing device, the density correction characteristics, etc. This prevents changes in the image during output in a print job, and provides effects such as color stabilization.

[0047] (Post-processing section) The post-processing unit 50 includes a post-processing device 51 and performs predetermined post-processing on the paper sheets P on which an image has been formed. For example, the post-processing unit 50 includes a cutter as the post-processing device 51 and performs cutting processing on the paper sheets P. The post-processing unit 50 also includes a stapler as the post-processing device 51 and performs binding processing on the paper sheets P.

[0048] {Second paper output section} The post-processing section 50 is also provided with a second paper discharge section 52. To the second paper discharge section 52, the paper P that has been subjected to post-processing is discharged.

[0049] (Control unit) The control unit 60 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 60 is configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 62, a storage unit 63, and the like.

[0050] {CPU} The CPU 61 reads and executes programs stored in a program storage area of ​​the storage unit 63 or in a storage device outside the image forming apparatus 1, and performs various types of arithmetic processing.

[0051] {RAM} The RAM 62 provides a working memory space for the CPU 61 and temporarily stores data.

[0052] {Storage section} The storage unit 63 is configured with a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage unit 63 includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area stores data for various programs. The data storage area stores print orders including, for example, image data. The data storage area also stores, for example, the maximum and minimum sizes of paper P that can be stored in each paper feed tray T. The control unit 60 stores paper information, including at least the paper size, of the paper P in each paper feed tray T in a paper information DB in the data storage area. The paper information DB is constructed by a paper information registration process, which will be described later.

[0053] An example of the paper information DB is shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, in the paper information DB, first paper information including a first paper size (described later) and second paper information including a second paper size are stored in a linked table format for each sheet P stored in one paper feed tray T. In this way, the control unit 60 according to this embodiment functions as a storage control unit that stores the first paper information and second paper information in the storage unit 63 in a linked manner with the paper tray T, which is one storage unit.

[0054] [Paper information registration process] The paper information registration process in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. In the paper information registration process, the control unit 60 acquires the first paper size and the second paper size of the paper P. Then, the control unit 60 uses the first paper size in a first process described below, and the second paper size in a second process described below.

[0055] First, the user operates the paper information registration screen displayed on the display unit of the operation display unit 34, and the control unit 60 receives an instruction as to whether to register the paper P in one of the paper feed trays T as a standard size or an irregular size (step S101).

[0056] An example of the paper information registration screen is shown in Figure 5. If the user selects to register as a standard size, the user also selects a specific standard size (e.g., A4) as the first standard size. If the user selects to register as an irregular size, the user also inputs the specific length and width of the paper P (e.g., 300mm x 400mm) as the first irregular size.

[0057] However, if the paper feed tray T is equipped with a measurement unit as described above, the selection and input may be simplified by reflecting the measurement results in advance. Alternatively, if a two-dimensional barcode or the like containing information including the length and width of the paper P is printed on the packaging of the paper P, the selection and input may be simplified by reflecting the results of reading it with a hand scanner or the like.

[0058] The control unit 60 transports one sheet of paper P from one selected paper feed tray T so that it passes through the upstream reading sensor 21 and is discharged to the first paper discharge unit 22. The upstream reading sensor 21 detects information about the passing paper P (first paper information) and transmits it to the control unit 60 (step S102). The first paper information includes at least the size of the paper P (first paper size). In this way, the control unit 60 functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires the first paper information including the first paper size from the upstream reading sensor 21, which is a detection unit.

[0059] In step S101, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the paper P has been selected to be registered as a standard size (step S103). If the paper P has been selected to be registered as an irregular size (step S103; No), the control unit 60 compares the first irregular size input by the user with the first paper size read by the upstream reading sensor 21. Then, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the difference between the first irregular size and the first paper size is within a predetermined value (step S104).

[0060] The predetermined value is, for example, ±5 mm, and if the difference between the first irregular size and the first paper size is within 5 mm, the control unit 60 determines that it is within the allowable operating range. If the difference between the two is greater than the predetermined value (step S104; No), the control unit 60 overwrites the second paper size with the value of the first paper size. Then, the control unit 60 registers the first paper information and second paper information in the paper information DB (step S105).

[0061] If the difference is within the predetermined value (step S104; Yes), the control unit 60 causes the display unit to display an irregular registration confirmation screen as shown in Fig. 6. The irregular registration screen displays buttons for selecting the first irregular size, the first paper size, and the registration contents. The control unit 60 then receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to set the second paper size to the value of the first irregular size (step S106).

[0062] If an instruction to set the second paper size to the value of the first irregular size is received (step S106; Yes), the control unit 60 sets the second paper size to the value of the first irregular size and registers the first paper information and the second paper information in the paper information DB (step S107). On the other hand, if an instruction to set the second paper size to the value of the first irregular size is not received (step S107; No), the control unit 60 transitions to step S105. That is, the control unit 60 sets the second paper size to the value of the first paper size and registers the first paper information and the second paper information in the paper information DB.

[0063] On the other hand, if the paper P is selected to be registered as a standard size (step S103; Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether the first paper size is within the allowable range defined by a predetermined standard for the first standard size (step S108).

[0064] The predetermined standard is, for example, the JIS standard. Furthermore, let us say that the first standard size selected in step S101 is, for example, A4. In this case, the control unit 60 determines whether the first paper size of the paper P read and acquired by the upstream reading sensor 21 is within ±2 mm of the A4 size, i.e., within the range of 295 mm to 299 mm for the short side and 418 mm to 422 mm for the long side. However, if the present invention is used outside of Japan, for example, the ISO standard may be used as the predetermined standard.

[0065] If the first paper size is within the allowable range defined by the predetermined standard for the first standard size (step S108; Yes), the control unit 60 sets the second paper size to the value of the first standard size. Then, the control unit 60 registers the first paper information and the second paper information in the paper information DB (step S109).

[0066] If the first paper size is outside the predetermined standard for the first standard size (step S108; No), the control unit 60 determines whether the first paper size is within a predetermined operating tolerance range for the first standard size (step S110).

[0067] The predetermined allowable operating range is, for example, a range of ±5 mm from the first standard size, just as in the case of non-standard sizes. Therefore, the control unit 60 determines whether the first paper size is within the range of 292 mm to 302 mm for the short side and 415 mm to 425 mm for the long side.

[0068] If the first paper size is within a predetermined operational tolerance range for the first standard size (step S110; Yes), the control unit 60 displays a standard registration confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the display of the operation display unit 34. The confirmation screen includes buttons for selecting the first standard size, the first paper size, and the registration contents. The control unit 60 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to set the second paper size to the value of the first standard size (step S111).

[0069] When an instruction to set the second paper size to the value of the first standard size is received from the user (step S111; Yes), the control unit 60 proceeds to step S109. That is, the control unit 60 sets the second paper size to the value of the first standard size, and registers the first paper information and the second paper information in the paper information DB.

[0070] If the first paper size is outside the predetermined operational tolerance range for the first standard size (step S110; No), the control unit 60 compares the first paper size with the second standard size (e.g., B5 in this embodiment), which is the standard size closest to the first standard size. Then, the control unit 60 determines whether the first paper size is within the predetermined operational tolerance range for the second standard size (step S112).

[0071] If the first paper size is within a predetermined operational tolerance range for the second standard size (step S112; Yes), the control unit 60 displays a standard registration confirmation screen. Then, if an instruction to set the second paper size to the value of the second standard size is received (step S113; Yes), the second paper size is set to the value of the second standard size, and the first paper information and second paper information are registered in the paper information DB (step S114).

[0072] If an instruction to set the second paper size to the value of the first or second standard size has not been received (step S111; No) (step S113; No), or if the first paper size is outside the predetermined allowable operating range for the second standard size (step S112; No), the process proceeds to step S105. That is, the second paper size is set to the value of the first paper size, and the first paper information and second paper information are registered in the paper information DB.

[0073] (Use of the first and second forms) The control unit 60 uses the first paper information registered as described above for the first process, which is cutting position adjustment, front / back position adjustment, inter-paper patch formation, etc. Note that inter-paper patch formation is a process in which a toner patch image is created between image forming areas (between sheets) on the image carrier, maintained on the intermediate transfer belt B, and removed by a cleaning means (not shown), thereby preventing the cleaning means from turning over.

[0074] For example, assume that the paper P in one paper feed tray T is registered in the paper information DB as follows: first paper information: short side 300 mm x long side 424 mm, and second paper information: A4 (short side 297 mm x long side 424 mm). When cutting is performed in the post-processing unit 50, the control unit 60 controls the cutting to be performed +3 mm inward in the short side direction from the cutting position of the standard A4 paper P. Furthermore, when performing double-sided printing in the image forming unit 30, the control unit 60 forms a patch (so-called registration marks) for aligning the front and back sides of the paper P +3 mm inward in the short side direction from the standard A4 paper P. Furthermore, when forming the paper spacing patch, the control unit 60 leaves an extra 3 mm between the sheets of paper P than the standard A4 paper P. In this way, the control unit 60 uses the first paper information for processes that require precise paper size information.

[0075] On the other hand, the control unit 60 uses the second paper information registered as described above for the second process, such as displaying information about the paper P on the display unit, adjusting the paper spacing (setting PPM (page per minute)), and adjusting the magnification when setting the magnification of the printed image to match the paper size.

[0076] For example, assume that the paper P in one paper feed tray T is registered in the paper information DB as follows: first paper information: short side 300 mm x long side 424 mm, and second paper information: A4 (short side 297 mm x long side 424 mm), as described above. In this case, the control unit 60 displays on the display unit that the size of the paper P is A4. Furthermore, although the paper P is larger than A4, the control unit 60 passes the paper so that the paper spacing is the same as when the paper P is A4, thereby maintaining the PPM. Furthermore, if the user inputs to print according to the paper size, the control unit 60 corrects the image magnification to match A4 and then causes the image forming unit 30 to form an image.

[0077] In this way, the control unit 60 according to this embodiment functions as a process control unit that performs a first process based on the first sheet information and a second process based on the second sheet information. While the above describes the first process using the first sheet information and the second process using the second sheet information, the sheet information used in each process is not limited to the above classification. That is, depending on the control or processing method, the first sheet information may be used for sheet spacing adjustment, the second sheet information may be used for cutting, and so on. In particular, when displaying information about sheet P on the display unit, not only the second sheet information but also the first sheet information may be displayed.

[0078] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 10 having multiple paper feed trays T, which are storage units for storing paper sheets P. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an image forming unit 30 that forms images on paper sheets P fed from the paper feed unit 10. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a control unit 60 that functions as a first acquisition unit that acquires first paper information, including a first paper size, from the upstream reading sensor 21, which is a detection unit, and a second acquisition unit that acquires second paper information, including a second paper size, based on user input. The control unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 also functions as a storage control unit that associates one paper feed tray T with the first paper information and the second paper information and stores them in the storage unit 63. With this configuration, both the first paper information acquired from the upstream reading sensor 21 and the second paper information based on user input are stored in the storage unit 63. This allows for both image formation based on accurate paper sizes using the first paper information and user convenience using the second paper information.

[0079] [Other configurations] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Of course, the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0080] For example, in the above, the information included in the first and second paper information is not limited to the size of the paper P. The first and second paper information need only include at least the size of the paper P, and may include information other than the size of the paper P. Examples of such other information include the thickness, fiber orientation, and type of the paper P.

[0081] In particular, the thickness of the paper P may be configured to be stored as second paper information only if the first paper thickness based on the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21 is within a predetermined range of the second paper thickness based on the user's input, similar to the size of the paper P.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first and second paper information includes the fiber orientation of the paper P, for example, the first fiber orientation is an angle value, and the second fiber orientation is either long grain or short grain.

[0083] In the above example, the allowable movement range is described as being within ±5 mm of the predetermined size, but is not limited to this value. Alternatively, the allowable movement range may be a percentage rather than a difference, and may be a range of a predetermined percentage of the predetermined size. Alternatively, multiple standards for the allowable movement range, such as low, medium, and high, may be set, and whether or not the predetermined standard is met may be determined depending on the predetermined size. Furthermore, the control unit 60, which receives user operation, may function as an adjustment unit and adjust settings including the allowable movement range value as needed.

[0084] In addition, although the above example illustrates a configuration in which two pieces of information (first paper information and second paper information) relating to paper P in one paper feed tray T are stored in storage unit 63, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the paper information DB may have columns for third paper information, fourth paper information, etc.

[0085] In the above description, it is assumed that all sheets P loaded in one paper feed tray T have the same paper information, and the paper information for all sheets P is set collectively from data detected from one sheet P. However, this is not limited to this. For example, accurate paper size for each page is required for front / back position adjustment and output paper density adjustment. Therefore, when performing these processes, a reference paper size may be further stored in the paper information DB as third paper information, and the deviation amount of each sheet P from the reference paper size may be further stored in the paper information DB as fourth paper information. This storage control can be realized by performing a reading process in which the upstream reading sensor 21 reads all sheets in one paper feed tray T at a predetermined timing, such as before the job starts, when the image forming apparatus 1 starts up, at a specified timing, or when the paper feed tray T is opened or closed.

[0086] In the above description, in step S101, if the paper feed tray T is equipped with a measurement unit, the measurement results may be reflected in the input field in advance to simplify the user's operation, but this is not limited to this. For example, the standard size closest to the measurement results of the measurement unit may be automatically set as the first standard size, and the process may proceed to step S102, thereby omitting the user's operation.

[0087] However, when the first standard size or first irregular size is obtained by the measurement unit, if the measurement unit is not placed properly or is forgotten to be placed, the measurement result may differ from the actual paper size. Therefore, in the above configuration, if the measurement result of the measurement unit and the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21 differ, the first standard size may be automatically set from the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21.

[0088] For the same reason, even if the measurement result of the measurement unit is outside the range of the maximum and minimum paper sizes set for each paper feed tray T, if the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21 is within that range, the first standard size may be set from the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21. Furthermore, even if the reading result of the upstream reading sensor 21 is outside that range, if the difference is slight, the closest of the maximum and minimum values ​​may be set as the first standard size or the first irregular size.

[0089] The contents stored in the paper information DB may be output as needed by operating the operation unit. The output method may be, for example, output onto paper P by the image forming unit 30, or display on the display unit. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the information necessary when using paper P in an external device, for example.

[0090] In the above, steps S106, S111, S113, etc., have been described as examples of a configuration in which the display unit functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of various information by displaying various screens, but the notification unit is not limited to a display unit. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 includes a voice output unit that outputs voices or a communication unit that can communicate with other devices, these components may be used as a notification unit to notify the user of various information.

[0091] In addition, although the above example illustrates a configuration in which one image forming apparatus 1 includes each unit having each function, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system that is configured by multiple apparatuses including the image forming apparatus 1.

[0092] Although the above describes an example in which a hard disk or a semiconductor nonvolatile memory is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this example. Other computer-readable media include portable recording media such as CD-ROMs. Furthermore, a carrier wave can also be used as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Image forming device 10 Paper feed section 21 Upstream reading sensor (detection part) 30 Image forming unit 60 control unit (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, memory control unit, processing control unit) 63 Storage section T Paper feed tray (storage area) P paper

Claims

1. a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit; a first acquisition unit that acquires first paper information including a first paper size from the detection unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of a user; an image forming apparatus including one of the storage units; and a storage control unit that stores the first paper information and the second paper information in a storage unit in association with each other.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a processing control unit that performs a first process based on the first paper information and a second process based on the second paper information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first processing includes at least one of setting a cutting position of the paper, aligning a first surface of the paper with a second surface opposite the first surface, and adjusting a paper-to-paper patch to be formed in the image forming unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second processing includes at least one of setting the distance between the plurality of sheets of paper fed to the image forming unit, setting the magnification of the image to be formed in the image forming unit, and controlling the display of information about the sheets of paper on a display unit.

5. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first standard size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size input by the user and the first paper size is within a predetermined range.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first standard size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size input by the user and the first paper size is within a predetermined value defined by a predetermined standard.

7. 6. The image forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the second standard size as the second paper size when the difference between the first standard size entered by the user and the first paper size is outside the specified range and the difference between the second standard size closest to the first standard size and the first paper size is within the specified range.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first paper size as the second paper size when the difference between a first standard size input by a user and the first paper size is outside the specified range, and when the difference between a second standard size closest to the first standard size and the first paper size is outside the specified range.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when a difference between the first standard size or the second standard size and the first paper size is outside the predetermined range.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the notification unit notifies at least the first paper information.

11. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the value of the first irregular size as the second paper size when the difference between the first irregular size entered by the user and the first paper size is outside a predetermined range.

12. the storage unit includes a measuring unit that measures the size of the paper; 2 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the second paper size based on the first paper size when the size of the paper measured by the measurement unit differs from the first paper size.

13. the storage unit stores a maximum value and a minimum value of the size of the paper that can be stored in the storage unit; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the maximum value or the minimum value as the second paper size when the first paper size is larger than the maximum value or smaller than the minimum value and the difference is within a predetermined value.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first paper information and the second paper information include at least one of a thickness, a paper type, and a fiber orientation of the paper.

15. the first acquisition unit acquires the first paper information including a first paper thickness from the detection unit; the second acquisition unit acquires the second paper information including a second paper thickness based on a user input; The image forming device described in claim 14, wherein the memory control unit, when the first paper thickness is within a predetermined range of the second paper thickness, links the one storage unit with the first paper information including the first paper thickness and the second paper information including the second paper thickness and stores them in the memory unit.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an adjustment unit that allows a user to arbitrarily adjust the predetermined range.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an output unit capable of outputting the contents stored in the storage unit.

18. a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit, a first acquisition step of acquiring first paper information including a first paper size from a detection unit; a second acquisition step of acquiring second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of the user; a storage control step of linking the first paper information and the second paper information and storing them in a storage unit;

19. a paper feed unit including a plurality of storage units for storing paper; an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit, a first acquisition unit that acquires first paper information including a first paper size from the detection unit; a second acquisition unit that acquires second paper information including a second paper size based on the input content of a user; a program that functions as one of the storage units and a storage control unit that associates the first paper information and the second paper information and stores them in a storage unit;

Images