Image forming device and image forming system

Abstract

To improve convenience in setting a paper brand and an image formation condition.SOLUTION: An image forming device 100 comprises: sensing means that senses characteristics of paper conveyed from a paper feeding part; control means that performs control so as to display candidates for a paper brand on the basis of paper characteristic data sensed by the sensing means; setting means that sets the paper brand selected by a user from among the displayed candidates for the paper brand; and obtaining means that obtains the paper brand set by another image forming device 100. The control means preferentially displays, among the candidates for the paper brand, the paper brand obtained by the obtaining means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, some electrophotographic image forming apparatuses have been equipped with a paper detection device (hereinafter referred to as a media sensor) to detect the characteristics of paper, which is the print medium. The media sensor measures the characteristics of paper using an optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc. From the measurement results, the paper brand is selected and engine parameters are calculated, which are then used to set image formation conditions and perform printing. Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that is connected to multiple image forming apparatuses and servers via a network, and can set the correspondence between information on paper characteristics and printing conditions using paper characteristics and setting information from other image forming apparatuses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-108569 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because there are many paper brands on the market, some of which have very similar characteristics, when selecting a paper brand from the detection results of a media sensor, there may be multiple candidate paper brands. As a result, the method described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to set the printing conditions intended by the user. Furthermore, even if the user is allowed to select from candidate paper brands, they may be confused about which to choose.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve convenience when setting paper brands and image forming conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a detection means for detecting the characteristics of paper transported from a paper feed unit, a control means for controlling the display of candidate paper brands based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means, a setting means for setting the paper brand selected by a user from the displayed candidate paper brands, and an acquisition means for acquiring the paper brand set by another image forming apparatus, and is characterized in that the control means preferentially displays the paper brand acquired by the acquisition means from among the candidate paper brands. In addition, an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a detection means for detecting the characteristics of paper transported from a paper feed section, a control means for controlling the display of candidate image forming conditions based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means, a setting means for setting the image forming conditions selected by a user from the candidate paper brands displayed, and an acquisition means for acquiring the image forming conditions set in another image forming apparatus, and the control means is characterized in that it preferentially displays the image forming conditions acquired by the acquisition means from among the candidate image forming conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when setting paper brands and image forming conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a host computer. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a media sensor. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a paper brand setting process. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper characteristic data measurement process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper brand management table. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a paper brand selection screen. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an engine parameter setting process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an engine parameter selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] <Configuration of image forming device> The general configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. This image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus in which four image forming units that form toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are arranged in parallel. The image forming units have the same configuration, except for the colors of the toner images they form. The printing method is not limited to electrophotography, and other printing methods may be used.

[0011] In each image forming unit, photosensitive drums 101a-101d are uniformly charged by charging rollers 102a-102d and exposed to light according to image signals for each color from laser scanners 103a-103d to form electrostatic latent images. These electrostatic latent images are developed with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner by developers 104a-104d, respectively. The developers 104a-104d are cartridge-type, allowing for easy replacement of components.

[0012] The toner developed on the photosensitive drums is transferred in order to an endless intermediate transfer belt 106 by primary transfer rollers 105a to 105d, and a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 106. Residual toner on the photosensitive drums is collected by drum cleaners 107a to 107d.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 also has paper feed cassettes 111 and 112 and a manual paper feed unit 113. When an image forming operation starts, a sheet of paper S is fed from one of these paper feed units. The sheet of paper S is transported by transport rollers 114 and then transported toward registration rollers 116 by pre-registration rollers 115. When the sheet of paper S reaches registration rollers 116, skew correction is performed and the transport is temporarily stopped. The timing is adjusted so that the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 106 is transferred to the desired position on the sheet of paper S, and the sheet of paper S is then transported to secondary transfer rollers 109 in secondary transfer unit 118, where the toner image is transferred. The toner image transferred to the sheet of paper S is fixed to the sheet of paper S by pressure and heat applied by fuser 110. After fixing, the sheet of paper S is discharged to discharge unit 119a or 119b. Any residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 106 that was not transferred in secondary transfer unit 118 is collected by intermediate transfer cleaner 108.

[0014] Furthermore, a media sensor 150 is installed in front of the pre-registration rollers 115, downstream of the paper feed cassettes 111 and 112 and the manual paper feed unit 113, on the transport path of the paper S. The location of the media sensor 150 is not particularly limited, as long as it can be any position between when the paper S is fed from the paper feed unit and when it is transported to the image forming unit. The media sensor 150 detects the characteristics of the fed paper.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 100. Image forming apparatus 100 has a system controller 200 that controls image forming apparatus 100 in an overall manner, an image processing unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, and a communication I / F 205. System controller 200 is connected to image processing unit 202, operation unit 203, display unit 204, and communication I / F 205.

[0016] The system controller 200 has a CPU 211, a ROM 212, and a RAM 213. The CPU 211 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The ROM 212 stores programs and data such as various setting values. The RAM 213 temporarily stores various data. The CPU 211 reads out the programs stored in the ROM 212 into the RAM 213 and executes them, thereby realizing the processing shown in the flowcharts described below.

[0017] The image processing unit 202 converts the image data into image signals of each color to be output from the laser scanners 103a to 103d in accordance with the setting values ​​set by the system controller 200. The operation unit 203 is configured with a touch panel, hard keys, etc., and outputs instructions related to operations from the user to the system controller 200. The system controller 200 performs various operations based on the instructions obtained from the operation unit 203. The display unit 204 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays the status of the image forming apparatus 100 and various UI (user interface) screens under the control of the system controller 200. The communication I / F (interface) 205 is an interface for connecting to a network 350 (FIG. 3) via a wired or wireless communication path. The system controller 200 communicates with other image processing devices, servers, etc. via the communication I / F (interface).

[0018] Furthermore, the system controller 200 is connected to a high voltage control unit 220 , a motor control unit 230 , a DC load control unit 240 , sensors 250 , and a media sensor 150 .

[0019] System controller 200 receives signals from each unit, such as an original image density signal, and controls high-voltage control unit 220 and image processing unit 202 to perform settings for optimal image formation. High-voltage control unit 220 supplies the necessary voltage to high-voltage unit 221 (charging rollers 102a-102d, developers 104a-104d, etc.) according to the settings set by system controller 200. Furthermore, system controller 200 uses motor control unit 230 and DC load control unit 240 to perform a paper transport operation based on input from sensors 250, and forms an image on the paper.

[0020] The system controller 200 also exchanges control signals and measurement data with the media sensor 150, which measures the characteristic values ​​of the paper. The system controller 200 acquires the measurement data measured by the media sensor 150 as paper characteristic data.

[0021] <Configuration of image forming system> FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming system according to this embodiment includes multiple image forming apparatuses 100 (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and 100e) and a host computer 300. The apparatuses are connected to each other via a network 350 so that they can communicate with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , five image forming apparatuses 100 connected to the network 350 belong to the same group. For example, they are installed on the same floor or in the same company. The host computer 300 is an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) and is capable of monitoring the operating status of each of the image forming apparatuses 100 connected to the network 350. The host computer 300 can also issue image formation instructions to any of the image forming apparatuses 100. The number of image forming apparatuses 100 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 3 . The network 350 may be an internal network or an external network connecting bases.

[0022] In this embodiment, the paper brand and image forming conditions set in each image forming apparatus 100 are shared among the image forming apparatuses 100 connected to the same network. The sharing method can be via a server or by direct communication between each image forming apparatus 100. The server here may be the host computer 300 or another external device connectable to the network 350. The server also stores a database that holds paper brands that can be set in the image forming apparatus 100 and their image forming conditions, and this database can be accessed from each image forming apparatus 100. The database also holds a history of paper brands and their image forming conditions set in each image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] In the following description, it is assumed that the host computer 300 serves as the server and stores the database. The host computer 300 transmits the information stored in the database in response to a request from each of the image forming apparatuses 100.

[0024] <Host computer configuration> 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the host computer 300. The image forming apparatus 100 has a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, an operation unit 304, a display unit 305, and a communication I / F 306. These units are connected to each other via a bus 307. The CPU 301 controls the entire host computer 300. The ROM 303 stores programs and a database that manages the history of paper brands and image formation conditions set in the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network, as well as settable paper brands and image formation conditions. The CPU 301 reads the programs stored in the ROM 303 into the RAM 302 and executes them to realize the host computer 300 processing shown in the flowcharts described below. The operation unit 304 is an operation device such as a keyboard that accepts operations from an administrator. The display unit 305 is a display device such as an LCD display that displays various information under the control of the CPU 301. The communication I / F 306 is an interface for connecting to the network 350 via a wired or wireless communication path. The CPU 301 communicates with the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network, transmitting information stored in the database in response to requests from the image forming apparatus 100 and receiving paper brands and image formation conditions from the image forming apparatus 100 and recording them in the database.

[0025] <Media sensor configuration> Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the media sensor 150. Fig. 5 shows the media sensor 150 as seen from the paper transport direction. The media sensor 150 includes an ultrasonic sensor 520 and an optical sensor 550. The ultrasonic sensor 520 includes an ultrasonic transmitter 530 and an ultrasonic receiver 531. The optical sensor 550 includes a light source 551 and a line sensor 552 and is configured as a CIS (contact image sensor). Surface property detection using the optical sensor 550 requires that the sheet S be held at the optical focal point. Furthermore, the impact of paper fluttering during transport during ultrasonic measurement must be reduced. Therefore, two paper pressure rollers 560 and 561 are provided to stabilize the orientation of the sheet S. The paper pressure roller 560 faces the optical sensor 550 and is configured to press the sheet against the optical sensor 550. This reduces variations in the position and orientation of the sheet S when measuring the sheet surface, enabling stable measurement of paper characteristic data, including surface property and basis weight. Furthermore, the two paper pressure rollers 560 and 561 are configured to press the sheet only during measurement by the media sensor 150.

[0026] <Paper brand setting process> 6 is a flowchart showing a setting process for setting a paper brand using paper characteristic data measured using the media sensor 150. In the following explanation, each process (step) is represented by adding an S to the beginning, and the notation of the process (step) is omitted. In step S601, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to start measuring the paper from the operation unit 203 in response to a user operation. In S602, the CPU 211 uses the media sensor 150 to measure the paper characteristic data.

[0027] The measurement process of the paper characteristic data will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In S701, the CPU 211 sends a command signal to the media sensor 150 to start supplying power to the ultrasonic sensor 520. In step S702 , the CPU 211 uses the ultrasonic sensor 520 to perform ultrasonic measurement in a state where no paper is present, and stores the measurement results in the RAM 213 .

[0028] In S703, the CPU 211 transports one sheet of paper from the designated paper feed unit. In S704, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the paper has reached the media sensor 150. If it determines that the paper has reached the media sensor 150, the process proceeds to S705. In S705, the CPU 211 performs ultrasonic measurement using the ultrasonic sensor 520 and stores the measurement results in the RAM 213. When the measurement in S705 is completed, the CPU 211 turns off the power supply to the ultrasonic sensor 520 in S706.

[0029] In S707, the CPU 211 performs measurement using the optical sensor 550 and stores the output value (brightness value) for each pixel in the RAM 213. In S708 and S709, the CPU 211 acquires the measurement results from the ultrasonic sensor 520 and the optical sensor 550 from the RAM 213 and processes the acquired measurement results. Specifically, the CPU 211 calculates the basis weight from the measurement results from the ultrasonic sensor 520. The CPU 211 also determines the paper type, such as plain paper or coated paper, from the measurement results from the optical sensor 550 and acquires the determination result as surface property data. In S710, the CPU 211 discharges the paper when it has finished processing the data on the measurement results from the ultrasonic sensor 520 and the optical sensor 550. Then, the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 ends. In this way, paper characteristic data including paper basis weight and surface property data is measured.

[0030] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. In S603, the CPU 211 sends the paper characteristic data measured in S602 to the host computer 300. The CPU 211 inquires of the host computer 300 whether there is a history of a paper brand being selected for characteristic values ​​identical or similar to the paper characteristic data in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network. If there is a history, the CPU 211 requests the paper brand selected for characteristic values ​​identical or similar to the paper characteristic data in question. When the CPU 301 of the host computer 300 receives the paper characteristic data from the image forming apparatus 100, it searches for a history that includes characteristic values ​​identical or similar to the received paper characteristic data.

[0031] 8 shows an example of a paper brand management table. The host computer 300 stores in the ROM 303 a paper brand management table 800 that holds the history of paper brands selected by the image forming apparatuses 100 connected to the same network. The optimal image forming conditions (e.g., engine parameters) for the paper brand included in the history information are stored in association with each piece of history information in the paper brand management table 800.

[0032] The history information held in the paper brand management table 800 includes information on model information 801, characteristic values ​​802, selected brand 803, and candidate brand 804. The model information 801 includes information on the model ID, installation location, and paper feed tray of the image forming device 100 for which the paper brand was selected. The model information 801 is device information for uniquely identifying the image forming device 100. The characteristic values ​​802 include data on the basis weight and surface properties of the paper. The selected brand 803 includes information on the manufacturer, product number, and name of the paper brand selected for that characteristic value. The candidate brand 804 includes information on the manufacturer, product number, and name of the paper brand that can be set for that characteristic value.

[0033] The CPU 301 compares the paper characteristic data received from the image forming apparatus 100 with characteristic values ​​802 of an image forming apparatus 100 other than the image forming apparatus 100 that sent the data, and determines whether or not there is history information whose characteristic values ​​802 are the same as or similar to the received paper characteristic data. If there is corresponding history information, the CPU 301 transmits the selected brand 803 and candidate brand 804 of that history information, and the associated image formation conditions, as a response to the image forming apparatus 100. If there is no corresponding history information, the CPU 301 transmits a response to the image forming apparatus 100 indicating that there is no history of selection in another image forming apparatus 100, as well as the paper brands that can be set for the received paper characteristic data, and the associated image formation conditions.

[0034] The CPU 211 may also transmit device information such as a machine number that identifies the image forming device 100 along with the paper characteristic data, and request the host computer 300 to limit the paper characteristic data to be compared to those of image forming devices 100 that belong to the same group. The CPU 301 may also determine whether or not the devices belong to the same group based on the device information or the IP address in the network connection.

[0035] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. In S604, the CPU 211 determines, based on the response from the host computer 300, whether or not there is a history of a paper brand being selected in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network for the paper property data measured in S602. If there is a selection history, the CPU 211 receives the selected brand, candidate brands corresponding to the paper property data, and the image formation conditions associated with those paper brands, and proceeds to S605. If there is no selection history, the CPU 211 receives paper brands that can be set for the paper property data and the image formation conditions associated with them, and proceeds to S608. The CPU 211 may transmit the paper characteristic data measured in S602 to another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network, and inquire whether there is a history of a paper brand being selected for characteristic values ​​that are the same as or similar to the paper characteristic data. In this case, the CPU 211 may receive from the other image forming apparatus 100 the selected paper brand and the image formation conditions set for that paper brand.

[0036] In S605, the CPU 211 displays a list of paper brands received from the host computer 300. At this time, the CPU 211 displays the selected brand preferentially over the candidate brands. This is because the selected brand is a paper brand selected by another image forming apparatus 100 in the same group, and therefore there is a high possibility that the same paper brand will be selected. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 displays a paper brand selection screen on the display unit 204.

[0037] FIG. 9 shows an example of a paper brand selection screen. The paper brand selection screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 204. In an area 901, if the paper characteristic data measured in S602 matches or is close to the paper characteristic data measured in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network, the paper brand selected for that paper characteristic data is displayed. The paper brand displayed in area 901 corresponds to the selected brand 803. Area 902 is located below area 901 and displays as candidates paper brands that correspond to the paper characteristic data measured in S602 and are close to the paper characteristic data measured in S602. The paper brand displayed in area 902 corresponds to the candidate brand 804. In other words, of the paper brands that can be set for the paper characteristic data measured in S602, paper brands selected in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network are displayed preferentially. Since the same paper brand is likely to be set within the same company or on the same floor, preferential display of paper brands selected within the same company or on the same floor improves the convenience for the user when selecting a paper brand.

[0038] In S606, the CPU 211 accepts a selection from the list of paper brands displayed in S605 from the operation unit 203 by a user operation. In S607, the CPU 211 sets the image forming conditions associated with the paper brand selected in S606 as image forming parameters corresponding to the specified paper feed unit.

[0039] In S608, the CPU 211 displays a list of paper brands received from the host computer 300. For example, the CPU 211 displays paper brands associated with values ​​that match or are close to the paper characteristic data measured in S602. In S609, the CPU 211 accepts a selection from the list of paper brands displayed in S608 from the operation unit 203 by a user operation. In S610, the CPU 211 sets the image forming conditions associated with the paper brand selected in S609 as image forming parameters corresponding to the specified paper feed cassette.

[0040] In S611, CPU 211 transmits the paper characteristic data measured in S602 and the selected paper brand to host computer 300. When CPU 301 of host computer 300 receives the paper characteristic data and the selected paper brand from image forming apparatus 100, it creates new history information that stores model information, characteristic values, and the selected brand, and registers the newly created history information in paper brand management table 800. This completes the series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0041] According to the present embodiment, when setting the paper brand based on the results of characteristics detected by the media sensor, the paper brand set in another image forming device is displayed preferentially, making it easier for the user to select the paper brand. As a result, it is possible to set the optimal image forming conditions to match the characteristics of the paper, and to obtain high-quality printed matter.

[0042] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, a method was described in which a paper brand that has a history of being selected in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network is preferentially displayed on a screen that accepts the selection of the paper brand to be set. In the present embodiment, a method is described in which an engine parameter that has a history of being set in another image forming apparatus 100 is preferentially displayed on a screen that accepts the selection of the engine parameter to be set. Below, a description of the same content as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the description will focus on the content that differs from the second embodiment.

[0043] <Engine parameter setting process> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a setting process for setting engine parameters using paper characteristic data measured using the media sensor 150. S1001 to S1002 are the same as S601 to S602. Next, in S1003, the CPU 211 transmits the paper characteristic data measured in S1002 to the host computer 300. The CPU 211 inquires of the host computer 300 whether there is a history of engine parameters being set for characteristic values ​​that are the same as or similar to the paper characteristic data in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network. If there is a history, the CPU 211 requests engine parameters that were set for characteristic values ​​that are the same as or similar to the paper characteristic data in question.

[0044] The host computer 300 stores in ROM 303 a database that holds the history of engine parameters set in the image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network. When the CPU 301 of the host computer 300 receives paper characteristic data from the image forming apparatus 100, it determines whether there is a history of engine parameters being set for characteristic values ​​that are the same as or similar to the received paper characteristic data. This database also stores optimal image formation conditions (for example, engine parameters) for various paper brands or paper characteristic values.

[0045] CPU 301 compares the paper characteristic data received from image forming apparatus 100 with a built-in database, acquires candidate engine parameters corresponding to the received paper characteristic data, and transmits them as a response to image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, if there is a history of engine parameters being set in another image forming apparatus 100 for characteristic values ​​that are the same as or similar to the paper characteristic data received from image forming apparatus 100, CPU 301 includes those engine parameters in the response.

[0046] The CPU 211 may also transmit device information such as a machine number that identifies the image forming device 100 along with the paper characteristic data, and request the host computer 300 to limit the paper characteristic data to be compared to those of image forming devices 100 that belong to the same group. The CPU 301 may also determine whether or not the devices belong to the same group based on the device information or the IP address in the network connection.

[0047] In S1004, the CPU 211 determines, based on the response from the host computer 300, whether or not there is a history of engine parameters being set in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network for the paper characteristic data measured in S1002. If there is a history of settings, the CPU 211 receives the engine parameters and candidates for engine parameters corresponding to the paper characteristic data, and proceeds to S1005. If there is no history of settings, the CPU 211 receives only candidates for engine parameters corresponding to the paper characteristic data, and proceeds to S1008.

[0048] In S1005, the CPU 211 displays a list of engine parameters received from the host computer 300. At this time, the CPU 211 displays engine parameters set in another image forming apparatus 100 with priority over other engine parameters. This is because there is a high possibility that engine parameters set in another image forming apparatus 100 in the same group will be selected. In this embodiment, the CPU 211 displays an engine parameter selection screen on the display unit 204.

[0049] FIG. 11 shows an example of an engine parameter selection screen. The engine parameter selection screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display unit 204. In an area 1101, if the paper characteristic data measured in S1002 matches or is close to paper characteristic data measured in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network, the engine parameters set for that paper characteristic data are displayed. In addition, an area 1102 is located below the area 1101, and displays, as candidates, engine parameters that correspond to values ​​that match or are close to the paper characteristic data measured in S1002. In other words, of the engine parameters that can be set for the paper characteristic data measured in S1002, engine parameters set in another image forming apparatus 100 connected to the same network are preferentially displayed. Since the same engine parameters are likely to be set within the same company or on the same floor, preferentially displaying engine parameters set within the same company or on the same floor improves the convenience for the user when selecting engine parameters.

[0050] In S1006, the CPU 211 accepts a selection from the list of engine parameters displayed in S1005 from the operation unit 203 by a user operation. In S1007, the CPU 211 sets the setting values ​​of the selected engine parameters as image forming parameters corresponding to the specified paper feed unit.

[0051] In S1008, the CPU 211 displays a list of engine parameters received from the host computer 300. For example, the CPU 211 displays engine parameters associated with values ​​that match or are close to the paper characteristic data measured in S1002. In S1009, the CPU 211 accepts a selection from the list of engine parameters displayed in S1008 from the operation unit 203 by a user operation. In S1010, the CPU 211 sets the setting values ​​of the engine parameters selected in S1009 as image forming parameters corresponding to the specified paper feed unit.

[0052] In S1011, CPU 211 transmits the paper characteristic data measured in S1002 and the selected engine parameters to host computer 300. When CPU 301 of host computer 300 receives the paper characteristic data and engine parameters from image forming apparatus 100, it registers the model information, paper characteristic data, and engine parameters in association with each other in a database. In this way, the series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is completed.

[0053] According to the present embodiment, when setting engine parameters based on the results of characteristics detected by the media sensor, the display of settings set in another image forming apparatus prioritizes the user's selection of engine parameters, making it easier for the user to select engine parameters. As a result, the user can set optimal image formation conditions that match the characteristics of the paper, resulting in high-quality printouts.

[0054] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0055] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the program code. In this case, the program and the storage media storing the program constitute the present invention.

[0056] The disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of paper brand candidates based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting means for setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed paper brand candidates; an acquisition unit for acquiring the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus; and The control means displays the paper brand acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the paper brand candidates. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the characteristic values ​​of paper detected by one or more image forming apparatuses belonging to the same group as the image forming apparatus from an external device that manages the history of the paper brand set based on the characteristic values. (Configuration 3) 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the display so as to display the paper brand corresponding to the characteristic value that is the same as or similar to the characteristic value detected by the detection means. (Configuration 4) 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the detection means measures the surface properties and basis weight of the paper. (Configuration 5) a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of candidate image forming conditions based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting unit for setting the image forming conditions selected by a user from the displayed candidates of the image forming conditions; an acquisition unit for acquiring the image forming conditions set in another image forming apparatus; and The control means displays the image forming conditions acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the candidate image forming conditions. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 6) An image forming system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus are connected, the image forming apparatus, a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of paper brand candidates based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting means for setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed paper brand candidates; and The information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing a history of the paper brand set in the one or more image forming devices; the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus further includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from the information processing apparatus, the paper brand set in the image forming apparatus that is different from the image forming apparatus that displays the paper brand candidates, The control means displays the paper brand acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the paper brand candidates. An image forming system comprising: (Configuration 7) The image forming system according to configuration 6, wherein the history includes the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means of the one or more image forming devices and the paper brand set based on the characteristic values. (Configuration 8) The acquisition means transmitting the characteristic value detected by the detection means to the information processing device and receiving the paper brand from the information processing device; The information processing device includes: The image forming apparatus further includes a transmitting means for receiving the characteristic value from the image forming apparatus, searching the history stored in the storage means for the paper brand corresponding to the characteristic value that is the same as or similar to the received characteristic value, and transmitting the searched paper brand. 8. The image forming system according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The information processing device includes: The image forming system according to any one of configurations 6 to 8, characterized in that the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means and the paper brand set by the setting means are received from the image forming device, and the received characteristic values ​​and the paper brand are associated with each other and stored in the storage means. (Configuration 10) The acquisition means transmitting the characteristic value detected by the detection means to the information processing device and receiving the paper brand from the information processing device; the history includes device information of the image forming device in which the paper brand is set, The information processing device includes: The image forming apparatus further includes a transmission means for searching the history stored in the storage means for the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus that belongs to the same group as the image forming apparatus that is the sender of the characteristic value, based on the apparatus information, and transmitting the searched paper brand. 10. The image forming system according to any one of configurations 6 to 9, wherein: (Method 1) A control method for an image forming apparatus having a detection unit that detects characteristics of paper conveyed from a paper feed unit, comprising: a control step of controlling the display of candidates for paper brands based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting step of setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed candidates of paper brand; an acquisition step of acquiring the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus; Including, In the control step, the paper brand acquired in the acquisition step is displayed preferentially among the paper brand candidates. 2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (Method 2) A control method for an image forming apparatus having a detection unit that detects characteristics of paper conveyed from a paper feed unit, comprising: a control step of controlling the display of candidate image forming conditions based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting step of setting the image forming conditions selected by a user from the displayed candidates of the image forming conditions; an acquisition step of acquiring the image forming conditions set in another image forming apparatus; Including, In the control step, the image forming conditions acquired in the acquisition step are displayed preferentially among the candidate image forming conditions. 2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising: (program) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means included in the image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 100: Image forming apparatus, 300: Host computer, 350: Network

Claims

1. a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of paper brand candidates based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting means for setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed paper brand candidates; an acquisition unit for acquiring the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus; and The control means displays the paper brand acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the paper brand candidates. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the characteristic values ​​of paper detected by one or more image forming apparatuses belonging to the same group as the image forming apparatus from an external device that manages the history of the paper brand set based on the characteristic values.

3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls to display the paper brand corresponding to the characteristic value that is the same as or similar to the characteristic value detected by the detection means.

4. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means measures the surface property and basis weight of the paper.

5. a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of candidate image forming conditions based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting unit for setting the image forming conditions selected by a user from the displayed candidates of the image forming conditions; an acquisition unit for acquiring the image forming conditions set in another image forming apparatus; and The control means displays the image forming conditions acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the candidate image forming conditions. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

6. An image forming system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and an information processing apparatus are connected, the image forming apparatus, a detection unit for detecting characteristics of the paper conveyed from the paper feed unit; a control means for controlling the display of paper brand candidates based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting means for setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed paper brand candidates; and The information processing device includes: a storage unit for storing a history of the paper brands set in the one or more image forming apparatuses; the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus further includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from the information processing apparatus, the paper brand set in the image forming apparatus that is different from the image forming apparatus that displays the paper brand candidates, The control means displays the paper brand acquired by the acquisition means preferentially among the paper brand candidates. An image forming system comprising:

7. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the history includes the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means of the one or more image forming devices and the paper brand set based on the characteristic values.

8. The acquisition means transmitting the characteristic value detected by the detection means to the information processing device and receiving the paper brand from the information processing device; The information processing device includes: The image forming apparatus further includes a transmitting means for receiving the characteristic value from the image forming apparatus, searching the history stored in the storage means for the paper brand corresponding to the characteristic value that is the same as or similar to the received characteristic value, and transmitting the searched paper brand.

8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The information processing device includes: The image forming system according to claim 6, characterized in that the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means and the paper brand set by the setting means are received from the image forming device, and the received characteristic values ​​and the paper brand are associated with each other and stored in the storage means.

10. The acquisition means transmitting the characteristic value detected by the detection means to the information processing device and receiving the paper brand from the information processing device; the history includes device information of the image forming device in which the paper brand is set, The information processing device includes: The image forming apparatus further includes a transmission means for searching the history stored in the storage means for the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus that belongs to the same group as the image forming apparatus that is the sender of the characteristic value, based on the apparatus information, and transmitting the searched paper brand.

7. The image forming system according to claim 6.

11. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a detection unit that detects characteristics of paper conveyed from a paper feed unit, comprising: a control step of controlling the display of candidates for paper brands based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting step of setting the paper brand selected by the user from the displayed candidates of paper brand; an acquisition step of acquiring the paper brand set in another image forming apparatus; Including, In the control step, the paper brand acquired in the acquisition step is displayed preferentially among the paper brand candidates.

2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

12. A control method for an image forming apparatus having a detection unit that detects characteristics of paper conveyed from a paper feed unit, comprising: a control step of controlling the display of candidate image forming conditions based on the characteristic values ​​detected by the detection means; a setting step of setting the image forming conditions selected by a user from the displayed candidates of the image forming conditions; an acquisition step of acquiring the image forming conditions set in another image forming apparatus; Including, In the control step, the image forming conditions acquired in the acquisition step are displayed preferentially among the candidate image forming conditions.

2. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means included in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images