Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processor capable of proposing a printing paper sheet matched with the preference of an operator.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a paper grade of a print sheet on which a first job has been executed, a determination unit configured to determine, based on attribute information of the first job, suitability of the print sheet in a case where a second job equivalent to the first job is executed, and a display unit configured to display a determination result determined by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a method for proposing optimal paper suitable for printing. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, demand for direct imaging printers, which eliminate the need for plates used in offset printing and other printing processes, has been growing. Direct imaging printers are widely used to address demands for shorter printing times, larger print runs, and environmental concerns such as the disposal of defective paper. Among these printers, inkjet printers, which are cost-effective and suitable for photo printing, and electrophotographic printers, which are highly productive and produce a finish similar to offset printing, are more widely used. Some of these printers have multiple paper feed trays to accommodate various types of printing paper or large numbers of pages and copies. Typically, an operator pre-assigns paper types to these paper feed trays. Paper types are typically broadly classified based on paper characteristics such as basis weight and surface texture. For example, information such as "plain paper," "cardboard," and "coated paper" is assigned to each paper feed tray. Paper of the type assigned to a particular paper feed tray is then stored in that paper feed tray.

[0003] In such printers, the printer recognizes the paper type specified for the print job and automatically selects the paper feed tray that is set to the specified paper type. The printer then has a function called "automatic paper feed tray selection" that feeds the print paper for printing from the selected paper feed tray. Using this function, the creator of the print job or the operator can submit the print job to the printer without worrying about which paper feed tray is set to the specified paper type.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for automatically selecting a paper feed tray suitable for printing paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-086330 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] On the other hand, operators often individually set the printing paper stored in the paper feed tray according to their preferences, and in such cases, if the paper is selected automatically, there is a possibility that printed materials will be created on printing paper that does not suit their preferences.

[0007] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an information processing device, an information processing method, an information processing program, and an information processing system that are capable of proposing printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the brand of printing paper on which a first job is executed, a judgment unit that judges the suitability of the printing paper when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job, and a display unit that displays the judgment result determined by the judgment unit.

[0009] Preferably, the display unit displays the determination result in response to a request from an operator to display the job history.

[0010] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a job history display button for requesting display of the job history.The display unit displays the determination result in accordance with an instruction from an operator to select the job history display button.

[0011] Preferably, the display unit displays the determination result when the first job is completed.

[0012] Preferably, the determination result includes a content proposing a recommended brand of printing paper.

[0013] Preferably, the display unit displays the determination result when the second job is executed.

[0014] Preferably, the apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects the brand of print paper used in the first job. The determination unit determines the suitability of the print paper for executing a second job equivalent to the first job based on the setting information for the set paper included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

[0015] Preferably, the judgment unit judges the suitability of the printing paper when executing a second job equivalent to the first job based on the setting information of at least one of the set paper type and print mode included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

[0016] Preferably, the judgment unit judges the suitability of the printing paper when executing a second job equivalent to the first job based on at least one of the setting information of the setting paper and the printed image data included in the first job, and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

[0017] Preferably, the judgment unit judges the suitability of the printing paper when executing a second job equivalent to the first job based on at least one of the setting information for the set paper and the information regarding the jam included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

[0018] Preferably, the system further includes a recommended stock suggestion unit that suggests recommended stocks based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0019] Preferably, the recommended brand determination unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on setting information of at least one of a set paper type and a print mode included in the first job.

[0020] Preferably, the recommended brand determination unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on at least one of setting information of the setting paper included in the first job and printed image data.

[0021] Preferably, the recommended brand determination unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on at least one of setting information about the set paper included in the first job and information about the jam.

[0022] The information processing method disclosed herein includes a step of detecting the brand of printing paper on which a first job has been executed, a step of determining the suitability of the printing paper when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job, and a step of displaying the determined result.

[0023] The information processing program disclosed herein is an information processing program executed by a computer, and executes processing including the steps of detecting the brand of printing paper on which a first job has been executed, determining the suitability of the printing paper when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job, and displaying the determined result.

[0024] The information processing system of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the brand of printing paper on which a first job is executed, a judgment unit that judges the suitability of the printing paper when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job, and a display unit that displays the judgment result determined by the judgment unit.

[0025] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of a display screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a paper feed port setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a subflow of the print paper determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a paper brand table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a paper pass / fail determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating display screens in the suitable paper presentation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the information processing system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating display screens in the suitable paper presentation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a jam table according to a first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating display screens in the suitable paper presentation process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the first modification of the third embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the second modification of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] (1. Information Processing System Configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] In this example, an image forming system will be described as an example of the information processing system 1. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the information processing system 1 includes a paper feeder 10, a reading device 20, an image forming device 30 which is an example of an information processing device, a detection device 40, an intermediate device 50, and a post-processing device 60.

[0031] In the system 1, a paper feeder 10, a reader 20, an image forming device 30, a detector 40, an intermediate device 50, and a post-processing device 60 are arranged in this order from the upstream side along the paper transport direction. (1-1. Paper feeder configuration) The sheet feeding device 10 includes a sheet feeding control unit 11, a manual feed tray 12 serving as an insertion tray, a transport unit 13, a sheet feeding unit 14, etc. The sheet feeding control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU of the sheet feeding control unit 11 reads a program stored in the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and controls each unit of the sheet feeding device 10 in accordance with the loaded program. The sheet feeding control unit 11 transports paper (recording media) from one of the sheet feeding trays 141 to 144 of the sheet feeding unit 14 or the manual feed tray 12 to the reading device 20 according to the print job. The transport unit 13 includes a transport path 131 connecting the sheet feeding unit 14 or the manual feed tray 12 to the reading device 20, and transports the paper. The sheet feeding unit 14 has sheet feeding trays 141 to 144 that store paper according to predetermined paper types and sizes. The manual feed tray 12 is provided upstream of a reading unit 22 (described later) of the reading device 20 in the paper transport direction, and allows paper to be inserted therein. (1-2. Configuration of the reading device) The reading device 20 is provided upstream of the image forming apparatus 30 in the paper transport direction, reads paper transported from the paper feeder 10, and outputs the obtained read image data to an image formation control unit 36 ​​(described later) of the image forming apparatus 30. The reading device 20 includes a reading control unit 21, a reading unit 22, a transport unit 23, and a paper output tray 24 serving as a first purge tray. The paper output tray 24 is provided between the reading unit 22 and the image forming unit 34 (described later) of the image forming apparatus 30, and purges paper. The reading control unit 21 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU of the reading control unit 21 reads a program stored in the ROM and loads it into the RAM, and controls each unit of the reading device 20 in accordance with the loaded program. For example, the reading control unit 21 causes the reading unit 22 to read paper transported from the paper feeder 10, and outputs the obtained read image data to the image formation control unit 36. The reading control unit 21 conveys the scanned paper to the image forming device 30 via the conveying unit 23 or discharges it to the paper output tray 24. The reading unit 22 includes a line image sensor, an illumination unit, and the like. The line image sensor has multiple image pickup elements (e.g., CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices)) that perform photoelectric conversion on a pixel-by-pixel basis and are arranged one-dimensionally across the width of the paper (a direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction). The illumination unit irradiates light onto the paper to enable proper reading. The illumination unit is composed of, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) and a diffusion member that spreads the emitted light evenly across the reading range. The reading unit 22 reads one of the upper, lower, or both sides of the paper conveyed from the paper feeder 10 and outputs the read image generated as the reading result to the reading control unit 21. The readable range of the reading unit 22 is larger than the paper size so that the outline of the paper can be detected from the read image. The reading unit 22 may include a background member that forms the background of the paper image when the paper is read by a line image sensor or the like. The background side of the paper from the reading unit 22 may be configured to have a large space to prevent light from the illumination unit from circulating around the background member. The transport unit 23 is composed of multiple roller pairs and transports the paper transported from the paper feeder 10 to the reading unit 22.Under the control of the reading control unit 21, the conveying unit 23 conveys the paper read by the reading unit 22 to the image forming device 30 or discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 24. For example, the conveying unit 23 conveys paper without any defects (normal paper) to the image forming device 30. On the other hand, the conveying unit 23 discharges paper with a defect (abnormal paper) to the paper discharge tray 24. (1-3. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) The image forming apparatus 30 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by scanning an image from a document or image data included in a print job received from an external device (not shown). The image forming apparatus 30 then transports the paper on which the image has been formed to a detection device 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the image forming apparatus 30 includes an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a document reading unit 33, an image forming unit 34, an image forming control unit 36 ​​(a control unit), a storage unit 37, a communication unit 38, an image processing unit 39, a determination unit 100, a recommended stock proposal unit 101, and a display control unit 102. The operation unit 31 includes a touch panel covering the display screen of the display unit 32, as well as various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button, and outputs operation signals based on operator operations to the image forming control unit 36. The display unit 32 is configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various screens in accordance with display signals input from the display control unit 102. The document reading unit 33 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder), a scanner, etc., and reads an image of a document and outputs the resulting image data to the image formation control unit 36. The image forming unit 34 forms an image on paper conveyed from the reading device 20 based on the image data that has been image-processed by the image processing unit 39. In the first embodiment, the paper is a sheet. The image forming unit 34 includes photoconductor drums 341Y, 341M, 341C, 341K, and 341S corresponding to the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and spot color (S), an intermediate transfer belt 342, a secondary transfer roller 343, a fixing unit 344, a reversing path 345, a paper detection sensor 346, etc. The photoconductor drum 341Y is uniformly charged and then scanned and exposed by a laser beam based on the yellow image data, forming an electrostatic latent image. Then, yellow toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 341Y, and development is performed. Photoconductor drums 341M, 341C, 341K, and 341S are similar to photoconductor drum 341Y except for the colors they handle, and therefore will not be described here. The toner images of each color formed on photoconductor drums 341Y, 341M, 341C, 341K, and 341S are transferred one by one onto rotating intermediate transfer belt 342 (primary transfer).That is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 342 by superimposing five color toner images. The color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 342 are transferred onto a sheet of paper all at once (secondary transfer) by a secondary transfer roller 343. The fixing unit 344 includes a heating roller that heats the sheet of paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred, and a pressure roller that presses the sheet of paper, and fixes the color toner image to the sheet of paper by applying heat and pressure. When an image is formed on one side of a sheet of paper in the image forming device 30 (single-sided printing), the sheet of paper is transported from the fixing unit 344 to the detection device 40 under the control of the image formation control unit 36. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet of paper (double-sided printing), the sheet of paper is transported from the fixing unit 344 to a reversing path 345 under the control of the image formation control unit 36, and the sheet is reversed. The sheet is then fed again upstream of the sheet detection sensor 346 in the sheet transport direction. The paper detection sensor 346 is located upstream of the secondary transfer roller 343 in the paper transport direction and detects the leading edge of the paper and any misalignment of the paper. The image formation control unit 36 ​​controls the image formation position by the image forming unit 34 based on the detection results of the paper detection sensor 346. The image formation control unit 36 ​​includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the image formation control unit 36 ​​reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, etc., and loads them into the RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM, performs overall control of the operation of the image forming apparatus 30. The image formation control unit 36 ​​controls the paper passing mode when paper is passed through the image forming apparatus 30. The paper passing modes include a low-load mode, a single-sided printing mode, and a double-sided printing mode. The low-load mode is a mode in which paper is transported on the path for single-sided printing without secondary transfer by the secondary transfer roller 343 or fixing by the fixing unit 344. The single-sided printing mode is a mode in which the paper is transported along the path for single-sided printing, with secondary transfer by secondary transfer roller 343 and fixing by fixing unit 344. The double-sided printing mode is a mode in which the paper is transported along the path for double-sided printing, with secondary transfer by secondary transfer roller 343 and fixing by fixing unit 344. When preprocessing is to be performed on the output paper by preprocessing unit 52, which will be described later, image formation control unit 36 ​​issues an instruction to intermediate device 50 to perform the specified preprocessing.When post-processing is to be performed on the output paper, the image forming control unit 36 ​​issues a command to the post-processing device 60 to perform the specified post-processing. The memory unit 37 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs and image data. The memory unit 37 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the image forming control unit 36 ​​to read and write the data. The communication unit 38 is formed, for example, by a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, and transmits and receives various data to and from external devices (e.g., personal computers) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network). The image processing unit 39 performs necessary image processing on the image data stored in the memory unit 37, image data obtained by reading an image from a document using the document reading unit 33, and image data input from an external device, and transmits the processed image data to the image forming unit 34. Image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. Gradation processing is the process of converting the gradation values ​​of each pixel in image data into corrected gradation values ​​so that the density characteristics of the image formed on paper match the target density characteristics. Halftoning processing includes error diffusion processing and screen processing using ordered dithering. Color conversion processing is the process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value.

[0032] The determination unit 100 determines the suitability of printing paper for executing a next print job (second job) equivalent to an executed print job (first job) based on attribute information of the executed print job (first job). The recommended brand proposal unit 101 proposes recommended brands based on the determination result of the determination unit 100. The display control unit 102 displays the determination result determined by the determination unit 100 on the display unit 32. The determination result includes information on recommended brands. (1-4. Configuration of the detection device) The detection device 40 is located downstream of the image forming apparatus 30 in the paper conveyance direction. It detects the physical properties of paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 30 and outputs the detected physical property values ​​to the image formation control unit 36. The detection device 40 detects values ​​(physical property values) related to the physical properties of multiple types of paper, including the paper's basis weight, stiffness, moisture content, surface texture, etc. The physical property values ​​may be information that can be converted (translated) into physical properties. The detection device 40 includes a detection control unit 41, a detection unit 42, a conveyance unit 43, etc. The detection control unit 41 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU of the detection control unit 41 reads a program stored in the ROM, loads it into the RAM, and controls each unit of the detection device 40 according to the loaded program. For example, the detection control unit 41 causes the detection unit 42 to detect the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 30 and detects the brand of the paper based on the obtained physical property values. The detection control unit 41 outputs the detected paper brand to the determination unit 100. The detection control unit 41 transports the detected paper to the intermediate device 50 via the transport unit 43. The detection unit 42 detects the physical property values ​​of the detection location within the paper indicated by the detection location information. The detection unit 42 has sensors for detecting paper basis weight, stiffness, moisture content, surface properties, and other physical property values. For example, a sensor for detecting paper basis weight includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and measures the basis weight based on the attenuation of light transmitted through the paper. The sensor then outputs the basis weight as a physical property value to the display control unit 102. The sensor for detecting paper stiffness detects a physical property corresponding to the stiffness of the paper. For example, when paper is transported along a curved transport path, the sensor mechanically measures the force or displacement of the paper pushing against one of the outer guide plates that make up the curved transport path. The sensor then outputs stiffness as a physical property value to the detection control unit 41 based on the force or displacement of the paper. The sensor that detects the moisture content of paper optically detects the amount of light absorbed by OH groups, for example, using a near-infrared method. The sensor irradiates the paper with light of a specific wavelength in the near-infrared region, utilizing the property that the light absorption rate changes depending on the moisture content of the paper. As another example, the moisture content can be measured by measuring the change in the amount of light reflected from within the paper using reflected light separated by a polarizing filter. The sensor then outputs the moisture content as a physical property value to the detection control unit 41.The sensor that detects the surface properties (smoothness, smoothness) of the paper includes, for example, a reflection sensor that outputs the intensity and / or intensity ratio of specularly reflected light and scattered reflected light of light irradiated onto the paper, and measures the surface properties based on this intensity ratio. The surface properties are then output as physical property values ​​to the detection control unit 41. In addition to the above sensors, the detection unit 42 may also include sensors that detect the specific gravity, conductivity, etc. of the paper. The transport unit 43 is composed of multiple roller pairs and transports the paper transported from the image forming device 30 to the detection unit 42. The transport unit 43 transports the paper detected by the detection unit 42 to the intermediate device 50. (1-5. Configuration of intermediate devices) The intermediate device 50 performs preprocessing on the paper conveyed from the detection device 40 using a preprocessing unit 52 in accordance with the detection result of the detection device 40. The intermediate device 50 includes an intermediate control unit 51, a preprocessing unit 52, a conveying unit 53, and a paper output tray 54, which is a second purge tray. The paper output tray 54 is provided between the detection unit 42 and a post-processing unit 62 (described later) of the post-processing device 60, and purges the paper. The intermediate control unit 51 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the intermediate control unit 51 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and controls the operation of the intermediate device 50 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. The preprocessing unit 52 performs the following preprocessing on the paper conveyed from the detection device 40. The preprocessing includes, for example, a humidity control process including a humidifying process that humidifies the paper and a drying process that dries the paper, and a curl correction process. Conveying section 53 is made up of multiple roller pairs and transports the paper transported from detection device 40 to pre-processing section 52. Under the control of intermediate control section 51, conveying section 53 transports the paper transported from detection device 40 to post-processing device 60 or discharges the paper to discharge tray 54. For example, conveying section 53 transports paper with no defects (normal paper) to post-processing device 60. On the other hand, conveying section 53 discharges paper with defects (abnormal paper) to discharge tray 54. (1-6. Configuration of post-processing device 60) The post-processing device 60 performs post-processing on the sheets transported from the intermediate device 50. The post-processing device 60 includes a post-processing control unit 61, a post-processing unit 62, a transport unit 63, and a paper output tray 64. The post-processing control unit 61 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the post-processing control unit 61 reads various processing programs stored in the ROM, loads them into the RAM, and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 60 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. The post-processing unit 62 performs post-processing on the sheets transported from the intermediate device 50. Examples of post-processing include cutting, folding, perforating, creasing, foil stamping, varnishing, various binding methods, etc. The post-processing unit 62 may also perform curl correction on the sheets as post-processing. The transport unit 63 is composed of multiple roller pairs and transports the sheets transported from the intermediate device 50 to the post-processing unit 62. The conveying section 63 discharges the paper that has been subjected to post-processing by the post-processing section 62 onto a paper discharge tray 64 .

[0033] The devices included in the system 1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. That is, the reading unit 22, the image forming unit 34, the detection unit 42, the detection control unit 41, and the determination unit 100 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. The reading unit 22, the image forming unit 34, and the detection unit 42 may be configured to be able to communicate only one way. This one-way or two-way communication allows the transmission and reception of information necessary for various control operations of each device. The time by which the communication should end is determined by the content of the various controls of each device. Therefore, the start timing of communication and the communication speed (the amount of information that can be transmitted and received per unit time) must be designed to meet these requirements. For example, a case will be described in which the perforation position in the post-processing unit 62 is adjusted based on the detection results of the detection unit 42. In this case, the detection results of the detection unit 42 must be notified to the post-processing unit 62 before the post-processing unit 62 prepares to control the perforation of the paper. In high-speed machines that process a large number of sheets per unit time, the speed at which paper passes through the system 1 tends to be fast. Therefore, it is conceivable that the timing of the information notification may not be in time, as described above. In such cases, in order to ensure the time required for the paper to reach each device downstream of the paper passage, the system 1 may be configured as follows. For example, the path the paper passes between the detection device 40 and the intermediate device 50 may be intentionally bent to make it longer. Also, a temporary storage section that can temporarily store multiple sheets of paper may be provided, or the paper transport of the paper may be temporarily stopped as necessary. With such a configuration, the time until the paper reaches the next device can be extended, and the conditions for the timing of the information notification can be adapted.

[0034] In embodiment 1, the image forming control unit 36 ​​of the image forming device 30 controls the entire system 1, but the reading control unit 21 of the reading device 20 or the detection control unit 41 of the detection device 40 may also be configured to control the entire system 1. (2. Display screen configuration) Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a display screen according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, display screen 200 includes a paper feed port setting button 202 and a history display button 204. Paper feed port setting button 202 is a button for setting paper for the paper feed ports, and it is possible to individually set paper for the paper feed ports according to an operation by an operator. History display button 204 is a button for displaying the print history on the display screen.

[0035] 4 is a diagram illustrating a paper feed port setting screen according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the operator can set "manual feed," "single-stage feeder," "two-stage feeder," "three-stage feeder," or "four-stage feeder" as the paper feed port on the paper feed port setting screen. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "manual feed" is set to "thick paper," "single-stage feeder" to "plain paper," "two-stage feeder" to "recycled paper," "three-stage feeder" to "plain paper," and "four-stage feeder" to "coated paper." (3. Printing process flow) 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, in information processing system 1, an operator executes settings related to a print job for printing (step S2). Specifically, the print job to be printed is set in accordance with an operation instruction from the operator via operation unit 31. The print job includes settings for a paper feed mode, print paper, print mode, number of copies to be printed, etc.

[0036] Next, the information processing system 1 executes the print job (step S4). Specifically, the information processing system 1 executes job processing in cooperation with various devices according to the set print job. Next, the information processing system 1 executes a print paper determination process (step S6). Details of the print paper determination process will be described later. Then, the process ends (END).

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a subflow of the print paper determination process according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the detection control unit 41 executes the paper brand detection process (step S8). Specifically, the detection control unit 41 detects the paper brand based on the paper's physical property values ​​obtained from the detection unit 42. The detection unit 42 has sensors that detect the paper's physical property values, such as the paper's basis weight, stiffness, moisture content, and surface properties. The detection control unit 41 detects one paper brand from among multiple paper types based on the paper's physical property values, such as the paper's basis weight, stiffness, moisture content, and surface properties. The detection control unit 41 holds a parameter table relating to various physical property parameters for each paper, and detects the paper brand based on this table. The detection control unit 41 outputs the detection result, that is, the paper brand, to the determination unit 100.

[0038] The determining unit 100 executes a paper pass / fail determination process (step S10). The paper pass / fail determination process will be described in detail later. Then, the process ends (return).

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a paper brand table according to embodiment 1. Referring to Fig. 7, characteristics for a plurality of paper brands are shown as an example. The paper brand table is stored in storage unit 37 as an example.

[0040] Specifically, paper brands "AAA" to "OOO" are shown. For each paper brand, a paper type and characteristic information for that paper type are associated and registered. Specifically, the characteristic information is associated and registered with a print mode suitable for printing. Specifically, paper brand "AAA" is plain paper "N1" and is suitable for the print modes "text" and "map." Paper brand "BBB" is plain paper "N2" and is suitable for the print modes "text" and "photo." Paper brand "CCC" is plain paper "N3" and is suitable for the print modes "text," "map," and "photo." Paper brand "EEE" is recycled paper "R1" and is suitable for the print modes "text," "picture," and "graph." Paper brand "FFF" is recycled paper "R2" and is suitable for the print modes "text," "map," and "graph." Paper brand "GGG" is thick paper "P1" and is suitable for the print modes "map," "photo," "picture," "graph," and "certificate." Paper brand "HHH" is thick paper "P2" and is suitable for the print modes "Map," "Photo," "Picture," and "Certificate." Paper brand "III" is thick paper "P3" and is suitable for the print modes "Map," "Photo," and "Certificate." Paper brand "JJJ" is thin paper "Q1" and is suitable for the print mode "Text." Paper brand "KKK" is thin paper "Q2" and is suitable for the print modes "Text" and "Graph." Paper brand "LLL" is coated paper "R1" and is suitable for the print modes "Map," "Photo," "Picture," and "Graph." Paper brand "MMM" is coated paper "R2" and is suitable for the print modes "Map," "Photo," and "Picture." Paper brand "NNN" is matte coated paper "S1" and is suitable for the print modes "Text," "Map," "Photo," "Picture," and "Graph." The paper brand "OOO" is matte coated paper "S2" and is suitable for the print modes "text," "map," "photo," and "picture." Note that these are just examples, and other paper brands may be used, and other combinations of print modes may also be used.

[0041] In this example, a case will be described in which the paper brand table is stored in storage unit 37, but this is not a limitation and the table may be obtained by downloading it from a server connected via a network, for example. Also, the paper brand table is not a limitation to being prepared in advance and the table may be created by automatically generating paper type characteristic information associated with the name of the paper brand based on the sensor detection results of detection unit 42, for example.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating the paper pass / fail determination process according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the determination unit 100 determines whether the print setting paper of the print job and the detected print paper are compatible (step S20). Specifically, the determination unit 100 references the paper brand table of FIG. 7 to determine whether the set paper type included in the attribute information of the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing. If the set paper type of the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper of the print job and the detected print paper are compatible. On the other hand, if the set paper type of the print job is different from the paper type actually used for printing, the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper of the print job is not compatible with the detected print paper. For example, if the set paper type in the attribute information of the print job is plain paper and the paper type actually used for printing is thin paper, the determination unit 100 determines that the paper types are different.

[0043] In step S20, if the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper of the print job matches the detected print paper (YES in step S20), it makes an OK determination (step S22), and then ends the process (return).

[0044] In step S20, if the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper and the detected print paper do not match (NO in step S20), it makes an NG determination (step S24), and then ends the process (return).

[0045] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the display control process according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the display control unit 102 determines whether or not the judgment is OK (step S30). In step S30, if the judgment is OK (YES in step S30), the display control unit 102 ends the process (END). On the other hand, if the judgment is not OK (NO in step S30), that is, if the judgment is NG, the display control unit 102 instructs the recommended stock proposal unit 101, and the recommended stock proposal unit 101 identifies a recommended stock (step S31). Next, the display control unit 102 executes a suitable paper presentation process for the recommended stock identified by the recommended stock proposal unit 101 (step S32). Then, the process ends (END).

[0046] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 10, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 210 includes (A) an operator setting item 212, (B) a paper brand detection item 214, (C) a recommended brand item 216, a recommended brand purchase site button 218, and a QR code (registered trademark) 219.

[0047] (A) Operator setting item 212 is information about the paper feed port that the operator has set by selecting paper feed port setting button 202 in Fig. 3. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "Manual Feed" is set to "Thick Paper," "1st Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," "2nd Feed Unit" is set to "Recycled Paper," "3rd Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," and "4th Feed Unit" is set to "Coated Paper." Also, a case is shown in which the executed print job was set to plain paper in the 3rd feed unit.

[0048] (B) Paper brand detection item 214 is information about the paper brand detected by detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "thick paper P1 (GGG)" is detected in "manual feed," "plain paper N1 (AAA)" in "single-stage paper feed unit," "recycled paper M1 (EEE)" in "second-stage paper feed unit," "thin paper Q1 (JJJ)" in "third-stage paper feed unit," and "matt coated paper S1 (NNN)" in "fourth-stage paper feed unit." The executed print job is shown to be printed using "thin paper Q1 (JJJ)" in the third-stage paper feed unit.

[0049] (C) The recommended stock item 216 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 216.

[0050] In this example, the paper type set for the print job was set to plain paper by the operator, which is different from the thin paper actually used for printing. Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper, which is the paper type set for the print job, as the recommended brand because the paper type is different. Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 uses a paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, for example, to propose plain papers N1, N2, N3, and N4. Note that when there are multiple recommended brands, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 may propose a low-cost recommended brand or change the priority order.

[0051] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 218 linked to a site for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By selecting this button 218, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0052] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 219 associated with a website for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 219 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0053] By using this method, the information processing system according to the first embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences.

[0054] 9 may be performed at the end of a print job (first job). By displaying the display screen for the suitable paper presentation process on the display unit 32 as needed at the end of the print job (first job), it becomes possible to change to suitable paper before executing the same print job (second job) again.

[0055] In this example, we have described a case where the paper type set for the print job (plain paper) differs from the paper type actually used for printing (thin paper), but this can also be applied to other cases. For example, even when the paper type set for the print job (coated paper) differs from the paper type actually used for printing (thin paper), the process of suggesting suitable paper for recommended brands is similarly performed. Specifically, coated paper R1 or R2 that is suitable for the paper type set for the print job (coated paper) may be recommended.

[0056] In this example, a case will be described in which (C) recommended brand item 216 is displayed when it is determined that the print setting paper of the print job is not compatible with the detected print paper, but it is also possible to display only (A) operator setting item 212 and (B) paper brand detection item 214. This display allows the operator to easily recognize that the print setting paper is not compatible with the detected print paper. [Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] The display control process according to the first modification of the first embodiment may be performed not at the end of a print job but in response to a selection instruction of the history display button 204. Specifically, the display control process of FIG. 9 may be executed using the selection of the history display button 204 in FIG. 3 as a trigger.

[0057] When an operator checks the printing history of a print job (first job), if necessary, the display screen for the suitable paper presentation process can be displayed on the display unit 32, allowing the operator to change to the appropriate paper before executing the same print job (second job) again.

[0058] In this example, the case where the display control process is executed in accordance with a selection instruction from the history display button 204 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and the display control process may be executed in accordance with other operation instructions. [Modification 2 of Embodiment 1] The display control process according to the second modification of the first embodiment may be performed before the next print job (second job) is executed.

[0059] 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the information processing system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, compared to the flow of FIG. 5, steps S40-S44 are added. In the information processing system 1, an operator executes settings related to a print job for printing (step S2). Next, the information processing system 1 determines whether the current print job (second job) has the same settings as the previous print job (first job) (step S40).

[0060] Next, if the information processing system 1 determines in step S40 that the current print job (second job) has the same settings as the previous print job (first job) (YES in step S40), it determines whether the previous print job (first job) was judged to be OK (step S42).

[0061] If the display control unit 102 determines in step S42 that the previous print job (first job) is OK (YES in step S42), it does not execute the suitable paper presentation process, but executes the next print job (second job) as usual (step S4). Subsequent processes are similar.

[0062] On the other hand, if the display control unit 102 determines in step S42 that the previous print job (first job) was not judged as OK (NO in step S42), that is, if it judges that the previous print job (first job) was judged as NG, it executes a suitable paper presentation process (step S44). The subsequent processes are similar.

[0063] If the previous print job (first job) and the current print job (second job) have the same settings and the previous print job (first job) is judged as NG, the display screen for the suitable paper presentation process can be displayed on the display unit 32, making it possible to change to appropriate paper before executing the same print job. [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which whether the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible is determined based on whether the paper type set for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing.

[0064] In the second embodiment, we will explain a case where whether the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible is determined based on the setting information of the print job's set paper type and print mode, and the type of paper brand actually used for printing.

[0065] Specifically, the determination unit 100 refers to the paper brand table in FIG. 7 and determines whether the set paper type for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, based on the set paper type and print mode setting information for the print job and the type of paper brand.

[0066] If the paper type set for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, the determination unit 100 further determines whether the print-set paper and the detected print paper are compatible based on the print mode setting information for the print job and the paper brand characteristic information. If the print mode for the print job matches the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the print-set paper and the detected print paper are compatible. If the determination unit 100 determines that the print-set paper and the detected print paper are compatible, it makes an OK determination.

[0067] On the other hand, if the paper type set for the print job differs from the paper type actually used for printing, or if the print mode for the print job does not match the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the print set paper does not match the detected print paper.If the determination unit 100 determines that the print set paper does not match the detected print paper, it makes an NG determination.

[0068] For example, if the set paper type for a print job is "plain paper" and the print mode is "map," and the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N2 (BBB), which is not suitable for the print mode ("map"), it will be determined to be incompatible.

[0069] 9, if the display control unit 102 determines that the judgment is not OK, i.e., if the judgment is NG, it instructs the recommended stock proposal unit 101, and the recommended stock proposal unit 101 identifies a recommended stock. Then, the display control unit 102 then executes a suitable paper presentation process for the recommended stock identified by the recommended stock proposal unit 101.

[0070] 12 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 220 includes (A) an operator setting item 222, (B) a paper brand detection item 224, (C) a recommended brand item 226, a recommended brand purchase site button 228, and a QR code 229.

[0071] (A) Operator setting item 222 is information about the paper feed slot set by the operator by selecting paper feed slot setting button 202 in Fig. 3, and information indicating the print mode of the print job. In this example, as an example, a case where "Manual Feed" is set to "Thick Paper," "1st Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," "2nd Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Recycled Paper," "3rd Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," and "4th Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Coated Paper" is shown. Also, a case where the executed print job was set to plain paper in the 3rd stage paper feed unit is shown. Also, an example where the print mode of the print job is "Map" is shown.

[0072] (B) Paper brand detection item 224 is information about the paper brand detected by detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, the case where "thick paper P1 (GGG)" is detected in "manual feed," "plain paper N1 (AAA)" in "single-stage paper feed unit," "recycled paper M1 (EEE)" in "second-stage paper feed unit," "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in "three-stage paper feed unit," and "matt coated paper S1 (NNN)" in "four-stage paper feed unit" is shown. The executed print job is shown to have been printed using "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the three-stage paper feed unit.

[0073] (C) The recommended stock item 226 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 226.

[0074] In this example, the paper type set for the print job was set to plain paper by the operator, so the paper type is the same as the plain paper actually used for printing. However, the print mode of the print job does not match the print mode suitable for printing contained in the print paper characteristic information. As shown in the paper brand table in FIG. 7, the characteristic information for plain paper N3 (CCC) is not suitable for the print mode ("map"). Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper suitable for the print mode ("map") of the print job. Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 proposes plain papers N1 and N4 using the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, as an example.

[0075] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 228 linked to a site for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like suggested by the recommended brand suggestion unit 101. By selecting this button 228, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0076] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 229 associated with a website for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 229 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0077] By using this method, the information processing system according to the second embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Modification 1 of Embodiment 2] In variant example 1 of embodiment 2, a determination is made as to whether the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible based on the setting information for the print job's set paper type, the type of paper brand actually used for printing, and information regarding jams.

[0078] In the first modification of the second embodiment, the storage unit 37 has a jam table for managing information about jams.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a jam table according to the first modification of the second embodiment. Referring to Fig. 13, the jam table shows paper brands "AAA" to "OOO". For each paper brand, the paper type and the number of jams are registered in association with each other.

[0080] Every time a jam occurs, the number of jams for the corresponding paper brand is counted up.

[0081] For example, if a print job is not completed due to a jam, the image formation control unit 36 ​​changes the value of the number of jams in the jam table corresponding to the detected paper brand.

[0082] In this example, the cases where plain paper N1 (jam count (1)), plain paper N3 (jam count (16)), and thick paper P1 (jam count (2)) are registered are shown. For other papers, the cases where the jam count (0) is registered are shown.

[0083] Specifically, the determination unit 100 refers to the paper brand table in FIG. 7 and determines whether the set paper type for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, based on the set paper type and print mode setting information for the print job and the type of paper brand.

[0084] If the paper type set for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, the determining unit 100 further refers to the jam table to determine whether the number of jams for that paper type is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 10 times).

[0085] The determination unit 100 refers to the jam table and, if the number of jams for the paper type is less than or equal to a threshold value (for example, 10 times), determines that the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible. If the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible, it makes an OK determination.

[0086] On the other hand, if the paper type set for the print job differs from the paper type actually used for printing, or if the number of jams for that paper type is not equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 10 times) by referring to the jam table, the determination unit 100 determines that the print-set paper does not match the detected print paper. If the determination unit 100 determines that the print-set paper does not match the detected print paper, it makes an NG determination.

[0087] For example, if the paper type set for a print job is "plain paper," but the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N3 (CCC), and the number of jams is (16), it is determined to be incompatible.

[0088] In this example, the threshold value is set to 10 times, but it is not limited to this and can be set to any value. Also, the jam frequency may be calculated, and whether the print setting paper and the detected print paper match based on whether a jam occurs with a probability of 1 / 100 or more, for example.

[0089] 14 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Referring to FIG. 14, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 230 includes (A) an operator setting item 232, (B) a paper brand detection item 234, (C) a recommended brand item 236, a recommended brand purchase site button 238, and a QR code 239.

[0090] (A) Operator setting item 232 is information about the paper feed port that the operator has set by selecting paper feed port setting button 202 in Fig. 3. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "Manual Feed" is set to "Thick Paper," "1st Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," "2nd Feed Unit" is set to "Recycled Paper," "3rd Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," and "4th Feed Unit" is set to "Coated Paper." Also, a case is shown in which the executed print job was set to plain paper in the 3rd feed unit.

[0091] (B) Paper brand detection item 234 is information about the paper brand detected by the detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, the following cases are shown: "Manual feed" is "Thick paper P1 (GGG)," "1st tray paper feeder" is "Plain paper N1 (AAA)," "2nd tray paper feeder" is "Recycled paper M1 (EEE)," "3rd tray paper feeder" is "Plain paper N3 (CCC)," and "4th tray paper feeder" is "Matte coated paper S1 (NNN)." The executed print job is shown as being printed using "Plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the 3rd tray paper feeder. The jam table is also referenced to display the number of jams corresponding to the paper brand.

[0092] (C) The recommended stock item 236 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 236.

[0093] In this example, the paper type set for the print job was set to plain paper by the operator, so the paper type is the same as the plain paper actually used for printing. However, the jam table is referenced and the number of jams for that paper type (plain paper N3 (CCC)) is not below a threshold value (for example, 10 times). As shown in the jam table in FIG. 13, the number of jams for plain paper N3 (CCC) is "16." Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper that is suitable for the set paper type of the print job and has a low number of jams. Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 uses the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, for example, to propose plain papers N1, N2, and N4.

[0094] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 238 linked to a site for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By selecting this button 238, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0095] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 239 associated with a website for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 239 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0096] By using this method, the information processing system according to the first modification of the second embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Modification 2 of Embodiment 2] In variant example 2 of embodiment 2, a determination is made as to whether the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible based on the setting information of the print job's set paper type, the printed image data, and the type of paper brand actually used for printing.

[0097] In the second modification of the second embodiment, the image processing unit 39 analyzes image data when performing image processing necessary for image data stored in the storage unit 37, image data obtained by reading an image from a document using the document reading unit 33, and image data input from an external device. Specifically, the image processing unit 39 classifies the image data into one of a plurality of themes. In this regard, the image data is classified into one of text, maps, photographs, pictures, graphs, and certificates. The image processing unit 39 outputs the classification results to the determination unit 100.

[0098] The determination unit 100 refers to the paper brand table in Figure 7 and determines whether the paper type set for the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, based on the paper type set for the print job and the setting information of the printed image data included in the attribute information of the print job, and the type of paper brand.

[0099] If the set paper type of the print job is the same as the paper type actually used for printing, the determination unit 100 further determines whether the print set paper and the detected print paper are compatible based on the setting information of the printed image data and the characteristic information of the paper brand.

[0100] If the classification result of the printed image data (a graph, for example) matches the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible. If the determination unit 100 determines that the print setting paper and the detected print paper are compatible, it makes an OK determination.

[0101] On the other hand, if the paper type set for the print job differs from the paper type actually used for printing, or if the classification result of the printed image data does not match the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the print set paper does not match the detected print paper.If the determination unit 100 determines that the print set paper does not match the detected print paper, it makes an NG determination.

[0102] For example, if the set paper type for a print job is "plain paper" and the image data is "graph," and the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N3 (CCC), which is not suitable for the image data ("graph"), it will be determined to be incompatible.

[0103] 9, if the display control unit 102 determines that the judgment is not OK, i.e., if the judgment is NG, it instructs the recommended stock proposal unit 101, and the recommended stock proposal unit 101 identifies a recommended stock. Then, the display control unit 102 then executes a suitable paper presentation process for the recommended stock identified by the recommended stock proposal unit 101.

[0104] 15 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. Referring to FIG. 15, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 240 includes (A) an operator setting item 242, (B) a paper brand detection item 244, (C) a recommended brand item 246, a recommended brand purchase site button 248, and a QR code 249.

[0105] (A) Operator setting item 242 is information about the paper feed port set by the operator by selecting paper feed port setting button 202 in Fig. 3, and information showing the printed image data (graph). In this example, as an example, a case where "Manual Feed" is set to "Thick Paper," "1st Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," "2nd Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Recycled Paper," "3rd Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Plain Paper," and "4th Stage Paper Feed Unit" is set to "Coated Paper" is shown. Also, a case where the executed print job was set to plain paper in the 3rd stage paper feed unit is shown. Also, a case where the image data is a "graph" based on the analysis results of image processing unit 39 is shown.

[0106] (B) Paper brand detection item 244 is information about the paper brand detected by detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, the case where "thick paper P1 (GGG)" is detected in "manual feed," "plain paper N1 (AAA)" in "single-stage paper feed unit," "recycled paper M1 (EEE)" in "second-stage paper feed unit," "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in "third-stage paper feed unit," and "matt coated paper S1 (NNN)" in "fourth-stage paper feed unit" is shown. The executed print job is shown to have been printed using "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the third-stage paper feed unit.

[0107] (C) The recommended stock item 246 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 246.

[0108] In this example, the paper type set for the print job was set to plain paper by the operator, so the paper type is the same as the plain paper actually used for printing. However, the printed image data (graph) does not match the print mode suitable for printing contained in the print paper characteristic information. As shown in the paper brand table in Figure 7, the characteristic information for plain paper N3 (CCC) is not suitable for the print mode ("graph"). Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper suitable for the print mode ("graph") of the print job. Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 proposes plain paper N4 using the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, as an example.

[0109] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 248 linked to a site for purchasing plain paper N4 or the like suggested by the recommended brand suggestion unit 101. By selecting this button 238, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0110] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 249 associated with a website for purchasing plain paper N4 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 249 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0111] By using this method, the information processing system according to the second modification of the second embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Embodiment 3] In the second embodiment, we have described a case where whether the print setting paper of the print job is compatible with the detected print paper is determined based on the setting information of the print job's set paper type and print mode, and the type of paper brand actually used for printing.

[0112] In the third embodiment, a method will be described for determining whether or not the detected print paper is suitable for the print job when, for example, a paper feed tray is automatically selected by the paper feed tray automatic selection function.

[0113] Specifically, a case will be described in which the determination is made based on the print mode setting information of the print job and the type of paper brand actually used for printing.

[0114] The determination unit 100 refers to the paper brand table in Figure 7 and determines whether the detected print paper is suitable for the print job based on the print mode setting information of the print job and the paper brand type of the paper type actually used for printing.

[0115] If the print mode of the print job matches the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job. If the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job, it makes an OK determination.

[0116] On the other hand, if the print mode of the print job does not match the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job. If the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job, it makes an NG determination.

[0117] For example, if a three-stage paper feed unit is selected by the automatic paper feed stage selection function and the print mode of the print job is "map," and the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N3 (CCC), which is not suitable for the print mode ("map"), it is determined to be incompatible with the print job.

[0118] 9, if the display control unit 102 determines that the judgment is not OK, i.e., if the judgment is NG, it instructs the recommended stock proposal unit 101, and the recommended stock proposal unit 101 identifies a recommended stock. Then, the display control unit 102 then executes a suitable paper presentation process for the recommended stock identified by the recommended stock proposal unit 101.

[0119] 16 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 250 includes (A) an operator setting item 252, (B) a paper brand detection item 254, (C) a recommended brand item 256, a recommended brand purchase site button 258, and a QR code 259.

[0120] (A) Operator setting item 252 is information about the paper feed tray that the operator has set by selecting paper feed tray setting button 202 in Fig. 3, and information indicating the print mode of the print job. In this example, a case is shown in which the operator has not individually set the paper type. Also, a case is shown in which a three-stage paper feed unit is selected by the paper feed tray automatic selection function, and the print mode of the print job is "map."

[0121] (B) Paper brand detection item 254 is information about the paper brand detected by detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "thick paper P1 (GGG)" is detected in "manual feed," "plain paper N1 (AAA)" in "single-stage paper feed unit," "recycled paper M1 (EEE)" in "second-stage paper feed unit," "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in "third-stage paper feed unit," and "matt coated paper S1 (NNN)" in "fourth-stage paper feed unit." The executed print job is shown to be printed using "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the third-stage paper feed unit.

[0122] (C) The recommended stock item 256 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 256.

[0123] In this example, the print mode of the print job does not match the print mode suitable for printing contained in the print paper characteristic information. As shown in the paper brand table in FIG. 7, the characteristic information of plain paper N3 (CCC) is not suitable for the print mode ("map"). Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper suitable for the print job's print mode ("map"). Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 uses the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37 as an example to propose plain papers N1 and N4.

[0124] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 258 that is linked to a site for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like that is recommended by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By selecting this button 258, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0125] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 259 associated with a website for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 259 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0126] By using this method, the information processing system according to the third embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Modification 1 of Embodiment 3] In variant 1 of embodiment 3, whether the detected printing paper is suitable for the print job is determined based on the type of paper brand actually used for printing and information about jams.

[0127] In the first modification of the third embodiment, the storage unit 37 has a jam table that manages information about jams, as described in FIG. 13. The jam table shows paper brands "AAA" to "OOO." For each paper brand, the paper type and the number of jams are registered in association with each other. Each time a jam occurs, the number of jams for the corresponding paper brand is counted up. For example, if a print job cannot be completed due to a jam, the image formation control unit 36 ​​changes the value of the number of jams in the jam table that corresponds to the detected paper brand.

[0128] The determining unit 100 refers to the jam table and determines whether the number of jams for the paper type is equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 10 times).

[0129] The determination unit 100 refers to the jam table and determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job if the number of jams for the paper type is less than or equal to a threshold value (for example, 10 times). If the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job, it makes an OK determination.

[0130] On the other hand, when the number of jams for the paper type is not equal to or less than the threshold value (for example, 10 times) by referring to the jam table, the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job. When the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job, it makes an NG determination.

[0131] For example, if the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N3 (CCC) and the number of jams is (16), it is determined that the paper is not suitable for the print job.

[0132] 17 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. Referring to FIG. 17, the display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of the determination unit 100 and displays it on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display screen 260 includes (A) an operator setting item 262, (B) a paper brand detection item 264, (C) a recommended brand item 266, a recommended brand purchase site button 268, and a QR code 269.

[0133] (A) Operator setting item 262 is information about the paper feed port that the operator has set by selecting the paper feed port setting button 202 in Fig. 3. In this example, a case is shown in which the operator has not individually set the paper type. Also, a case is shown in which a three-stage paper feed unit has been selected by the automatic paper feed stage selection function.

[0134] (B) Paper brand detection item 264 is information about the paper brand detected by the detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, the following cases are shown: "Manual feed" is "Thick paper P1 (GGG)," "1st-drawer paper feed unit" is "Plain paper N1 (AAA)," "2nd-drawer paper feed unit" is "Recycled paper M1 (EEE)," "3rd-drawer paper feed unit" is "Plain paper N3 (CCC)," and "4th-drawer paper feed unit" is "Matte coated paper S1 (NNN)." The executed print job is shown as being printed using "Plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the 3rd-drawer paper feed unit. The jam table is also referenced to display the number of jams corresponding to the paper brand.

[0135] (C) The recommended stock item 266 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 266.

[0136] In this example, the jam table is referenced for the plain paper actually used for printing, and the number of jams for that paper type (plain paper N3 (CCC)) is not below a threshold value (for example, 10 times). As shown in the jam table in FIG. 13, the number of jams for plain paper N3 (CCC) is "16." Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper that is suitable for the set paper type of the print job and has a low number of jams. Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 suggests plain paper N1, N2, and N4 using the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, for example.

[0137] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 268 linked to a site for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By selecting this button 268, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0138] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 269 associated with a website for purchasing the plain paper N1 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 269 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0139] By using this method, the information processing system according to the first modification of the third embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Modification 3 of Embodiment 3] In variant example 2 of embodiment 3, whether the printing paper detected for the print job is suitable is determined based on the image data printed for the print job and the type of paper brand actually used for printing.

[0140] In the second modification of the third embodiment, the image processing unit 39 analyzes image data when performing image processing necessary for image data stored in the storage unit 37, image data obtained by reading an image from an original document using the document reading unit 33, and image data input from an external device. Specifically, the image processing unit 39 classifies the image data into one of a plurality of themes. In this regard, the image data is classified into one of text, maps, photographs, pictures, graphs, and certificates. The image processing unit 39 outputs the classification results to the determination unit 100.

[0141] The determination unit 100 refers to the paper brand table in Figure 7 and determines whether the detected print paper is suitable for the print job based on the setting information of the printed image data included in the attribute information of the print job and the paper brand type of the paper type actually used for printing.

[0142] If the classification result of the printed image data (a graph, for example) matches the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job. If the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is suitable for the print job, it makes an OK determination.

[0143] On the other hand, if the classification result of the printed image data does not match the print mode suitable for printing included in the print paper characteristic information, the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job. If the determination unit 100 determines that the detected print paper is not suitable for the print job, it makes an NG determination.

[0144] For example, if the image data (graph) of a print job is an example, and the paper type actually used for printing is plain paper N3 (CCC), which is not suitable for the image data ("graph"), it is determined to be incompatible with the print job.

[0145] 9, if the display control unit 102 determines that the judgment is not OK, i.e., if the judgment is NG, it instructs the recommended stock proposal unit 101, and the recommended stock proposal unit 101 identifies a recommended stock. Then, the display control unit 102 then executes a suitable paper presentation process for the recommended stock identified by the recommended stock proposal unit 101.

[0146] 18 is a diagram illustrating a display screen in the suitable paper presentation process according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 3. Referring to FIG. 18, display control unit 102 generates a display screen based on the determination result of determination unit 100 and displays it on display unit 32. Specifically, display screen 270 includes (A) operator setting item 272, (B) paper brand detection item 274, (C) recommended brand item 276, recommended brand purchase site button 278, and QR code 279.

[0147] (A) Operator setting item 272 is information about the paper feed tray that the operator has set by selecting paper feed tray setting button 202 in Fig. 3, and information showing the printed image data (graph). In this example, a case is shown in which the operator has not individually set the paper type. Also, a case is shown in which a three-stage paper feed unit is selected by the automatic paper feed tray selection function, and the image data is a "graph" based on the analysis results of image processing unit 39.

[0148] (B) Paper brand detection item 274 is information about the paper brand detected by detection control unit 41. In this example, as an example, a case is shown in which "thick paper P1 (GGG)" is detected in "manual feed," "plain paper N1 (AAA)" in "single-stage paper feed unit," "recycled paper M1 (EEE)" in "second-stage paper feed unit," "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in "third-stage paper feed unit," and "matt coated paper S1 (NNN)" in "fourth-stage paper feed unit." The executed print job is shown to have been printed using "plain paper N3 (CCC)" in the third-stage paper feed unit.

[0149] (C) The recommended stock item 276 is information about recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100. The recommended stock proposal unit 101 proposes recommended stocks based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 100, and the display control unit 102 displays information about the proposed recommended stocks as the recommended stock item 276.

[0150] In this example, the image data (graph) printed in the print job does not match the print mode suitable for printing contained in the print paper characteristic information. As shown in the paper brand table in FIG. 7, the characteristic information for plain paper N3 (CCC) is not suitable for the print mode ("graph"). Therefore, in this example, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 recommends plain paper suitable for the print job's print mode ("graph"). Specifically, the recommended brand proposal unit 101 proposes plain paper N4 using the paper brand table stored in the memory unit 37, as an example.

[0151] The display control unit 102 also displays a recommended brand purchase site button 278 linked to a site for purchasing plain paper N4 or the like suggested by the recommended brand suggestion unit 101. By selecting this button 278, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0152] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 displays a QR code 279 associated with a website for purchasing plain paper N4 or the like proposed by the recommended brand proposal unit 101. By scanning the QR code 279 with a separate terminal or the like, the operator can receive support for purchasing the paper via the website.

[0153] By using this method, the information processing system according to the second modification of the third embodiment can propose printing paper that matches the operator's preferences. [Other forms] In the above embodiment, a method for detecting the brand of paper transported by the detection device 40 of the image forming system was described, but this is not limited to this. For example, information regarding the physical properties of the paper obtained by the sensor may be sent to a server connected via a network, and the server may detect the brand of the paper.

[0154] Furthermore, the functions of the determination unit 100, the recommended brand proposal unit 101, and the display control unit 102 of the image forming device 30 may also be executed by a server connected via a network.

[0155] The storage unit 37 stores program data and the like according to the embodiment. However, the storage location of the program data is not limited to the storage unit 37, and may be stored in ROM, RAM, an external device (e.g., a server), etc. The program may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. The control processing according to the embodiment is realized in cooperation with an arbitrary program. Even a program that does not include some of these modules does not deviate from the spirit of the program according to the embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the program may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the program may be configured in the form of a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes part of the processing of the program. In other words, an information processing system that realizes the control processing of the present disclosure in cooperation with a server may be configured.

[0156] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 Information processing system, 10 Paper feed device, 11 Paper feed control unit, 12 Manual feed tray, 13, 23, 43, 53, 63 Conveying unit, 14 Paper feed unit, 20 Reading device, 21 Reading control unit, 22 Reading unit, 24, 54, 64 Paper output tray, 30 Image forming device, 31 Operation unit, 32 Display unit, 33 Document reading unit, 34 Image forming unit, 36 Image forming control unit, 37 Memory unit, 38 Communication unit, 39 Image processing unit, 40 Detection device, 41 Detection control unit, 42 Detection unit, 50 Intermediate device, 51 Intermediate control unit, 52 Pre-processing unit, 60 Post-processing unit, 61 Post-processing control unit, 62 Post-processing unit, 100 Determination unit, 101 Recommended brand proposal unit, 102 Display control unit, 131 Conveying path, 141 to 144 Paper feed tray.

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects the brand of the printing paper on which the first job has been executed; a determination unit that determines whether or not printing paper is appropriate when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed, based on the attribute information of the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit; and and a display unit that displays the determination result determined by the determination unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the determination result in response to a request from an operator to display a job history.

3. a job history display button for requesting display of the job history; The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the display unit displays the determination result in accordance with an instruction from the operator to select the job history display button.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the determination result when the first job is completed.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the determination result includes a content proposing a recommended brand of printing paper.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the determination result when the second job is executed.

7. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the suitability of printing paper when executing the second job equivalent to the first job based on the setting information of the setting paper included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

8. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines the suitability of printing paper when executing the second job equivalent to the first job based on at least one of setting information of the set paper and print mode included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

9. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines the suitability of printing paper when executing the second job equivalent to the first job based on at least one of the setting information of the setting paper and the printed image data included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

10. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit determines the suitability of printing paper when executing the second job equivalent to the first job based on at least one of the setting information for the set paper and the information regarding the jam included in the first job and the type of paper brand detected by the detection unit.

11. The information processing device according to claim 7 , further comprising a recommended stock suggestion unit that suggests recommended stocks based on the determination result of said determination unit.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the recommended brand determining unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on setting information of at least one of a set paper type and a print mode included in the first job.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the recommended brand determining unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on at least one of setting information of a setting paper included in the first job and printed image data.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the recommended brand determining unit proposes a recommended paper brand based on at least one of paper setting information and jam information included in the first job.

15. detecting the brand of the printing paper on which the first job is executed; a step of determining whether or not printing paper is appropriate when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job; and displaying the determination result.

16. An information processing program to be executed by a computer, detecting the brand of the printing paper on which the first job is executed; a step of determining whether or not printing paper is appropriate when a second job equivalent to the first job is executed based on attribute information of the first job; and a step of displaying the determination result.

17. detecting the brand of the printing paper on which the first job is executed; a determination unit that determines whether or not a print sheet is suitable for executing a second job equivalent to the first job based on attribute information of the first job; and a display unit that displays the determination result determined by the determination unit.

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