Media detection device, image forming system, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a media detection device, an image forming system, and a program capable of detecting media made by laminating multiple sheet materials without being affected by color. [Solution] The media detection device 2 includes a stiffness sensor 23 for measuring the stiffness of the media, and a determination unit that determines whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together based on the measured stiffness. The stiffness sensor 23 has a media holding member for holding the media, a pressing member for bending the media, and a stress measuring unit for measuring the stress applied to the pressing member. The determination unit determines whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together based on the amount of bending of the media and the measured stress.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media detection device, an image forming system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when forming an image on a medium in which a plurality of sheet materials such as label paper are laminated in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, in order to avoid problems such as label peeling during the fixing process, parameters such as the fixing temperature are set differently from when forming an image on plain paper. However, when a human manually sets the parameters, there are difficulties and annoyances in the method of setting the type of medium, and the type of medium may not be accurately set. In this case, there is a problem that paper jams and image degradation may occur.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for discriminating between plain paper and label paper based on transmittance detection using an optical sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the transmittance is affected by the paper color, there is a problem that misjudgment occurs in the discrimination of label paper, which often has a color.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a media detection device, an image forming system, and a program that can detect a media in which a plurality of sheet materials are laminated without being affected by color, in view of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problem, the media detection device described in claim 1 includes a stiffness sensor for measuring the stiffness of a sheet-shaped media, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the media is made of multiple materials bonded together, based on the measured stiffness.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a media detection device according to claim 1, The media formed by laminating the aforementioned multiple materials is a label or sticker.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a media detection device according to claim 1, The stiffness sensor is A media holding member that holds the media, A pressing member that bends the media, It has a stress measuring unit for measuring the stress applied to the pressing member, The determination unit determines whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together, based on the amount of bending of the media and the measured stress.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a media detection device described in claim 3, An approximate function relating the amount of compression / bending and stress is derived, and the coefficients of this approximate function are used to determine whether or not the media is made by bonding multiple materials together.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a media detection device described in claim 3, The stiffness sensor is After the bending process is complete in the stiffness measurement, the change in stress over time is measured in the state where the bending has stopped. The determination unit determines whether the media is a media made by bonding multiple materials together based on the rate of stress reduction over a predetermined time.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is a media detection device according to claim 2, When it is determined that the medium is a medium in which a plurality of materials are laminated, it includes a display control unit that causes the display unit to display that the medium is a label paper or a sticker.

[0013] The image forming system according to claim 7 includes the medium detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a setting unit that sets control parameters in image formation based on the determination result of the determination unit, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the medium using the control parameters set by the setting unit.

[0014] The program according to claim 8 causes a computer to function as a determination unit that determines whether the medium is a medium in which a plurality of materials are laminated based on data acquired from a stiffness sensor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to detect a medium in which a plurality of sheet materials are laminated without being affected by color.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram for explaining the detailed configurations of a paper feeding device, a medium detection device, an image forming device, and a post-processing device. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a stiffness sensor. [Figure 4] It is a side view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a stiffness sensor. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the structure of a label paper. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the correlation between the bending amount X and the stress P when the medium is bent. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the change over time of the bending amount X and the change over time of the stress.​ [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the control procedure for media detection processing. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the control procedure by the first media determination algorithm. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the control procedure by the second media determination algorithm. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0018] <1. Configuration of the image forming system> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the image forming system 1000 of this embodiment. The image forming system 1000 includes a paper feeder 1, a media detection device 2, an image forming apparatus 3, and a post-processing device 4.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the paper feeder 1, media detection device 2, image forming apparatus 3, and post-processing device 4.

[0020] (Paper feeder) The paper feeder 1 has multiple paper trays 11. The paper feeder 1, under the control of the control unit 100, feeds out one image recording medium (media) at a time from one of the selected paper trays 11.

[0021] (Media detection device) The media detection device 2 has sensors for measuring the physical properties of the media. The media detection device 2 measures the media as it is fed from the paper feed device 1 along its path using the sensors. Based on the measurement results, the media detection device 2 can identify the physical properties (characteristic information) of the media. The characteristic information of the media may be the characteristic value of the media itself, or it may be a value that indicates the characteristic, such as the current or voltage of the sensor corresponding to the characteristic value of the media. The media detection device 2 may output the physical property values ​​obtained by measurement directly to an external source, for example, the image forming apparatus 3.

[0022] The media detection device 2 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 21, a paper thickness sensor 22, a stiffness sensor 23, a transport unit 24, a communication unit 25, and the like.

[0023] (Control Unit) The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The CPU of the control unit 100 controls the measurement operation by the paper thickness sensor 22, the measurement operation by the stiffness sensor 23, and the media transport operation by the transport unit 24. The RAM of the control unit 100 temporarily stores the measurement results from the paper thickness sensor 22 and the stiffness sensor 23.

[0024] The storage unit 21 stores control programs and measurement setting data for the measurement operation performed by the paper thickness sensor 22, and control programs and measurement setting data for the measurement operation performed by the stiffness sensor 23. The storage unit 21 has non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory.

[0025] The transport unit 24 receives the media fed from the paper feed device 1 on the right side of Figure 1 and feeds it to the image forming apparatus 3 from the left side of Figure 1 along the first transport path 24M. The second transport path 24S branches off from the horizontally extending first transport path 24M. The end of the second transport path 24S is connected to the purge tray 241. The paper thickness sensor 22 is located on the first transport path 24M. The stiffness sensor 23 is located on the second transport path 24S.

[0026] The paper thickness sensor 22 measures the paper thickness of the media and outputs the measurement result. The paper thickness sensor 22 includes a pair of transport rollers, at least one of which moves according to the thickness of the media passing through the roller nip, and a measuring unit that measures the distance between the axes of the transport roller pair. The measuring unit includes, for example, an actuator, an encoder, a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit, etc. The axis position of the movable driven roller is displaced according to the thickness of the media sandwiched between the transport roller pair. The paper thickness sensor 22 measures the paper thickness of the media by measuring the height of this displaced axis. The paper thickness sensor 22 can measure the paper thickness of each media while it is being transported at the transport speed.

[0027] The stiffness sensor 23 measures the stiffness of the sheet-like media. The stiffness of the media is an indicator of its resistance (stress) when the media is bent. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stiffness sensor 23. Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the stiffness sensor 23. The rigidity sensor 23 includes a media holding roller 231 as a media holding member that holds one end of the media S, a pressing section 232, a media end sensor (not shown), and a pressing home position sensor (not shown). In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the media holding roller 231 is also included in the transport section 24 and also serves the function of transporting the media S, but separate members may be used.

[0028] The pressing section 232 comprises a pressing member 232a, a stress measuring section 232b, a support mechanism 232c, and a motor M1.

[0029] The pressing member 232a is formed in an elongated shape in the media width direction (Y-axis direction) so that it can contact the entire width of the media S being conveyed in the media transport direction (Z-axis direction). The pressing member 232a presses the media S. The stress measurement unit 232b includes, for example, a pressure sensor to detect the pressing force (stress) from the media S when the pressing member 232a presses the media S. The support mechanism 232c supports the pressing member 232a and the stress measuring section 232b so that they can move in the X-axis direction. Motor M1 is a drive source for moving the pressing member 232a and the stress measuring unit 232b in the X-axis direction via the support mechanism 232c. Motor M1 may include, for example, a stepping motor.

[0030] The method for obtaining the rigidity of media S is described below. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transport unit 24, under the control of the control unit 100, stops the motor M2 that drives the media holding roller 231 and stops the transport of the media S at a predetermined position on the second transport path 24S. At this time, the media S is held between the media holding rollers 231. The media holding rollers 231 hold the media S at a position a predetermined distance away from the end Sa of the media S. At this time, the control unit 100 controls the media holding rollers 231 to hold the media S at that position based on information obtained from the media end sensor.

[0031] Next, the pressing unit 232 moves the pressing member 232a in the positive X-axis direction by the drive of the motor M1. As a result, the end Sa (free end) of the media S is pressed and bent by the pressing member 232a, as shown in Figure 4. At this time, the position where the pressing member 232a begins to contact the surface of the media S (right side in Figure 4) while the media S is not bent is defined as the home position of the pressing member 232a in the X-axis direction. At this time, the control unit 100 controls the motor M1 to move the pressing member 232a to the home position based on the information obtained from the pressing home position sensor. When the media S is bent by a predetermined amount (for example, 4 mm) from this home position by the pressing member 232a, the stress received by the media S is detected by the stress measuring unit 232b.

[0032] The pressing section 232 presses the media S by pressing the pressing member 232a against the media S at a position closer to the end Sa of the media S than the position where the media S is held by the media holding roller 231. The amount of bending of the media S by the pressing member 232a can be determined by the number of pulse signals input to the driver of the motor M1.

[0033] The stiffness sensor 23 outputs the stress detected by the stress measurement unit 232b to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 calculates the stiffness of the media based on the pressure value of the stress.

[0034] Figures 3 and 4 show an example in which the pressing member 232a presses the media S from right to left, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The pressing member 232a may also press the media S from left to right.

[0035] The rigidity sensor 23 performs the above measurement while media transport is temporarily suspended.

[0036] The communication unit 25 controls communication between the media detection device 2 and the paper feed device 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and the post-processing device 4 in the image forming system 1000. The control unit 100 performs a media determination process, described later, based on the measurement results from the rigidity sensor 23, to determine whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together. The control unit 100 outputs the determination result of whether or not the media is a media made by laminating multiple materials to the image forming apparatus 3 via the communication unit 25. The transport unit 24, under the control of the control unit 100, transports the media whose measurement has been completed by the stiffness sensor 23 to the image forming apparatus 3 or discharges it to the purge tray 241 based on the determination result. For example, if it is set in advance that image formation will be performed on media made of multiple materials bonded together, the transport unit 24 transports the media to the image forming apparatus 3 if it is determined that the media is made of multiple materials bonded together, and discharges the media to the purge tray 241 if it is determined that the media is not made of multiple materials bonded together.

[0037] (Image forming apparatus) The image forming apparatus 3, for example, forms an image on a media from image data read from a document and outputs it. The image forming apparatus 3 forms an image on a media using an electrophotographic method based on image data received from an external device (not shown) and outputs it. In other words, the image forming apparatus 3 is a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 3 can be connected to an external device, such as a PC, via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 3 includes a control unit 100, a document reading unit 301, an operation reception unit 302, a display unit 303, an image forming unit 304, a storage unit (not shown), a communication unit (not shown), and the like.

[0039] The CPU of the control unit 100 performs various settings and operations related to image formation in response to operation signals input from the operation reception unit 302 or instruction signals received by the communication unit.

[0040] The document reading unit 301 reads the image of a document placed on the document glass or the automatic document feeder (ADF). The document reading unit 301 scans and exposes the document using the optical system of the scanning exposure device, and reads the reflected light with a line image sensor to obtain an image signal. Next, the document reading unit 301 processes this image signal with A / D conversion, shading correction, compression, etc., to generate image data.

[0041] The operation reception unit 302 receives external input operations from users or other external parties. The operation reception unit 302 includes a touch panel provided on the screen of the display unit 303 and various hard keys arranged around the screen of the display unit 303. The operation reception unit 302 converts the received operation content into an operation signal corresponding to the content and outputs it to the control unit 100. The touch panel may be pressure-sensitive, electrostatic, or optical, for example.

[0042] The display unit 303 has, for example, a color liquid crystal display and displays various information based on the control of the control unit 100. Specifically, when the control unit 100 determines in the media determination process described later that the media is label paper (media made by laminating multiple materials), it functions as a display control unit that causes the display unit 303 to display that the media is label paper or a sticker.

[0043] The image forming unit 304 applies and fixes a colorant to the media based on the image data to be formed. The control unit 100 functions as a setting unit that sets control parameters for image formation by the image forming unit 304 based on media characteristic information received from the media detection device 2, such as paper thickness and stiffness. The image forming unit 304 forms an image on the media using these control parameters. The media characteristic information also includes the results of the media determination process performed by the determination unit, which will be described later. The image forming unit 304 includes four writing units 31, an intermediate transfer belt 32, a secondary transfer roller 33, and a fixing unit 34.

[0044] The four writing units 31 are arranged in series (tandem) along the belt surface of the intermediate transfer belt 32, forming images of the colors C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The configuration of each writing unit 31 may be the same for all colors. For example, the writing unit 31 comprises a light scanning unit 31a, a photoreceptor 31b, a developing unit 31c, a charging unit 31d, a cleaning unit 31e, and a primary transfer roller 31f.

[0045] In each writing unit 31, the charging unit 31d uniformly charges the photoreceptor 31b. The light scanning unit 31a emits a light beam based on the original image data and scans the charged photoreceptor 31b to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing unit 31c develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying a colorant such as toner, thereby forming an image on the photoreceptor 31b.

[0046] The four writing units 31 sequentially transfer the images formed on the photoreceptor 31b onto the intermediate transfer belt 32 using their respective primary transfer rollers 31f. Through this transfer (primary transfer), the writing units 31 form an image consisting of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 32. The intermediate transfer belt 32 is wound around multiple rollers and moves in a circular motion. After the primary transfer, the cleaning unit 31e removes any remaining colorant from the photoreceptor 31b.

[0047] The image forming apparatus 3 passes the media over the secondary transfer roller 33 at the timing when the image on the circulating intermediate transfer belt 32 reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 33. The secondary transfer roller 33 has a pair of rollers. One of the rollers presses against the intermediate transfer belt 32, and the other roller is one of a plurality of rollers that wind the intermediate transfer belt 32. The image is transferred (secondary transfer) from the intermediate transfer belt 32 to the media by being pressed against by the secondary transfer roller 33.

[0048] The media on which the image has been secondarily transferred is transported to the fixing unit 34, where it undergoes a fixing process. The fixing unit 34 has a pair of fixing rollers that are pressed against each other, with at least one of them capable of being heated. The fixing rollers heat and pressurize the media as it passes between them, thereby fixing the image to the media.

[0049] When forming an image on both sides of the media, the media with an image formed and fixed on one side is sent to the inversion path 36 to be inverted. The media is then returned to the upstream position of the secondary transfer roller 33. When image formation is performed on only one side, or when image formation on both sides is completed, the media is discharged from the fixing unit 34 to the post-processing device 4.

[0050] (Post-processing device) The post-processing device 4 performs post-processing on the media on which the image has been formed, under the control of the control unit 100. Post-processing includes, for example, sorting, cutting, stapling, and folding. The post-processing device 4 discharges the post-processed media into an output tray E or the like.

[0051] <2. Operation of the Image Forming System> Next, the operation of the image forming system 1000 will be described. The image forming system 1000 sets control parameters for image formation using the setting unit of the image forming apparatus 3, based on the determination result of the determination unit (described later) of the media detection device 2. The image forming system 1000 then uses these control parameters to form an image on the media using the image forming unit 304.

[0052] The control unit 100 in the media detection device 2 performs media determination processing using a first media determination algorithm and a second media determination algorithm. The control unit 100 functions as a determination unit that determines whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together, based on the amount of bending of the media and the measured stress. Media made of multiple materials bonded together include, for example, label paper and stickers. Label paper will be used as an example below.

[0053] The first media determination algorithm determines whether the media is label paper or not based on the coefficients of an approximation function that shows the relationship between the amount of compression bending X and stress P during the measurement of the media's stiffness. Because ordinary paper has a homogeneous structure, it exhibits characteristics close to elasticity. Therefore, the stress P when the media is pressed and bent by a pressing member has a correlation relationship of P = AX, where A is a constant for the hardness of the media, and it changes depending on the thickness, width, material, temperature, and humidity of the media. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, label paper has a structure in which two sheets of paper, a surface substrate and a release liner, are bonded together with an adhesive. Because the adhesive acts as a buffer between the two sheets of paper, it exhibits a correlation relationship approximated by P = AX - X0 due to properties other than elasticity. The coefficient X0 is the region where the stress change is small in the initial stages of bending. In label paper, the relationship between the amount of bending X and the stress P becomes the normal rate of change A after the amount of bending exceeds X0. Based on the relationship between the amount of bending X and stress P for regular paper and label paper, as described above, and the coefficient X0 of the approximation formula, if X0 is above a predetermined threshold, the media can be determined to be label paper. Figure 6 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of bending X and stress P for regular paper and label paper. Even with regular paper, slight X0 values ​​may occur due to curling, etc., but these are significantly smaller than the X0 values ​​found on label paper.

[0054] The second media determination algorithm determines whether the media is label paper or not based on the change in stress over time in the state after the bending of the media has finished and the bending has stopped. As shown in Figure 5, label paper has a structure in which two sheets of paper are bonded together with adhesive, and therefore exhibits more pronounced viscoelastic properties compared to ordinary paper, which has a homogeneous structure. In stiffness sensors, a significant difference between elastic and viscoelasticity occurs in the time-dependent change in stress after the media's bending stops during stiffness measurement. In ordinary elastic paper, stress is generated in response to the amount of bending, but the effect of bending speed on stress is extremely small. On the other hand, in label paper exhibiting viscoelasticity, stress is generated in response to the amount of bending, similar to ordinary paper, while viscous stress is also generated in response to the bending speed. Due to these differences in the characteristics of ordinary paper and label paper, a difference in the rate of change (rate of decrease) occurs: ordinary paper experiences less stress reduction immediately after bending stops, while label paper experiences a greater stress reduction for a predetermined time immediately after bending. Figure 7 shows a graph of the change in bending amount X over time and a graph of the change in stress P over time side by side. In Figure 7, t represents time. By utilizing this difference in rate of change, if the stress change immediately after bending stops exceeds a predetermined threshold, the media can be identified as label paper.

[0055] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the media determination process executed by the control unit 100 of the media detection device 2. This section describes the initial state in which the media detection process is executed. The media S is held by the media holding roller 231, with its end Sa positioned at a predetermined distance from the media holding roller 231. The pressing member 232a is positioned in the home position by the motor M1. The home position is the position where the pressing member 232a begins to contact the paper surface of the media S (right side in Figure 4) when the media S is not bent. The control unit 100 drives the motor M1 and starts bending the media with the pressing member 232a, and at the same time starts measuring the change in the bending amount X and stress P (step S1). Next, the control unit 100 stops bending the media when the amount of bending X reaches a predetermined amount (for example, 4 mm) (step S2). Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the media is label paper or not using the first media determination algorithm (step S3). The flow of the determination process by the first media determination algorithm will be described later. Next, the control unit 100 stops measuring the changes in the amount of bending X and stress P after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S4). Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the media is label paper or not using the second media determination algorithm (step S5). The flow of the second media determination algorithm will be described later. If the control unit 100 determines that the media is label paper if at least one of the two algorithms determines it to be label paper (step S6; YES), it determines that the media is label paper (step S7). Next, the control unit 100, via the communication unit 25, indicates to the display unit 303 that the media is a label or sticker (step S8). Next, the control unit 100 sets control parameters for image formation when the media is label paper or a sticker (step S9). Specifically, if it is determined that the media is label paper or a sticker, the control parameter is set to make the fixing pressure during the fixing process weaker than that of ordinary paper such as plain paper. In addition, the control parameter is set to make the fixing temperature during the fixing process lower than that of ordinary paper such as plain paper. This setting helps to avoid problems such as label peeling during the fixing process. Next, the control unit 100 uses the image forming unit 304 to form an image on the media using the control parameters set in step S9 (step S10). If the control unit 100 determines that the media is not label paper by either of the two algorithms (step S6; NO), it determines that the media is ordinary paper (step S11). Next, the control unit 100, via the communication unit 25, indicates to the display unit 303 that the media is ordinary paper (step S12). Next, the control unit 100 sets the control parameters for image formation in the case of ordinary paper (step S13). Next, the control unit 100 uses the image forming unit 304 to form an image on the media using the control parameters set in step S13 (step S14).

[0056] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the media determination process by the first media determination algorithm. The control unit 100 derives the approximate formula P = AX - X0 from the correlation between the amount of compression bending X and the stress P (step S21). The control unit 100 determines that the media is label paper (step S23) if X0 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S22; YES). If X0 is less than a predetermined threshold (step S22; NO), the control unit 100 determines that the media is not label paper (step S24).

[0057] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the media determination process by the second media determination algorithm. The control unit 100 calculates the rate of change of stress P during a predetermined time immediately after the bending stops (step S31). The control unit 100 determines that the media is label paper (step S33) if the rate of change of stress P is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S32; YES). The control unit 100 determines that the media is not label paper (step S34) if the rate of change of stress P is less than a predetermined threshold (step S32; NO).

[0058] <3. Variant> Although this embodiment has been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications of this embodiment will be described below.

[0059] A modified example of media detection by the media detection device 2, which includes measurement data from the paper thickness sensor 22, will be described below. The paper thickness is related to the media stiffness constant A, and the value of A increases as the paper thickness increases. Therefore, the media detection device 2 obtains data on the paper thickness of the media using a paper thickness sensor and reflects this in the value of the media stiffness constant A, thereby enabling the first media determination algorithm to set the constant A more accurately. Consequently, media determination can be performed more accurately.

[0060] <4. Effects> As described above, the media detection device 2 of this embodiment has a stiffness sensor 23 for measuring the stiffness of the media, and determines whether the media is made of multiple materials bonded together based on the measured stiffness. Therefore, the label paper can be detected without being affected by the paper color.

[0061] In this embodiment, the image forming system 1000 sets control parameters for image formation using the setting unit of the image forming apparatus 3 based on the determination result of the determination unit of the media detection device 2. The image forming system 1000 then uses these control parameters to form an image on the media using the image forming unit 304. Therefore, control parameters can be set more precisely depending on the type of paper.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 was described as a single control unit that comprehensively controls the operation of all devices, but this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the paper feed device 1, media detection device 2, image forming apparatus 3, and post-processing device 4 may each be provided with separate control units.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the media determination process was performed using two algorithms, a first media determination algorithm and a second media determination algorithm, but it is not limited to this. Only one algorithm may be used for the media determination process; for example, the determination may be performed using only the first media determination algorithm. In this case, step S5 in Figure 8 is omitted. Similarly, the determination may be performed using only the second media determination algorithm. In this case, step S3 in Figure 8 is omitted.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the media is determined to be label paper if at least one of the first media determination algorithm and the second media determination algorithm determines it to be label paper, but this is not limited to this. For example, the media may be determined to be label paper if both the first media determination algorithm and the second media determination algorithm determine it to be label paper. In this case, the determination in step S6 of Figure 8 is changed to "Did both of the two algorithms determine it to be label paper?".

[0065] In the above description, a storage unit 21 consisting of an HDD, flash memory, or other non-volatile memory was used as an example of a computer-readable medium for storing the program related to the setting control of this disclosure, but the invention is not limited to these. Other computer-readable mediums that can be used include other non-volatile memories such as MRAM, and portable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD discs. Carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing the program data related to this disclosure via a communication line. Furthermore, the specific configurations, processing operations, and procedures shown in the above embodiments may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 100 Control Unit (Display Control Unit, Setting Unit, Determination Unit) 1. Paper feeder 11 Paper feed tray 2 Media detection device 21 Memory section 22 Paper thickness sensor 23. Stiffness Sensor 24 Conveying section 241 Purge Tray 24M First Conveyor Path 24S Second transport path 25 Communications Department 3. Image forming apparatus 31 Writing section 31a Optical scanning unit 31b Photoreceptor 31c Developing section 31d Charged part 31e Cleaning Department 31f Primary Transfer Roller 32 Intermediate transfer belt 33 Secondary transfer roller 34 Fixing section 36 Reversal Path 4. Post-processing equipment 301 Manuscript Reading Unit 302 Operation Reception Section 303 Display section 304 Image forming unit E Discharge Tray 1000 Image Forming Systems

Claims

1. A stiffness sensor for measuring the stiffness of a sheet-like media, A media detection device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the media is made of multiple materials bonded together, based on the measured stiffness.

2. The media detection device according to claim 1, wherein the media formed by laminating the aforementioned multiple materials is label paper or a sticker.

3. The stiffness sensor is A media holding member that holds the media, A pressing member that bends the media, It has a stress measuring unit for measuring the stress applied to the pressing member, The media detection device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the media is a media made by bonding multiple materials together, based on the amount of bending of the media and the measured stress.

4. The media detection device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit derives an approximate function relating the amount of bending and stress, and determines whether the media is a media made by bonding multiple materials together based on the coefficient of the approximate function.

5. The stiffness sensor is After the bending process is complete in the stiffness measurement, the change in stress over time is measured in the state where the bending has stopped. The media detection device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the media is a media made by bonding multiple materials together based on the rate of stress reduction over a predetermined time.

6. The media detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a display control unit that, when the media is determined to be a media made by laminating multiple materials, displays on the display unit that the media is a label or a sticker.

7. A media detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A setting unit sets control parameters for image formation based on the determination result of the determination unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium using control parameters set by the setting unit, An image forming system comprising the following features.

8. Computers A determination unit that determines whether the media is made up of multiple materials bonded together, based on data acquired from a rigidity sensor. A program that makes it function as such.

Images